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As the nights get longer and the weather turns cold, there’s nothing cozier than a family game night at home. A stack of board games, a few snacks, and a little friendly competition can turn an ordinary evening into one filled with laughter and memories.
If you’re ready to refresh your game shelf or pick up a few new favorites for the holidays, I’ve rounded up some great finds available on Amazon — from classic strategy games to quick card games everyone will love. These are fun, easy-to-learn options that work for every age and are perfect for turning a quiet night in into quality family time.
CATAN Board Game (6th Edition)
Ages: 10+ | Players: 3–4 | Playtime: 60–90 minutes
CATAN is a classic for a reason. Players race to build settlements, trade resources, and outsmart their neighbors on a modular island board that changes every time you play. It’s competitive without being cutthroat and teaches a little bit of strategy along the way — perfect for older kids and adults who love a friendly challenge.
Grandpa Beck’s Games Cover Your Assets Card Game
Ages: 7+ | Players: 2–6 | Playtime: 20–40 minutes
Simple rules, quick turns, and lots of laughs — that’s the Cover Your Assets guarantee. Players collect sets of matching cards to build up their fortune, all while trying to “steal” from other players. It’s lighthearted, competitive fun for every age, and it’s small enough to toss in a bag for trips or holidays away from home.
Grandpa Beck’s Games Cover Your Assets Card Game
Elimino! A Fast Paced Card Game for Kids, Adults and Families
Ages: 7+ | Players: 2–6 | Playtime: 15–30 minutes
Created by two sisters (ages 11 and 13!) who also donate part of their profits to charity, Elimino! is fast, fun, and full of family sabotage. Players race to complete card sequences while blocking others with sneaky plays. It’s easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and surprisingly addictive — perfect for mixed-age families who love a little chaos.
Elimino! A Fast Paced Card Game for Kids, Adults and Families
Asmodee Mysterium Board Game
Ages: 10+ | Players: 2–7 | Playtime: 45 minutes
One player becomes a ghost trying to communicate with their psychic teammates through mysterious illustrated cards. Together, the group works to solve a murder — using only clues from the other side. Think Clue, but with a spooky, cooperative twist that keeps everyone engaged and talking long after the last round ends.
First to Worst: Holiday Edition
Ages: 8+ | Players: 2+ | Playtime: 30–45 minutes
Nothing gets people talking faster than ranking their favorite holiday things. Santa or snow days? Gingerbread or hot cocoa? In First to Worst, one player secretly ranks a list of festive topics, and everyone else tries to guess their order. It’s hilarious, revealing, and a guaranteed hit for family gatherings or post-dinner laughs.
First to Worst: Holiday Edition The Christmas Card Game About How Your Friends & Family Rank Things
WHAT DO YOU MEME? Cows in Space
Ages: 6+ | Players: 2 | Playtime: 10 minutes
Silly, hands-free chaos for younger kids! Two players wear UFO headbands and try to collect as many flying cow pieces as they can before time runs out. It’s pure, goofy fun that gets everyone giggling — and it’s quick enough to squeeze in before bedtime.
WHAT DO YOU MEME? Cows in Space
Qwirkle Flex Edition– Classic Qwirkle with a New Twist
Ages: 8+ | Players: 2–4 | Playtime: 45 minutes
This 2025 update to the best-selling Qwirkle adds new layers of strategy and replayability while keeping the same easy-to-learn gameplay. Players match colors and shapes to score points, switching between background and foreground matches for a fun twist. It’s a satisfying mix of logic and creativity that keeps everyone thinking (and laughing).
Qwirkle Flex Edition– Classic Qwirkle with a New Twist
Mishy Match Award-Winning Card Game
Ages: 10+ | Players: 2–6 | Playtime: 10–20 minutes
This small but mighty card game is part brain teaser, part laughter marathon. Players race to react to color and word cues faster than their brains can keep up. It’s a Mensa-recommended favorite and perfect for families who love clever, quick-thinking games that make your face hurt from laughing.
Mishy Match Award-Winning Card Game
Hook and Ring Game
Ages: All | Players: 2–4 | Playtime: Open
Simple, satisfying, and surprisingly competitive — this wooden toss game works just as well in the living room as it does on the back porch. Take turns swinging the ring toward the hook and move your marker forward each time you score. It’s great for teens, adults, or anyone who likes a little friendly rivalry.
Asmodee Arkham Horror The Card Game
Ages: 14+ | Players: 1–4 | Playtime: 1–2 hours
For families with older teens or serious game lovers, Arkham Horror delivers rich storytelling and tense cooperative gameplay. Players become investigators solving supernatural mysteries in 1920s New England, battling both monsters and their own sanity. It’s immersive, challenging, and deeply rewarding for those who love narrative-driven adventures.
Asmodee Arkham Horror The Card Game
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