12 must-have board games for all ages
By JuliettePublished Updated 6 min read
Christmas is fast approaching, and with it the desire to share convivial family moments. What could be better than a good board game to bring young and old together around the table? Whether you're looking to entertain the little ones, take on team challenges or simply spend some quality time together as a family, these twelve must-have board games have it all. Suitable for all ages and tastes, they promise hours of laughter, reflection and complicity. Discover our selection and get ready to offer memorable souvenirs this Christmas!
Discovering board games: for toddlers (2-6 years)
My First Orchard
A simple cooperative game where players have to collect the fruit before the crow catches it. My First Orchard is ideal for learning colors and developing coordination.
- Recommended age : From age 2
- Number of players: 1 to 4
- Average time: 10 minutes
Why we love it An ultra-simple ruler, quality wooden pieces, and a team spirit adapted to toddlers.
Clac Clac!
One die for the color, the other for the symbol. Combine the two and you've got a speed game where players have to catch the right combinations of symbols on magnetic discs. It's up to you to create the highest pile, but make sure you don't get it wrong, or face penalties!
- Recommended age : From age 4
- Number of players: 2 to 6
- Average time: 10 minutes
Why we love it Fun and interactive, it's perfect for developing concentration, observation skills and dexterity. And sometimes, a little frustration too...
Board games for teens and adults
MicroMacro: Crime City
Players investigate crimes by scanning a detailed illustrated map. Carefully observe every detail, reconstruct the facts and solve the puzzles. MicroMacro Crime City features sixteen different missions.
- Recommended age : From age 10
- Number of players: 1 to 4
- Average duration: 15-45 minutes (depending on survey)
Why we love it It's a captivating mix of Where's Charlie? and interactive thriller.
Skyjo
With Skyjo, the player with the fewest points wins! Players try to minimize their score by strategically swapping cards.
- Recommended age : From age 8
- Number of players: 2 to 8
- Average time: 30 minutes
Summary: Players seek to minimize their score by strategically swapping cards.
Why we love it This is a card game for everyone, but with strategic depth for seasoned players.
💡There's a Skyjo Junior version for children aged 4 and over. With its colors and fruit motifs, counting the points on a card becomes easy and the game mechanics are accessible.
Codenames
A game of association in which two teams compete to identify their secret agents from clues given by a master spy.
- Recommended age : From age 10
- Number of players: 2 to 8+.
- Average duration: 20-30 minutes
Why we love it A word game with surprising associations! A great way to test your powers of deduction.
💡 You can also discover Codenames Images (with pictures instead of words) and Codenames Duo for two players in cooperative mode.
For fans of cooperative board games
Little Cooperation
The four animals want to get back to their igloo. Help them cross the bridge quickly before it collapses. Roll the die and see if you can move an animal. Do you fall on the icy side? Careful, you'll have to remove one of the bridge pillars.
- Recommended age : From 2 ½ years
- Number of players: 2 to 4
- Average time: 10 minutes
Why we love it We love its adorable figurines! With its simple rules, it's a great way to introduce youngsters to board games. Either we all win, or we all lose!
Unlock! Kids
Are there any escape game enthusiasts around here? Yes, then you're going to love this version of the famous Unlock! investigation and puzzle games. Featuring three kid-friendly stories, it takes you to different worlds. The puzzles are accessible and there's no time limit.
- Recommended age : From age 6
- Number of players: 2 to 6
- Average running time: 20-30 minutes per scenario
Why we love it Immersive, with replayability thanks to the different scenarios included, since each story contains two adventures.
💡 Not in the mood for cooperation? What if you opted for a game in "one against all" mode? Discover Mimose & Sam and the fruit thief! When the fruit in the garden goes missing, it's time to call in the best detectives of all: you! A new way of playing to recover clues and identify the thief. From age 5, 2 to 4 players, approx. 15 minutes per game.
Games for creative kids and adults
Sketched
Have you heard of the telephone game? The one where, in single file, players whisper a phrase into each other's ears, trying to repeat it identically? Now imagine doing the same thing by drawing a word. That's precisely what Esquissé is all about. This hilarious game creates zany situations at the end of the chain.
- Recommended age : From age 8
- Number of players: 4 to 8
- Average time: 30 minutes
Why we love it Ideal for unleashing creativity and laughter with family and friends. Don't forget those who can't draw because, as the game says, "The less you can draw, the more fun you'll have!"
How I adopted a dragon
Roll the dice with the numbers to discover the theme. Invent an extraordinary adventure using the sentence starters given by the colored dice. Use the white dice to add a dose of suspense, and be ready to be interrupted by other players with the black dice.
- Recommended age : From age 7
- Number of players: 3 to 8
- Average time: 20 minutes
Why we love it The themes are zany and the twists and turns take you down crazy paths, but you still have to find the conclusion! Stimulating the imagination, it is suitable for all audiences and develops oral expression and communication skills.
Bonus: Our favorites!
Mito: the game where cheating is allowed
No more sore losers and bad faith! In this offbeat game, players have to get rid of their cards... by cheating! Just make sure you don't get caught by the guard who's watching you!
- Recommended age : From age 7
- Number of players: 3 to 5
- Average duration: 20-30 minutes
Why we love it Why play by the rules when you can finally cheat? Perfect for short, hilarious games, this game encourages you to think outside the box while remaining strategic.
Dobble: the king of fast games
The most essential of today's board games! Does it need any introduction? Dobble is an ultra-fast observation game where players have to find the common symbol between two cards.
- Recommended age : From age 6
- Number of players: 2 to 8
- Average time: 15 minutes
Why we love it Accessible, intergenerational and always intense! Its many editions (Harry Potter, animals...) make it a timeless classic.
Whether you're looking for a game for your little ones, to liven up your evenings with teenagers and adults, or to enjoy moments of collaboration and creativity as a family, this selection of board games is sure to meet your expectations! This Christmas, the gift of a board game is much more than a gift: it's a gift of sharing, laughter and complicity. So, are you ready to play? 🎲
