When the holidays are coming, this Grandma is looking for alternatives to electronics for the grandchildren that they will be interested in enough to take their attention away from screens for even a few minutes. New York Magazine’s editors publish a column called The Strategist that this Grandma loves. If you are interested in how the New York Magazine editors come up with their recommendations as to the best items to purchase in each category, read, “How Does People’s Choice Actually Work?”
The New York Magazine editors’ recommendations are winners more often than not. December 3, 2019 they recommended “The Best Family Board Games on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers.”
I was skeptical as I have been warned that reviews may be manipulated on websites and to be careful, but I have faith in The Strategist. Then I read the number one board game listing and I knew my faith in The Strategist’s listings in various categories of “best” products was validated.
Our younger grandchildren have a family game night. I love that. The family together playing board games takes them away from their electronics. On our last visit, their parents recommended that we steer them toward playing board games with us. I was able to get the two older ones, who are old enough for board games, to play board games with me.
The younger of the two, age eight, had the first choice. The number one board game listing was his first choice!
Yes, if your middle and upper elementary school grandchildren do not own this game, definitely buy it as a holiday present.
Exploding Kittens Card Game
According to The Strategist, Exploding Kittens Card Game is the number one board game on Amazon. You need at least three people to play it best, but I have played with just two players. The game does require strategy to avoid losing by not being able to neutralize an exploding kitten card. The best thing is that it is a card game that moves quickly, comes in a small box and travels well, and, for this Grandma, took an eight year old and twelve year old away from their electronics. Buy at Amazon.
Spot It!
According to The Strategist, Spot It! Card Game is the number one inexpensive board game on Amazon. Our grandchildren love Spot It! There are many varieties and this Grandma has recommended various versions of Spot It! In previous posts. It is small and compact, and has been perfect for camp packages, when we grandparents could send camp packages, and easy to travel with to put in backpacks for camp. See previous post for varieties of Spot It! “New Summer Camp Rules for Care Packages Requires Grandma To Plan Ahead and Grandchildren to be More Selective.
Any variety of Spot It! is perfect as a stocking stuffer. We grandparents love this fast moving fun game. Buy at Amazon.
Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game (31 pcs)
Our grandchildren’s parents are three for three with selection of the top rated Amazon board games. This Suspend Family Game requires some strategy and dexterity and is great fun for the entire family. Amazon describes it as an “[e]xciting Balancing Game, Develops Hand-Eye Coordination, Great Gift for Girls and Boys – Best for 8, 9, 10 Year Olds and Up.” Buy at Amazon.
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures Board Game
After a few games that are spooky or musical and do not seem to fit into our grandchildren’s interests, come two games for the younger grandchildren. If your young grandchildren do not own Candyland in any of its various forms, definitely buy one version for him or her. Age 3 and up. Buy at Amazon.
Wonder Forge Richard Scarry’s Busytown, Eye Found It
After a few more games that seem too old for our grandchildren, we get to Richard Scarry. A teaching game and a puzzle game, with Richard Scarry’s artwork cannot be beat. Age 3 and up. Buy at Amazon.
If you are not familiar with his books, they are also wonderful for grandchildren from toddlers up. The first Richard Scarry book is the best book to build vocabulary. According to Amazon, it has been in print for fifty years, and has sold over 5 million copies around the world. The second has every car and truck in existence and even has some silly and made up kinds of cars and trucks.
Blokus Strategy Game
For strategy for school age children, Blokus is a great family game night game. For ages 5 and up. Buy at Amazon.
Yes, there are more board games for all ages listed in The Strategist. For more ideas for board games for your grandchildren, take a look at the column by the New York Magazine editors.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2019!
Joy,
Mema
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