Get Back to Basics
If you're planning a party or gathering, or just want to spend some quality time with special people, tabletop games are just the thing. Whether you're entertaining your peers, or bringing together everyone from pre-schoolers to grandparents, there's a game that will suit everyone's tastes.
In a world dominated by cell phones, video games, and Facebook, it seems as if we're even less connected. To bring family and friends together, face to face, there's nothing better than a good, old fashioned board game. They've been around for centuries, dating back to Ancient Egypt and beyond, and although technology tries to draw us further away from the kitchen table, there are still a great many get-together games to choose from.
If you're looking for the perfect gift for someone on your list, you're sure to find a table top game that suits them! This selection of ten great games includes classic favorites and newcomers alike. You may rediscover your ultimate tabletop game, and find something you've never tried before. So get everyone together, clear the table, and get ready for some good times!
Contents at a Glance
Top Ten Games
Each game featured here will be rated on the following qualities:
Family Friendly: 5 stars means that kids and parents will love to play equally
Replay Value: 5 stars mean that you'll never get tired of playing
Educational: 5 stars indicates a game that tickles the brain
Fun: 5 star games will get everyone laughing
#10 Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to get everyone together during cold winter months when you can't get outside to play. You can put them together while watching movies or listening to music, and there's plenty of opportunity for conversation and laughter.
Whether you do a few hundred piece puzzle in an afternoon, or tackle 3000 pieces over a few weeks, there's something special about the time spent at the table, searching for that 'one' piece.
Remember to start by creating the border of the puzzle (unless you're up for the challenge of a textured puzzle). Then you can fill in the middle by putting pieces of the same color or pattern together and looking for fits.
Keep the lid of the puzzle box nearby for reference, and if you get stuck, just try a different section or come back to it later. Once you've completed a puzzle, you can pack it up for another day, or share it with another jigsaw lover.
You can also donate them to a thrift store or recreation centre. If you've chosen a puzzle that is as beautiful as it is fun, you can coat it with a high gloss sealer and hang it on the wall.
Family Friendly: * * * *
Replay Value: * *
Educational: * *
Fun: * * *
Frame Tray Puzzles
Easily build, move and store your puzzles in the frame tray! 100 piece puzzles are great for a quick fix and kids can help too!
Visit Amazon to learn more about Frame Tray Puzzles.
Puzzle Mania
To learn more about these great puzzle selections, simply click on the picture of the one you like.
Ravensburger 3000 Piece Puzzle - Oceanic Wonders
Beautiful and challenging, a 3000 piece puzzle like this one is a great winter project.
Ravensburger Historic World Map 1500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
It could take some time to piece together a jigsaw like this one, with few color variations to help distinguish what goes where.
Cardinals and Friends 550. Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by White Mountain Puzzles
Perfect for nature lovers, puzzles come in zillions of great art prints.
Sunsout A Friend in Need 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
A team of puzzlers could whip this 500 piece delight together on one rainy afternoon!
For the Serious Puzzler!
Collapsible Puzzle Roll-Up
Take your puzzle anywhere with this convenient mat! Just roll up your puzzle and it stays secure inside until you're ready to build again.
Amazon Price: $9.07 (as of 11/28/2009) 
#9 Monopoly
As far as games go, it is an aquired taste. Game play can go on for hours, stretching out until the winner has squeezed every last penny from their opponents. Although the rules and outcome can be tailored to suit everyone's tastes, the competitive real estate game is only for the most die hard board game players.
Since the original version was released in 1935, it has been played by as many as 500 million people - the game has been translated into 37 languages, and has been remade with different pop culture themes. Monopoly has been enjoyed by Star Wars, NASCAR, Sponge Bob and Disney Princess fans, with new versions being released all the time. Game concepts and terms have become clichés as Monopoly has anchored itself in our consciousness.
