6 Easy Holiday Gifts: Casual Card Games for Family Fun
With the holiday season around the corner, there’s no better gift than a fun, casual card game to bring people together. Whether you’re looking for a light, strategic challenge or something that can spark laughter and excitement, these six games are perfect for game nights around the table. They make ideal stocking stuffers for Christmas, are perfect for playing before your Thanksgiving Feast, or are great for ringing in the New Year at a game night.
Here are our favorite game gifts for the holidays:
1. Ravine: A Cooperative Adventure
- Duration: 20-40 minutes
- Players: 3-6
- Age: 10+
Premise: In Ravine, players find themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. To survive, they must gather resources, build shelter, and maintain their sanity while dealing with unpredictable challenges.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Ravine is the perfect blend of teamwork and light strategy, making it an ideal game for family gatherings or friends who enjoy working together. The game’s cooperative nature encourages bonding, while its immersive survival theme adds an element of adventure. Its easy-to-understand mechanics and beautiful artwork make it accessible to casual gamers while still engaging enough for seasoned players.
2. Kingdoms: Strategic Territory Battles
- Duration: 20-40 minutes
- Players: 2-8
- Age: 8+
Premise: In Kingdoms, players assume the role of leaders, using historical figures with unique abilities to outsmart their opponents and control the board.
Why It’s a Great Gift: If you’re searching for a game that balances fun and strategy, Kingdoms is a fantastic option. It’s easy to pick up but has enough depth to keep players engaged for multiple rounds. The game’s use of real historical characters adds an interesting twist that keeps everyone intrigued, while its dynamic gameplay ensures that every match feels fresh.
3. The Great Dalmuti: A Social Climbing Game
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Players: 4-8
- Age: 8+
Premise: In The Great Dalmuti, players climb the social ladder from lowly peasant to the powerful Great Dalmuti, only to have their fortunes reversed in the next round.
Why It’s a Great Gift: This game is perfect for large groups thanks to its quick rounds and hilarious social dynamics. Its fast-shifting power structure keeps everyone engaged, and the simple rules make it a hit at any party. It’s especially great for mixed-age groups, from kids to adults, making it a versatile addition to family gatherings.
4. Tussie Mussie: Crafting Floral Bouquets
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 8+
Premise: Tussie Mussie lets players craft bouquets using the Victorian language of flowers, with each flower conveying hidden meanings and scoring points based on combinations.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Elegant and compact, Tussie Mussie is a delightful gift for those who appreciate quick, intimate games. Its floral theme adds a beautiful touch, and its strategic gameplay offers a relaxing yet engaging experience. This makes it an excellent choice for couples or small groups.
5. Cover Your Assets: A Competitive Inheritance Game
- Duration: 15-30 minutes
- Players: 4-6
- Age: 7+
Premise: Players race to collect sets of valuable assets, like homes and cars, while stealing from their opponents to become the first millionaire.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Cover Your Assets is a fast-paced game filled with opportunities for friendly rivalry. Its simple rules and quick gameplay make it ideal for family game nights. Fans of competitive games like Kingdoms will love the tension and strategy involved in protecting their assets while plotting against others.
6. The Crew: A Cooperative Space Adventure
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Players: 3-5
- Age: 10+
Premise: The Crew challenges players to work together as astronauts on missions in space. The game involves completing progressively harder missions using trick-taking mechanics.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Ideal for groups who love working together to solve puzzles, The Crew combines cooperative gameplay with classic card mechanics. The increasing difficulty of each mission keeps players invested, while the limited communication adds a layer of challenge and intrigue.
Bonus Gift: Crokinole
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 6+
Premise: Crokinole is a classic dexterity game where players flick discs across a wooden board, aiming to land them in high-scoring areas.
Why It’s a Great Gift: While not a card game, Crokinole brings a timeless, hands-on experience to family game nights. Its beautiful wooden boards and simple rules make it a great addition to any gathering. The tactile nature of the game engages players of all ages, making it a holiday favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are easy holiday gifts for families?
Easy holiday gifts for families include casual card games, classic board games, and other low-cost yet engaging activities that encourage togetherness and fun.
2. What is a good stocking stuffer for Christmas?
A compact, easy-to-learn card game like Tussie Mussie or Kingdoms makes an excellent stocking stuffer.
3. What are the best card games for game night?
For game nights, consider Kingdoms for cooperative play, Cover Your Assets for friendly competition, or The Crew for a collaborative, puzzle-solving experience.
4. Are these games suitable for kids?
Yes, many of these games, such as Cover Your Assets and Kingdoms are suitable for kids aged 7 and up, making them great for mixed-age gatherings.
5. What is a unique holiday gift for a couple?
For couples, consider Tussie Mussie, which offers a strategic yet intimate gaming experience with its beautiful floral theme. Kingdoms is another great two-player game that you can also bring to your next date night.
6. What can I give to a board game enthusiast for Christmas?
For board game enthusiasts, Crokinole makes a unique and lasting gift, offering a physical and engaging experience unlike traditional card games.
Our top recommendation for this holiday? Kingdoms
Here are the reasons why Kingdoms is our pick for the 2024 holiday season:
- Easy-to-learn and quick gameplay means you don't have to be a board game fanatic to have a good time
- Supports two players for a cozy date night, or up to eight players for those competitive evenings with friends and family
- It's small box means easy storage and a genius quick stocking stuffer for those who love game
This holiday season, bring joy to your loved ones with one of these easy holiday gifts. Whether they enjoy strategy, competition, or cooperative play, there’s something on this list that will fit perfectly into their next game night.
