Board games and puzzles to give this Christmas
Last updated: · Links and ratings checked 16 October 2026
A good board game is a gift that gets the whole family together, and modern games are far better than the Monopoly many of us grew up with. Every game here has a large number of public ratings on Amazon UK.
Which game for which group?
Big family groups: Exploding Kittens and Codenames (quick rules, lots of laughs). Two players or couples: Carcassonne. Strategy fans: CATAN and Ticket to Ride. Nature lovers: Wingspan. Puzzle fans: an escape-room-in-an-envelope.
Tip
Open it on Christmas Eve or early on the day, so there’s time to learn it before the post-dinner slump.
Related: teenagers, Secret Santa.
Player counts at a glance
Check how many people will play. Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride work for 2–5, CATAN for 3–4 in the base game, Wingspan for 1–5 (including a solo mode), and party games like Codenames scale up to large groups. Player counts are as stated on the publishers’ listings.
At a glance
- 8 picks: 4 in £10–£25, 1 in £50–£100, 3 in £25–£50.
- 8 show a public rating on the retailer’s page.
- 1 is personalised and need extra making time.
- Highest rated when checked: Jenga (★ 4.7), Exploding Kittens card game (★ 4.7), Wingspan board game (★ 4.7).
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Our picks (8)
Jenga
Cheap, universal and loud: the perfect under-£20 Secret Santa that actually gets played.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Exploding Kittens card game
Teaches in two minutes and works across generations, so it's a safe bet for the Boxing Day crowd.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Wingspan board game
An award-winning strategy game about birds, beautiful enough to keep out on the table. It's perfect for the birdwatcher who 'doesn't do board games'.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Carcassonne board game
A tile-laying game that works brilliantly with just two players, so it's a great choice for couples and grandparents.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Codenames: Pictures (2nd edition)
A party game that doesn't need drinking to be fun. Great for a household that has 'done' charades.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)CATAN board game
A modern classic that gives a family a new Christmas tradition rather than another object.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)Escape Room in an Envelope puzzle gift
An hour of puzzling that leaves nothing behind. Brilliant for a crossword or puzzle fan.
View at notonthehighstreet (opens in new tab)Ticket to Ride board game
The gateway game that converts Monopoly families. It's gentle enough for grandparents and competitive enough for teens.
View at Amazon UK (opens in new tab)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best board game for families at Christmas?
Ticket to Ride is a common gateway choice. Exploding Kittens is quicker for big groups.
What board game is good for two players?
Carcassonne works especially well with two.
Will it arrive before Christmas?
Check each retailer’s cut-off and our UK Christmas delivery dates page. For Christmas 2026, Royal Mail’s last recommended 1st Class posting date is Monday 21 December. Personalised items need extra time.