The Best Games to Buy your Grandchildren for Christmas 2024

September 5, 2023
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The Best Games to Buy your Grandchildren for Christmas 2024

So often, the role of grandparents in the lives of children represents a unique relationship characterised by a very special bond. From a very early age, children appear to instinctively differentiate their grandparents from other adults, feeling the strength of the familial connection.

Similarly, the love that a grandparent feels when their son or daughter presents them with a child can be quite overwhelming; this new bundle often becomes the centre of their world and the topic of so many conversations.

All of the fun:

Many grandparents opine that the joy in grandchildren comes from the fact they can have all of the fun with little of the responsibility! Having reached beyond middle age, the burden of a hefty mortgage is no longer weighing and the demands of an intense career may start to wain as retirement beckons.

This means they have the time and patience to engage with grandchildren in a unique way and board games are a wonderful way to spend quality time together – something particularly important when the family gets together at Christmas.

Time and capacity:

As parents rush between the demands of work and home, grandparents can descend free of stress with the capacity to occupy young children equipped with the knowledge that childhood vanishes too quickly.

A true understanding of how precious these moments are can only be gained by those who have watched the speed with which children grow. And how best to engage than by sharing an activity such as a board game.

Screen time:

Screen time is always there; whether that’s the television, tablet, or game consoles. But it is not quality time; memories are not made by watching YouTube. Sitting down together, figuring out a board game’s set of rules and competing represents time well spent in an infinitely more valuable way.

Board Games from Grandparents as Gifts

This can be a contentious issue as sometimes grandparents have cause for disdain as to the extent of a child’s toy collection which invariably increases at Christmas. Certainly, toys today are a world away from what they might have known and with two parents often working, disposable income can mean more indulgences.

So it is understandable that grandparents may wish to avoid adding to this pile while also wishing to celebrate Christmas or even a birthday with a gift. Here is where board games come into their own; they are still fun but not necessarily frivolous.

The list below features some fantastic examples of board games that can be played at all ages – from toddlers through to teens. This could be a great tradition to start; gift a game and then enjoy the gift of time spent playing it together.

Board games for Grandparents to play with Teenage Grand Children

Chess

Chess is a game that, once mastered, becomes a lifelong pastime which can inform life in other ways. It encourages tactical thinking as well as patience – wonderful skills for any grandparent to impart to their grandchild.

Known as the game of kings, chess is a centuries-old game that requires a little bit of learning, not simply in terms of how each of the six different pieces moves but how to move them strategically.

The beauty of chess is that there are so many different types of sets available – magnetic, electronic, wooden, or even marble; and they also make a wonderful decorative feature. So, if you’re thinking of treating your grandchild to this game, perhaps consider it something of a keepsake for them to treasure.

As well as lifelong memories, by teaching your grandchild to play chess you give them more than simply gameplay. It could be that when carving out a profession in a tough industry they lean on the guile you taught them at the chessboard.

Outsmarted

Outsmarted is a game that forms a bridge between the new and the traditional as it relies on an App and it can also be played remotely. This makes it an ideal game for grandparents who might not live close to their grandchildren. With Outsmarted, it’s possible to book a games night and spend the evening having fun virtually!

There are aspects of the Outsmarted board game that mirror Trivial Pursuit which is why it is set to appeal to all generations, as well as being based on general knowledge, there’s the requirement to move around a board collecting different coloured rings.

As Outsmarted has an electronic element to it, the game can be tailored to suit those playing; for example, there are more junior-level questions and it’s possible to include a time limit. Even the dice can be rolled virtually!

A little bit of time is required to set the game up, in the first instance the host needs to send everyone a code in order to connect via their smart device. Players also need to agree on which “identity” they will assume, something represented by 3-D models of historical figures including Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, and Cleopatra.

Whether playing together in the same room or apart, Outsmarted is a fantastic game for bringing the generations together.

Board Games for Grandparents to play with Pre-teens

Harry Potter Cluedo

Harry Potter Cluedo is a wonderful version of this classic board game which has been part of game play heritage since it first came to the market in the late 1940s and is one of many Harry Potter Board Games on the market.

Rather than a murder mystery, in this imaginative edition, players can assume the identity of one of their favourite characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, or Neville. Locations have also been adapted to the Hogwarts theme with The Forbidden Forest and Malfoy Manor.

Which “baddie” committed the crime, was it Fenrir Greyback at Hog’s Head with a Jinxed broomstick? Or Lucius Malfoy at the Ministry of Magic with a cursed necklace?

Playing junior versions of games such as Cluedo is a great way for grandparents to introduce their grandchildren to these classics, generating an affection for the game and getting them ready to embrace the original edition when they’re ready.

Why not take the experience a step further and read the books together at the same time!

Go Nuts for Donuts

Let’s have some fun with Go Nuts for Donuts. The beauty of this card game is that it’s fast-paced so great for those with a short attention span or for using up some spare time.

Before play begins, shuffle and distribute the donut cards. Beautifully illustrated, it may be worth having some donuts on hand as a treat!

To start a round, each player picks the card they want from the donut row by taking a selection card from their hand and placing it face down in front of them.

Once each player has a selection card face down in front of them, everyone simultaneously reveals it. Then, starting with the lowest selection number and counting up, players look to see if they win the card.

The game ends when there are not enough donuts in the donut deck, at that point, each player counts up their points and whoever has the most is declared the winner!

Board Games for Grandparents to play with Pre-schoolers

The precious preschool years pass so quickly, before too long a baby is a toddler, and then they’re off to big school.

Giving board games for Christmas is a great gift and an opportunity to put them on their to learning; after all learning through play is one of the best ways to develop.

There is a wealth of games on the market aimed at combining fun with acquiring new skills.

Bug Hunters

The compact nature of Bug Hunters by Orchard Toys makes it ideal for taking on trips or keeping in the bottom of a pushchair.

Great for youngsters who may just be discovering the world of creepie crawlies, Bug Hunters features 24 bug or leaf cards; four, four-piece jigsaws and a spinner. The objective is to win as bugs as possible, turning the cards over to find them.

Fantastic for counting and memory development, the game also comes with a fact file so it’s possible to learn even more about the bugs.

Magnetic Fishing Game

A lovely little game for helping develop fine motor skills, the Magnetic Fishing Game has been a popular choice for young children for years.

A very simple premise: using little fishing rods equipped with magnets dangling from the end, try to “catch” as many fish as possible, with whoever manages the biggest catch, the winner.

The game contains 42 magnet fish, four rods and its box is in fact a beautiful pool.

Final Thoughts…

For grandparents looking for Christmas present ideas for their grandchildren, we hope this round-up for children of all ages will serve as a useful guide.

Enjoy spending time together and being part of the next generation to develop life-long skills.

Making treasured memories and helping impart valuable skills as ell as wisdom..