I remember playing dominoes as a child and my brother and I built with them and we played games with them with our parents.
If you have the type of grandchildren who, if you say “dominoes,” they yell, “pizza,” does this Grandma have a treat for you. Before introducing them to box sets of dominoes, you might impress them with knowing the Dominoes Pizza is the largest pizza chain in the world, with their pizza sold in 73 countries around the world. Then, of course, order pizza, and remember this Grandma’s tip: pizza for breakfast.
If you are the type of grandma who likes to expand the horizons of grandchildren, just spend less than $15, and bring Asia and Europe to them by getting a box set of dominoes. I found it humorous that Wikipedia actually described them in words, as if there is any adult who does not know what they are. Dominoes as a game has been traced back to the Chinese in the 12th Century which can provide impetus to look at a globe and to learn how far back that was. Dominoes hit Italy in the 18th Century and England in the 19th Century, used to settle rural disputes over grazing boundaries. There is even a controversy over whether Marco Polo or other Italian explorers brought dominoes back from voyages to China in the 14th Century.
If you are the type of grandma who wants many games wrapped up in one, then dominoes work. See Wikipedia for many variations of the game.
Our grandchildren today have a wide variety of domino games that we, not they, recognize as domino games. Here are favorites of my grandchildren:
GRANDCHILDREN OVER FIVE (the manufacturer says over age 8, but since all of your and our grandchildren are the smartest. . . .)
Rummikub by Pressman Toy
This is an inexpensive game that is number 2 on Amazon. For 2 to 4 players, it provides game time for multigenerational players. A great holiday family gift to give the parents of your grandchildren too.
GRANDCHILDREN UNDER FIVE (the manufacturer says over age 3, but since all of your and our grandchildren are the smartest. . . .)
eEboo is a company that makes great toys, puzzles, and games and their dominoes sets are the best for those toddlers and preschoolers. These dominoes are thick cardboard and have colors and shapes instead of dots or numbers. The grandchildren match stars, moon, heart, blueberries, train.)
Eeboo makes other versions:
There is even matching candy dominoes. What a special surprise to have some of the real candy ready for who we know is going to be the winner:
There are Dora the Explorer dominoes for her fans:
And all kind of Disney dominoes for princesses fans, Frozen fans, Doc McStuffins, Disney movie and character fans all between $10 and $20 each dominoes game:
SPLURGE DECORATION FOR THE HOME
Ralph Lauren Home has the most beautiful dominoes set at the most ridiculous price for those who have everything. This Grandma would be reluctant to have grandchildren play with these.
UNIQUE FOR TODDLERS AND UP
This eco friendly dominoes set comes from Latvia through Etsy and is listed for age one and up with educational tips to teach numbers and counting.
OLD FASHIONED
This Grandma has to admit that old fashioned dominoes are the best for me. This year I purchased engraved box sets of dominoes for each of the grandchildren for the holidays.
Since they ship in two days, this is a great inexpensive holiday gift to fill in last minute. Even if the grandchildren are too young for the game or like variety, dominoes make great “pretend play” building items.
Joy,
Mema
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