The latest Monopoly masterpiece is Monopoly Here and Now: World Addition, which features international city properties, eco-friendly utilities and transportation, and an electronic debit card system that replaces the paper bank. Cities include Jerusalem, Vancouver, Tokyo, Barcelona, New York and London, as well as many other interesting places around the world!
This game is recommended for ages 8 and up - players must keep track of properties and negotiate sales while managing their Monopoly money. It's a classic game that many families turn to again and again for a day of fun.
Family Friendly: * * *
Replay Value: * * *
Educational: * * *
Fun: * * *
Monopoly Here and Now World
Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 11/28/2009)
The latest and greatest version of Monopoly highlights some of the greatest world cities, eco-friendly living and more! Learn fun world facts as you play and collect properties, voted on by fans from around the world!
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The Monopoly of Monopoly
#8 Chess
It could be said that the game of chess influenced the popularity of computers, and helped to introduce them to mainstream society. In 1997, IBM's "Deep Blue" became the first machine to defeat a world chess champion. Today, many people play computerized versions of chess, and even compete via the Internet with other players around the world. Although technology has allowed chess players to find new challenges, the traditional chess board is still considered not only a relaxing game, but can be a conversation piece as well.
There are many different skill levels involved in chess, but once the rules are grasped, anyone can play. It's not only fun for two players - and even spectators - but is a great way to develop problem solving skills, improve memory, and learn to think ahead. Chess is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon indoors, and can even be played by mail with distant friends and family.
Family Friendly: * * *
Replay Value: * * * *
Educational: * * * *
Fun: * *
Deluxe Wood Chess Set
Amazon Price: $23.82 (as of 11/28/2009)
Simple, beautiful, classic. A wooden chess set fits into any room decor. With a multi-purpose game board and carrying case, you can take this tabletop game anywhere!
Avg. Customer Rating: 
For Extreme Chess Lovers
...and Beginners
The Muppet Show Deluxe Collector's Chess Set
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Amazon Price: $49.95 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Sesame Street Deluxe Chess
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Amazon Price: $20.94 (as of 11/28/2009)
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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess, Third Edition
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Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 11/28/2009)
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Chess For Dummies
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Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/28/2009)
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Bobby Fischer Goes to War: How A Lone American Star Defeated the Soviet Chess Machine (P.S.)
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Amazon Price: $11.92 (as of 11/28/2009)
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#7 Cribbage
Cribbage is played in pairs, and is often the chosen past time for family get-togethers and camping trips. In addition to standard playing cards, a cribbage board is used to keep score. Each player chooses a set of colored pegs which represent their score. Because small amounts of points are awarded often, the pegs make it easy to increase scores quickly.
For a complete list of rules and variations, visit the official Cribbage website.
While the game itself requires quick math skills, kids are often fascinated by cribbage boards. They can create their own games and ways to use the colored pegs for hours of imaginative playtime.
Older kids can get into the game to improve their addition and other math skills. Because hands move quickly, this game is a great way to pass time, and can become quite addictive.
Unlike other multi-player card games, only the cards discarded at the start of each hand can affect other players. Each player's hand and how they play it determines their score, with the exception of the dealer, who must try to find points from the discards.
Family Friendly: * * *
Replay Value: * * * * *
Educational: * * *
Fun: * * * *
Fat Cat "29" Cribbage Board
Amazon Price: $9.46 (as of 11/28/2009)
For the serious card player, this deluxe cribbage board is a signature game piece.
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The Card Cuboard
WE Games 3 Track Wood Cribbage
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Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
PIRATE PLAYING CARDS
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Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Bicycle Clay Poker Chip Set: 50 Count
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Amazon Price: $9.86 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Uno Card Game
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Amazon Price: $7.04 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
#6 Dungeons and Dragons
The immensely popular Advanced Dungeons and Dragons is now in it's fourth edition, with new adventures and forms of game play being released every year.
