The Sock Game review: we give our verdict on the popular family game

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Our verdict

If you are after the best family board game to inspire some inter-generational silliness, look no further than the Sock Game.

The premise is simple - a selection of items are stuffed into a sock, each team is given a sock and the first team to pull out the correct item moves their counter along the board.

It’s so easy to understand and play that kids under 8 could easily join in, particularly as this game can be played in teams, meaning up to 10 players can participate.

There are lots of small items that have the potential to get lost, but there is always the option of adding your own items to the sock - in fact, this is actively encouraged! But just make sure each sock contains the same items in the interest of fair play.

Overall, the Sock Game is great fun for kids and adults alike and is perfect for larger family gatherings. We loved it, and I’m pretty sure you and your family will too.

Read next: Check out our guides to the best toys for four-year-olds, five-year-olds, six-year-olds, seven-year-olds, eight-year-olds, nine-year-olds and 10-year-olds.

How we tested

I played the Sock Game with my extended family and it was put through its paces by four adults, all aged in their 40s and 50s, my two kids, aged five and seven, and my grown-up nieces, aged 18 and 20. My two children were also able to play the Sock Game independently.

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What’s in the box?

• 1 pair of official Sock Game socks

• 2 sets of 30 game items 

• 2 scoring counters

• Spinner score board

• Instructions

Is The Sock Game easy to set up?

The Sock Game is easy to set up, but it can take a while as you must make sure each sock contains the same items, otherwise it’s not going to be much fun for the player rummaging around for an item that isn’t in there. Setting up the game board takes seconds as this just involves unfolding the board, attaching the spinner and putting both wooden counters in position.

Pictures on the spinner show what each item in the sock looks like, but before playing for the first time, it may be worth checking with younger children that they know what the items in question are. My kids had never encountered a poker chip or a golf tee before, so showing them the items and explaining what they were before they went into the sock helped them know what they would be scrabbling around for. 

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How do you play The Sock Game?

Each player or team takes turns to spin the spinner and wherever the pointer lands is the item that has to be retrieved from the sock. The fastest player or team to pull out the chosen object wins the point and can advance their counter along the game board. To keep things interesting, some of the objects on the spinner can lead to extra points and other bonuses when retrieved. 

There aren’t many rules in this game, but there are a couple that could get you into trouble, and earn the opposing player some extra points, if you are caught breaking them, including no peeking and only putting one hand in the sock at a time.

The winner is the first to reach the final square on the board.

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Is The Sock Game a good family game?

Yes, the Sock Game is a great family game. Different generations can play together and it is fun and silly enough to keep young children engaged, without getting boring for the adults.

My five and seven-year-old loved the Sock Game and there were plenty of giggles and repeated requests to play. Although both kids are below the Sock Game’s recommended age of eight, they found the game easy to understand and play, once we had established that they knew what all the items were.

Also available for the same price (£15 on Amazon at the time of writing) is The Sock Game Junior, which is specifically aimed at children aged from five. This entry-level version of the game features fewer (but more recognisable) items, a shorter sock for little arms and the winner is the first player to win three rounds.

Although the junior version is a cute introduction to The Sock Game, if the child you are buying for is closer to eight years old, I would recommend buying the original version for longevity’s sake. This is a great game that your family will find itself coming back to time and time again.

Looking for a Christmas gift for a younger child? Check out our guides to the best toys for 2-year-olds and the best toys for 3-year-olds, featuring products tried, tested and recommended by Mumsnet parents.

About the author

Laura Cooke is a Content Editor at Mumsnet, with a special focus on child’s play, outdoor play and toddler play content.

Laura started writing Swears By articles for Mumsnet in 2021, writing buyers guides and product reviews to help Mumsnetters make informed choices when it comes to parting with their pennies.

Laura is also a freelance journalist and has written articles for publications including the Daily Mirror, the i, Metro, Stylist and Happiful magazine.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.