Board games

[spinn]

Kids get some board games every xmas and we usually do well to get some good ones that they haven't expected.

I'm looking for some inspiration for board games - 2ds, age 6 (strategically astute and competitively plays games named below so not to worried about age guidance) and 10yr old both love carcassone and ticket to ride, Scotland Yard and London Underground (you’ll notice a theme....maps, transport and strategy...and I refuse to entertain games with noises, batteries or screens).

Anyone got ideas for other games that would be enjoyed?
Bonus points if the grandparents can buy them in Argos for Xmas/bday presents and are under £30!

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you’ve landed here while on the lookout for similar recommendations, our guide to the best family board games has been recently updated. Made up of recommendations from Mumsnet users, it includes a wide range of games suitable for kids of all ages, from pre-schoolers to adults. We hope it’s helpful!

Oh and the board-game-shop-man also highly recommended Dixit and Takenoko, both of which are now on our wishlist 😁

I really don’t get the love for exploding kittens, we have it and it’s the most pointless, tedious game I have ever played. Most people rave about it though, am I playing it wrong??

Fungi is a good two player game. Have they played Mexican train?
I think we’re going to get marakesh and Catan this year.

Kingdominos might not fit the Argos requirement but should be under £30. Sort of a cross between Carcassonne and dominos, you make little maps of different land types. My 6 year old can play it, but we enjoy it too as adults.

Trioka your definalty playing wrong there is great strategy to get teeth into.

oh watching this thread with interest - I also have a 6 yo dd that likes strategy games - last Christmas we got something called cornered - her & her dad love it - my brain just can't cope with it!! She also loves the original mastermind game too but I cannot find this at a reasonable price anywhere nowadays

Camelot is a great strategy game - it’s more of a puzzle than a game in that you don’t play against other people (although you can take it in turn to do the puzzle) but my 7 year old loves it.

I would 1000000% recommend Camel Up.

Dixit and Splendor are real favourites here for everyone from the 8 year olds up fo adults. There are expansion packs available for both.

Also - did you know there is a new double-sided UK/Scandinavia (I think!) version of Ticket to Ride out? Think it just came out about 6m ago.

Forbidden island/desert
Takenoko
Tokaido
Kingdomino/queendomino
Patchwork
Marrakech
Ingenious
Tiki topple
Phantom society

Not quite what you're asking but I'll wade in anyway, last year I got DH a book of card games. It goes from Snap to Texas Hold'Em and with one book and a deck of cards we have a massive range of games, can't be beaten for taking on holiday. One of the best gifts ever if I say so myself. I got the book in Blackwells, willing to bet Waterstones would have a range of similar.