Now that we all are spending more time at home, the news today included that we may have another run on toilet paper as the coronavirus soars (so stock up, of course), and board games are included in the expected rush for the coronavirus surge which comes right before the holidays. I suggest that whatever you want to buy for the holidays you buy and mail early, as you may find limited quantities on what you want most. Who would think we could expect a shortage of board games this holiday season! In my research, I put “pandemic board games” into Google to see if there were any expert recommendations, and found there is a game, “Pandemic,” which has gotten rave reviews. I wonder if it would in “normal’ times.
Each of the following board games is top rated and sure to be a hit.
This Grandma, with two toddler two and a half year old grandchildren, just sent the best toddler and preschool board games to their parents to introduce them to game playing.
BEST FOR TODDLER AND PRESCHOOLER
Candyland
There are so many variations of Candyland. Choose the theme that your young grandchild likes such as Disney Princess or My Little Pony, or the 65th anniversary edition. Amazing that it has been around for 65 years.
Chutes and Ladders
You can pick the original or think themed as well, such as Spiderman Chutes and Ladders, which does seem an appropriate choice for this game.
BEST FOR PRESCHOOLERS
Richard Scarry’s Busytown
If you have not yet sent your toddler grandchildren a Richard Scarry book, take a look at these funny and vocabulary builder books. My grandsons love Richard Scarry’s book, “Cars and Trucks and Things That Go”. Busytown game is a variation on that theme and one of the best seller games for the toddler and, better yet, preschool set.
Zingo
This is my favorite for preschoolers, as it introduces them to sight words in a matching format. Know that you will be playing this over and over again in one sitting.
BEST FOR SCHOOL AGE AND FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Exploding Kittens
Our nine year old grandson introduced us to Exploding Kittens last year. It is addictive and fun for the entire family, similar to Uno, which your grandchildren must also own.
Spot It!
The same grandson introduced us to Spot It! It is another game great for the entire family, and it is funny for any age group and up to eight players. It also comes in different varieties, and is small enough to carry along anywhere or be a stocking stuffer.
Melissa and Doug Suspend
This was a holiday gift for our grandchildren from one of our closest family friends, and remains a favorite. It is another balancing game for families; designed for 1 to 4 players. They now have a junior version for age 4 and up.
Monopoly
Yes, the game we played for hours when we were our grandchildren’s age is now called the “classic” edition. There are so many theme Monopoly games, you can buy a new themed one. It says age 8 and up and there is a junior version.
Blokus
We had never heard of this strategy game before our grandchildren introduced it to us and will keep the entire family busy.
Jenga
Build away! Nothing too deep to think about, just keep building up a tower until it topples. A child can play alone or the entire family can play together. Age 6 and up.
BEST FOR PRETEENS TO ADULTS
Trekking the National Parks Board Game
Since we cannot travel in person, we can travel in games. Trekking the National Parks is an award winning board game. Here is the product description:
“Trekking the National Parks is a spirited family board game that lets players experience the U.S. National Parks in a fun and competitive way. Players compete for points by claiming Park Cards and collecting trail stones as they race across the country experiencing the wonders at each of these magnificent landscapes.”
“The game was specially designed to be both entertaining and educational. Every park card features an interesting fact and gorgeous photograph that will inspire players to explore the protected natural wonders of America. Each game also begins with a unique setup that alters the play experience in surprising ways, allowing for endless replayability. For 2-5 players, ages 10 and up.
PANDEMIC! Save the world in this team game. Here is the product description:
“Four diseases have broken out in the world and it is up to a team of specialists in various fields to find cures for these diseases before mankind is wiped out. Players must work together playing to their characters’ strengths and planning their strategy of eradication before the diseases overwhelm the world with ever-increasing outbreaks. For example the operation specialist can build research stations which are needed to find cures for the diseases. The Scientist needs only 4 cards of a particular disease to cure it instead of the normal 5. But the diseases are out breaking fast and time is running out: The team must try to stem the tide of infection in diseased areas while also towards cures. A truly cooperative game where you all win or you all lose.”
The reviews say it is addictive, and most adults are playing, so great for your high school and college aged grandchildren, and you. This one has to sell out this holiday season!
I am usually “an early bird” when it comes to accumulating holiday presents, but who would have thought the coronavirus would have us working to finish our holiday shopping in October!
Joy,
Mema
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