32 Games & Puzzles To Gift This Holiday Season — For The Competitive Players and Puzzle-Lovers
November 10, 2023
One of our family’s favorite things to do is play games and do puzzles together, so of course, we love gifting games and puzzles!—Think cozy nights in, laughter with family, and a dash of friendly competition. I’ve hand-picked our favorite games, along with the prettiest puzzles. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let the games begin.
Wavelength | $31 (2-12 players)
The telepathic party game that we can’t get enough of! Two teams take turns trying to read each other’s minds, with a lot of “talking it out” and high-fiving all around. It’s the game that brings out all the interesting conversations you wish you could have at your party. It’s award-winning, hilarious, and strategic.
Just One | $22 (3-7 players)
Using just one word, teammates work together to guess as many mystery words as possible. It’s a simple concept but more challenging than you’d think and great for a game night!
The Chameleon | $18 (3-8 players)
Our family cannot get enough of this game! The chameleon has to do their best to blend in while everybody gives clues to the prompt in hopes of not getting caught!—So, so fun and great with a crowd.
Sagrada | $44 (1-4 players)
This has quickly become the new family favorite game in our house. I’m such a sucker for an aesthetically well-designed game, and this is that, plus it’s easy to learn and fun to play!
Hues and Clues | $20 (3-10 players)
With a vibrant board of 480 colors, the whole family will be “art majoring” as they try to connect one or two-word clues with one single hue. Finally settle that debate that olive green and sage green are not the same!
Hey Robot | $19
Great for groups and parties of all sizes! You have to have a smart speaker/Alexa to play this game. Divide into two groups and try to get Alexa to say the word on the card. It’s hilarious and exhilarating.
Cover Your Assets | $16 (4-6 players)
A really competitive card game where you’re trying to become the first millionaire. It’s cutthroat. Perfect for the holidays.
Pit | $14 (3-8 players)
An old-fashioned classic (first sold in 1904) and the Stock exchange! This is a fast-paced, kind of loud game where you trade stock. It includes a bell–which is kind of the best part.
Nertz | $46
Nertz is a fast-paced card game where you’ve got to stay on your toes to keep up. Where are my highly competitive people? As many players as you have different colored decks (this set includes 12).
LCR Wild | $9 (3+ people)
This is our favorite party game, where you throw dice and lose or gain chips. Instead of chips, we play with real money, and the winner takes the cash!
Codenames | $12 (2-8 players)
The game Codenames has the players working together to crack the code using one-word clues. This is always one of our favorite game night games!
Azul | $21 (1-4 players)
This is one of the most beautiful games out there, but don’t fall for the relaxing appearance — the strategy level in this game will have you at the edge of your seat.
Werewolf | $13 (7+ people)
This game is really similar to Mafia but more family-friendly. Everyone is assigned a secret identity, and players try to discover who the werewolf is. It’s an excellent game for sitting around the living room with lots of social deduction. (Odd number of players works best.)
Play Nine | $17 (2-6 players)
This is a game of numerical strategy loosely based on golf that our family is absolutely obsessed with. Great for all ages, and really fun to play with even just two people! It’s really addictive and straightforward to learn, so even non-gamers love it.
Skull King | $16 (2-8 players)
This fast-paced card game of trickery, pirates, and mermaids is perfect for a beachside stay or a Friday night at home.
Wits & Wagers | $22 (5+ players)
This feels more like a game show than a board game, not only for trivia-savvy people but also for those who have a knack for observing.
Nutcracker Brigade | $34
We’re big fans of anything Rifle Paper Co. makes, including this darling nutcracker puzzle.
Disco Queen | $32
My idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve involves assembling a puzzle, and this one feels sparkly and celebratory enough.
Winter Lights | $22
Odds are, if they love a cozy night in, they’re probably a puzzle-lover as well. I’m obsessed with this festive city scene puzzle with Christmas lights and decorations, and gold foil is so lovely.
Mystic Garden | $28
I love a good challenge, and this circular mystic garden puzzle seems like it might do the trick.
Christmas in The City | $16
It doesn’t get more Christmasy than this Christmas scene set in New York City.
Beside The Sea | $13
This isn’t a holiday puzzle per se, but it sure is darling and would make a great gift.
Skating in the Park | $24
Ice skating in the park and warm woolen mittens—just a few of my favorite things.
Nutcracker Magic | $14
Putting together this festive pink holiday house full of kitschy nutcrackers is how I want to spend my Christmas morning.
The Holidays | $19
I can’t wait to put this one together as a family so we can spot how many iconic pop culture moments we recognize.
Christmas Square | $16
Something about this puzzle makes me want to slip into my pajamas, sip on a cup of hot cocoa, and listen to Frank Sinatra while we put this together.
Home for the Holidays | $19
Not only is the puzzle adorable, but the box is cute enough to gift with a simple ribbon or bow!
Puzzle Cover Mat | $69
A few weeks ago, we were doing a puzzle on the dining room table, and we didn’t get a chance to finish before we had to clean it up for dinner. The next day, I ordered this puzzle board so the puzzle fun doesn’t have to end. Puzzle-makers will love this gift!
See the Full 2023 Gift Guide Collection Here
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