The magic of D&D is in the players themselves. Each person creates a fantasy persona that they play throughout adventures that are hosted by one or more "Dungeon Master" players. These DMs set the scenes, introduce the story, and ultimately control the D&D world that the characters live in.
You can follow a pre-written adventure provided through books, or create your own and improvise your own game play. Many aspects of the world are determined using polyhedral dice with 4, 6, 8, 10 and 20 sides. Although there are a lot of different rules and guidelines, players and DMs can choose how to play and customize the game as they see fit.
While the game is most popular with teens, anyone can play as long as they use their imagination. There are many different themes and settings to choose from, and players can fine tune and tailor the gaming experience to their liking.
With anything and everything from vampires and werewolves to holy warriors and priests, Dungeons and Dragons is a great way to get away from video games and enjoy roleplaying the way it was meant to be. Players can flex their creative muscles, become their favorite character, or try out a role that they wouldn't normally take in real life. Games can be somber and serious, or down right hilarious. Every player and every game brings something new to enjoy.
Family Friendly: * * *
Replay Value: * * * * *
Educational: * *
Fun: * * * * *
Dungeons and Dragons Core Rulebook Gift Set, 4th Edition
Amazon Price: $66.12 (as of 11/28/2009)
Start your Role Playing experience with the original Dungeons and Dragons game. The Core Rulebook set contains all the information you need to start an unforgettable adventure.
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Dungeons and Dragons Game Tools
Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook
Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 11/28/2009)
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Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master's Guide: Roleplaying Game Core Rules, 4th Edition
Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide, 4th Edition
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Polyhedral 7-Die Translucent Dice Set - Purple
Amazon Price: $1.98 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Black & White Dragons Dice (7)
Amazon Price: $19.19 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
#5 Clue
Each player holds a number of cards representing the people and places that were not involved in the murder. Three cards wait in an evidence folder until one player hazards a guess about what's inside.
In addition to being an incredibly fun game, Clue has also become a source for many jokes and clichés, and was even made into a film starring Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd and Madeline Kahn.
School aged kids can play along too, but game play requires keeping notes on what other players reveal about their game cards each turn. In order to correctly guess the contents of the evidence file and win the game, one must eliminate possible characters, rooms and weapons from the cards that are in play.
Family Friendly: * * * *
Replay Value: * * * *
Educational: * *
Fun: * * * * *
Clue
Amazon Price: $26.83 (as of 11/28/2009)
Join Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum and Mrs. White for a fun and exciting detective game!
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A Board Game Comes to Life
Clue
This hilarious mystery/comedy film is an adaptation of the popular board game. All the classic characters have come together at the mansion of Mr. Boddy on a dark and stormy night. When a murderer strikes, it's up to the guests to discover whodunit before the killer gets them too!
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Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/28/2009)
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#4 Cranium Cariboo
Cariboo is an excellent children's game that helps preschoolers learn the basics of shapes, colors, letters and numbers. The inventive game board allows children to choose their own answers, and has a fun interactive aspect that also helps with motor skills.
Colored balls are hidden randomly behind doors on the game board, which players must find in order to open the secret treasure box. Each player draws a card and matches it to one of the doors by selecting one that has the same number, letter, color or shape.
Because each door has a combination of at least 3 concepts, kids have more than one option to choose from. There's no reading required, so kids can play on their own, too. Game play is quick, so that kids don't loose interest, but it's so much fun that they want to play again and again.
Although the educational aspects are great for preschoolers, the game is so much fun that everyone can get involved.
When all five of the colored balls have been collected, a treasure box opens to declare the end of the game. There are no 'winners' or 'losers', just a fun surprise every time.
Kids love to play Cariboo, because they can learn without being overly challenged, and they can play the game without help, making them feel grown up. It's amazing to see how quickly kids learn the basics once they've played the game. They'll be pointing out shapes, numbers and colors everywhere they go.
