It’s party season so we’re sharing some of our favorite games to play with family and friends! The holidays are filled with many different opportunities for parties and gatherings. Whether they are spontaneous or mandatory, we love this chance to bust out some of our favorite games to fit any group and mood.
Choosing a game for a group can be challenging. You may not know what types of games folks like to play, the guest list might be unclear so player counts are tricky, and you want to make sure it helps match the mood of fun and merriment.
If you’re not sure about where to start, here are 3 of our main tips to help you select the right game for these types of gatherings.
1. Choose a game you know inside and out.
This is not the time to grab that new game you haven’t opened yet but are excited to play. This is the time to choose the ones you’re comfortable with and can teach in your sleep.
2. Have your elevator pitch ready.
Half the battle in playing games is getting people over to the table. We like to have a quick, 20 second elevator pitch for the game so we can entice our soon to be players with a little bit about the fun they’ll get to have while playing.
3. Select some games that allow people to hop in or bow out easily.
Often at these events people arrive at different times so we love to select games that allow for players to either jump in after it’s started or those that have quick play times so they don’t have to wait long for the next round.
Bonus: it’s great if they’re fun to watch even when not playing! Plenty of people aren’t comfortable playing games for a variety of reasons but are happy to sit on the sidelines and watch. I like choosing games that invite the element of the spectator sport. This creates a much more inviting environment than holing up in a corner with a strategy game for an extended period of time.
So what games are good for this? Here are a few to get you started!
And if you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the complete 2023 Holiday Gift Guide to find gifts for everyone on your list.
Just One
Just One is a clever cooperative game where you’re trying to get a player to guess a word by giving them one word clues. Each player will write down their clue but before showing it to the guesser, everyone looks at the clues and eliminates any duplicate words from play, leaving only the remaining clues for the guesser. Trust me, this game is fantastic.
Less is More
We recently picked this one up and had a great time playing at our last family gathering. Players are trying to get a player to guess a word, but must bid for the order in which they’ll get to present it to the player. Using as few letters as possible, you’ll write your clue, with the total letters used being your bid. Lowest bid goes first, so Less is More!
That’s Not a Hat
Both a memory and a bluffing game. Try to remember all the images on the different cards as they are passed and “gifted” to players around the table. If you ever can’t remember, just bluff your way through and try not to get caught! This one gets us laughing every time!
Ready Set Bet
When it comes to games that are just as fun to watch as they are to play, Ready Set Bet is high on the list! This game takes all the fun of the horse race and brings it to your table. There will be frantic bidding, there will be cheering on of imaginary horses; this game is pure fun!
The Number
This game is quite simple, you’ll just write a three digit number on your board. The larger the number you write in the far left place value, the higher you score….if you aren’t eliminated by someone using one of the same digits you used. Simple to teach, thinky to play and great for a wide age range.
Decrypto
A fun, quieter party game. You’ll try to intercept the opposing team’s code before they intercept yours. I love this for groups that gravitate away from the more performative, energetic games.
13 Words
A cooperative options! There are 12 words laid out around the game board with a 13th card in the center. The active player will secretly select the word around the edge that they think relates the most to the word in the center. If you can correctly guess which word they chose, you score points!
Herd Mentality
In this game, you don’t need to have the correct answer, you just need to know what the majority thinks is the answer! You’ll answer questions like “Think of one word to describe Santa,” and you’ll collect cows if the answer you write down wins the majority.
Blank Slate
Fill in the blank: Happy ______. Now when you reveal your response, if you match with just one player, you’ll each score 3 points. Match with multiple players, you’ll only score 1. So you’ll want to be clever, but not too clever in this word association game.
Bohnanza
Card game fans, this one’s for you. Bohnanza is all about collecting and trading beans. At 30-45 minutes, this one does take a touch longer to play, but it’s worth it, trust me. This is the perfect mix of strategy game for board gamers with that classic card game nostalgia you get from playing cards around your grandma’s table well into the night.
Pit
One of my most memorable first game experiences. If you’ve never played pit, and someone asks you to join, the answer is a quick yes. Collect and trade stock cards to be the first to gather all of one type and ring the bell. Just be ready, this one gets loud!
Codenames
A classic! The best part about Codenames at this point is that many people have already played it, so you have one less hurdle to hop over in getting it to the table. If you have younger kids wanting to get involved, try Code Names Pictures which removes the reading requirement making it even more accessible.
Wavelength
There’s something so fun about turning the dial and then that oh so wonderful reveal when you’re correct! Perfect group game for both the players and the spectators (who will most definitely join in once you get started!)
The Mind
Attempt to play numbered cards from your hand in ascending order without skipping numbers or communicating. It’s hard to explain why this simple game works, but it does every time!
Medium
Create a psychic connection and say the same word at the same time. This is a great game for travel and fun moments around the table!
A Fake Artist Goes to New York
Work to draw a single picture together. The only issue is, one of you is a fake artist and has no idea what you’re trying to draw and they need to remain undetected. It’s a great drawing game for those who don’t feel artistically inclined.
