Best family board game

[lookout]

I like to put together a Family Box at Christmas with a film, some chocolate, popcorn and a new board game. Last year we had the game Labyrinth, which we all loved. I am struggling to find one for this year. DS1 will be 9. DS2 is only 2 so any game that appeals to our eldest would be over his head, but if anyone knows of a game he could grow into over the next year or so, but that is not so dull as to interest a 9 year old, that would super helpful! If not, I'm happy to go with maybe two games, one for the elder and one for the younger.

We have Uno Extreme already, and Labyrinth and we love both. Pictureka looks interesting also.

In the end we went for two different games, an Orchard posting game for the littl'un and Forbidden Island for the bigger. Difficult to find an actual game that they can both (and us) actually appreciate playing together.

Thanks for all the ideas!

We love Marrakesh by Haba in which the board moves as well as the players' pieces. Also Settler of Catan for adults. I love the way the german game makers think and make their games different. We also love one called the Orchard (but in german) by Haba which has everyone working togetther to beat the raven to the fruit in the orchard lovely wooden pieces and a pleasure to play with. Also a french one called Tortoise (La Tortue?) where you have to move across to the lettuces and have to move all colours of pieces although only one is yours. I will go and get the game names once I have put tea on and got the schooliforms in the washing machine.....

Do you mean the Marrakech game by Gigamic? That one looks gorgeous but couldn't find one by haba?

The game Marrakesh is by Haba (well my one is anyway....) It is about trying to get camels to Marrakesh and the sand dunes, desert and oasis keep moving to stop you getting there. The age is 6 upwards which is true - could be played by younger kids that are good game players. We love it.

The other one is La Course des Tortues which has one the Kinderspiel des Jahres award 2005. Our version is in french but my schoolgirl french is enough to work out the simple rules. We got it in france but it may be available online.

The other good one for 3 years up is Obstgarten by Haba. It is very co-operative and lovely to play.

Kids fed and bedded - schooliforms now drying on the radiators........

Ah that's a totally different marrakesh game then! More to look up thanks :o

I'm going for the Logo Who am I game this year

And we bought a pack of Top Trump cards (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) no idea how I'll score there.

One of my DD favourite is a box of Hawkins Bazaar Christmas dominoes.

Diary of a wimpy kid top trumps- my dd may just die of excitement!!!>>off to google

My 6yo DD is getting her first top trumps this year, in her stocking! Got the monsters university ones

I am really tempted by that haba orchard game - there's a mini version that still looks good quality but has the bonus of being cheaper and fitting in the stocking...

We are also planning to get Forbidden Island as a family game

Just had to update you - we found Game of Life in charity shop on Saturday. It is fab - we (dds age 7 & 12) have played it daily since then. It's fab, though there is an awful lot of luck involved as well as some skill. Means that the 7 yr old has won a couple of times ......keeps her keen!

Heard very good reviews about Carcassonne. Looks like an interesting strategy game that kids can play.

Heard very good reviews about Carcassonne. Looks like an interesting strategy game that kids can play.

Sorry for the double post

DD1(15) and her friends play Carcassonne. Their dad is a serious war gamer and enjoys joining in.

I've a feeling he recommended Forbidden Island too.