Family Friendly: * * * *
Replay Value: * * * *
Educational: * * * *
Fun: * * * *
Cranium Cariboo
Amazon Price: $24.49 (as of 11/28/2009)
A fantastic learning game for kids that's fun for adults to play too!
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#3 Candy Land
The game board is made up of colored squares in a path, which players must follow to reach the end. Whoever moves their game piece to the last square is the winner.
To move, each player draws a card with a colored square, and moves into the next available spot on the board. Some squares also contain treats and candies, and special cards allow players to jump to these special squares. Sometimes this is an advantage, or sometimes a setback. With no reading required, kids can play on their own for hours of fun.
Because game play is based on chance, kids can play over and over with different results each time. As long as everyone plays fair, there's always a chance to win.
The Candy Land cards can also be used to play Go Fish or Memory if kids need a new diversion. Parents will enjoy Candy Land as well, especially if it was a childhood favorite for them.
Family Friendly: * * * * *
Replay Value: * * * *
Educational: * * *
Fun: * * * *
It's a Candy Land World
Pooh Candyland
It's the same game you know and love, set in the enchanting world of the 100 Acre Wood. Join Pooh, Piglet and friends on an adventure to remember!
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Amazon Price: $74.95 (as of 11/28/2009)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Candy Land - Dora The Explorer
Join Dora, Diego and Boots as they try to make their way to the fiesta! This version of the game also includes English and Spanish words for young learners.
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Amazon Price: $21.47 (as of 11/28/2009)
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#2 Scattergories
Each round, a set of twelve categories determines how to answer, and players must choose a unique word in order to gain points. Extra points are given for alliteration, where an answer consists of more than one word using the key letter.
This is a great party game, and can result in lots of laughter as players try to convince each other to accept questionable answers. A good vocabulary certainly helps, but there are plenty of pop culture categories to make sure that everyone can stay in the game.
School aged kids can play along too, and Scattergories is a great way to help improve spelling and vocabulary skills.
You can choose to play within the time limit, or give players extra time to complete all twelve categories. There are up to 12 rounds to be played per game, after which all the points from each round are added to determine the winner. Whoever has thought of the most original words is the champ.
Half of the fun is in hearing the answers that friends and family think of, and seeing who has the most creative vocabulary!
Family Friendly: * * *
Replay Value: * * * *
Educational: * * * *
Fun: * * * * *
The Game of SCATTERGORIES
Amazon Price: $39.98 (as of 11/28/2009)
Stretch your wordiness with this incredibly fun vocabulary game. Can you think of twelve words that start with the letter Q?
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#1 Scrabble
To play, lettered tiles are used to create words that connect across a checkered board. Each letter and square has a possible point value, and players attempt to make the best words for the highest score. Because letter tiles are drawn randomly, chance and skill are both needed to create the winning words.
Once kids have a good grasp of language and spelling, they can join the traditional Scrabble game and improve their skills. While the game can be perfect on a quiet afternoon, it can also get quite heated, and special Scrabble dictionaries have been printed to help solve disputes about the validity of words.
The original Scrabble rules make for a fun family or party game, but there are lots of educational uses for the game as well. You can skip keeping score and just play for fun with kids and students to help them improve their language skills. It's also great as a homework helper. Students can use the tiles to practice spelling and vocabulary words assigned by teachers.
However you play, Scrabble is a great game for pairs and groups that you can go back to again and again.
Family Friendly: * * * *
Replay Value: * * * * *
Educational: * * * *
Fun: * * * *
Deluxe Turntable Scrabble
Amazon Price: $159.95 (as of 11/28/2009)
Never spill your tiles again with the deluxe spinning board. This set also include alternate game rules for shorter play times.
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Scrabble-rific!
Scrabble, Diamond Anniversary Edition
Unfold the premium carrying case to reveal a colorful, rotating game board that allows each player to see the letters upright. The raised-grid style of the board guarantees that your words won't slip or slide out of place. While you're puzzling over how to use a Q without U, you can organize your tiles on a curved tile rack that provides an optimum view of each letter. Are you ready to take your game on the road? Simply store the game pieces in two built-in side trays. There's never been a more convenient or luxurious way to enjoy America's favorite word game.
