Which board game would you recommend?

[Pumpkintopf]

Hi all, I'm buying for a blended family spending their first Christmas all together this year. Usually I would buy for the two DC's of my friend but as this year he has moved in with his new gf and her two children I suggested a board game for the whole family as I don't want the two 'new' children to feel left out, iyswim.

Trouble is, children are aged between 8-18 and there can be some conflict between the youngest two (both aged 8 and not the biological siblings!) - so am struggling to think what to get? Probably not monopoly on that basis I guess! Wondered about settlers of catan but I don't play it so wasn't sure?

Budget is up to about £40, thanks so much for any suggestions

Ticket to Ride
Quirkle

We've had junior catan and have just got full catan for this year. SO not tried it yet but also heard good things about it.

Last year we got Ticket to Ride Europe and really like that one. Kids aged 11 and 9 play it well. The 6 year old gets bored though.

For quick fast paced fun, you can't beat Dobble.

If there is usually conflict between them, I'd suggest a cooperative game such as Mysterium or Pandemic where they win or lose together

Ooh fab suggestions will have a look!

Would junior catan be a good choice, or too young for the eldest?

I like the idea of a cooperative game, thanks for those suggestions!

The logo game is a good one x

Exploding Kittens
Sushi Go
Apples to Apples
Rapidough

We like Ticket to Ride but might be a bit hard for 8 yr old?

Forbidden Island is good. You play and win as a team 😉

Qwerkle, carcassone, scattegories, cranium...I love a good game!

Labyrinth is enjoyed by all ages here, doesn't take too long to play so gets played with more frequently.

Noooo not junior Catan!!!!
It has a bias, whoever makes a certain move first wins the game. You cant get round it. Absolutely wrecks the game. And way too young for the eight year old let alone the eighteen.

Id team the eight year old up with an older member and go for ticket to ride (Europe map not the original), Catan (+5/6 player expansion) or takenoko (otherwise known as the hungry panda game). Of them Takenoko the 8 year old has the best shot at playing singly but limited number of players.

Or Santorini, but thats limited to 4 players. Its a much simpler game to learn and shorter playtime but massively fun and very suitable for all ages

Buckaroo, kerplunk, mousetrap
All are great fun
And a pack of cards, so many games they can play. Heard of slam? It's a great one for all age ranges

These are brilliant suggestions, thank you and thanks for the advice to swerve junior catan! I went for 'pandemic ' in the end, love the fact that they'll have to cooperate. Thanks again

Be aware with cooperative games they are the way for youngsters to play games that would otherwise be in advance of them. But they can also be a bit...um...conflictual.

Make sure you lay down from the start that its great to offer help but ultimately whoever has charge of that piece/whoevers turn it is has ultimate say. Even if that loses everyone the game.

Im not sure how bad pandemic is for that (cos i havent actually played pandemic amasingly). forbidden island is particularly bad for that because after you play it a couple of times, its obvious when the losing move happens. Legendary and the D&D minitures are better.

Another ticket to ride Europe fan - suitable from 8, maybe younger. My two played monopoly from about 6 (but too much trouble usually!) there's all kinds out there, as long as it's no more than 10 &up they should manage it.

Thanks greeneggs, good advice.

Thanks anniehm will add ticket to ride Europe to my list for future pressies!

Oh yes I forgot Labyrinth. That was definitely my favourite to play with kids for a while. Nice and short! And is good with 2 or with 4.