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Amazon Price: $29.00 (as of 11/28/2009)
The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary
This reliable game resource is valued by the most serious Scrabble players and competitors. This book contains more than 100,000 playable two- to eight-letter words including 4,000 new entries. Includes variant spellings, too!
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Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/28/2009)
Scrabble 3
Challenge yourself with the complete Scrabble game for PC! Includes online play and over a dozen Scrabble mini-games for hours of enjoyment.
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Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/28/2009)
Honorable Mentions
These games almost made the top ten...but not quite! Which one is your favorite?
Guess Who? Board Game
There's a mystery person on your opponent's card. more...1 point
Backgammon Board Game Set Inlaid Wood Case 17''
There are times when a finely crafted game set can more...0 points
Checkers Premium in Wood Box
This Checker Game comes in a premium wood box with more...0 points
Game of Life - Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Man's Chest Edition
Choose a captain to guide your pirate ship through more...0 points
Operation Game Shrek Edition
Shrek needs surgery, and you are the doctor. It is more...0 points
Barrel of Monkeys
What's more fun than a barrel of monkeys' Well, ac more...0 points
Risk: Lord of the Rings Edition
The classic game of conquest travels into Middle-e more...0 points
Connect Four
The rules are simple: try to build a row of four c more...0 points
Make Your Own Memory Game
- Draw your own pictures in different themes such as animals, foods, or household items.
- Get double prints of family photos and have your own personal memory game with people you love!
- Use bold, colorful stickers. Remember to get two of each kind!
- Use rubber stamps or clip art to make a unique game your kids will love!
Make Your Own Tic-Tac-Toe Board!
Here are some ideas for fun game pieces:
- Candy
Use jelly beans or M&M's. The best part is, you can eat them when you're done!
- Coins
One player takes pennies, one player takes dimes. Let the fun begin!
- Bottle Caps
The return it depot doesn't want them anyway, so save a few colored caps for your next Tic-Tac-Toe challenge!
- Rocks
Rocks and pebbles are everywhere, and they're free! Have fun painting them so each player has a unique set of game pieces in their favorite color!
The Best Game Ever!
Reader Favorites
Didn't see your favorite game on the Top Ten? Add your number one party game or board game and see which games come out on top!
Scene It? Seinfeld
This Scene It Deluxe Seinfeld DVD Game is a party more...1 point
Cranium Wow Game
Cranium WOW is the newest version of the outrageou more...1 point
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- WindyWinters WindyWinters Sep 12, 2009 @ 4:03 am
- Fun Game Lens. Lots of favorites. We enjoy Monopoly and Risk. Lensrollling to Candy Land game.
:)
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Reply
- jkvkdailey jkvkdailey Apr 6, 2009 @ 11:44 am
- My favorite game is scrabble. I like that you added puzzles to the mix too! Thanks for the lensroll and rolled you back into my list of top 10 family board games.
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Reply
- Ramkitten Ramkitten Mar 16, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
- Oh, good, you included Scrabble. I grew up in a game-playing family and that was always a favorite. Growing up, the game helped me learn a lot of vocabulary words never covered in school. My dad and I used to have an ongoing Scrabble tourney, and I still love to play today. (I'm kind of addicted to Facebook Scrabble, actually.) And I just love group game nights with friends. We always play at least two or three different games, with lots of laughs. You have some great suggestions here. Well done lens.
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Reply
- jp1978 jp1978 Jan 16, 2009 @ 11:17 pm
- Glad to see Dungeons and Dragons on there, even though it's not a board game. It's undeservedly gotten a bad rap in the media.
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Reply
- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz Nov 13, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
- Playing games is a great way to promote family togetherness and learning at the same time. A win win situation all around. Great lens!
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