Games You’ll Be Happy You Bought Your Kids for Christmas
As a game designer and father, I’ve seen my share of toys that end up collecting dust after December 25th. But some games don’t just entertain — they engage, teach, and spark genuine joy. Here are the games that will make both kids and parents happy this holiday season.
Entry-Level Strategy Games
Ticket to Ride: First Journey (6+)
Perfect for younger players learning strategic thinking, this simplified version of the classic train game introduces route-building and planning in a kid-friendly format. Children learn spatial reasoning and basic map skills while having a blast connecting cities.
Catan Junior (7+)
A pirate-themed adaptation of the classic Settlers of Catan, this game introduces resource management and trading in a way that’s accessible to younger players. Kids learn economic thinking without feeling like they’re doing homework.
I played this with my 8 and 10 year old sons last week, and both loved it.
Cooperative Games That Build Empathy
Pandemic (8+)
Players work together to save the world from disease outbreaks, which means constant communication, strategic thinking, and collective problem-solving. Kids learn that complex challenges require teamwork, not individual heroics.
Forbidden Island (10+)
Another cooperative gem where players must work as a team to collect treasures before the island sinks. The mechanics are simple enough for tweens but complex enough to keep everyone engaged. It’s a masterclass in collaborative design that teaches resource management and collective decision-making.
Dexterity and Spatial Reasoning
Animal Upon Animal (4+)
This was one of the first games I ever purchased for my kids back when they were still toddlers, and we got a ton of mileage out of it!
From HABA, the leader in brilliant family games, A.U.A. is a delightful stacking game that develops fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Players carefully stack wooden animals, creating a wobbly tower that requires steady hands and strategic placement.
The little wooden animals are also very cute.
Creative and Strategic Thinking
Karak (8+)
For kids who are interested in competitive fantasy adentures, Karrak is the best option on the market by far. I decided to buy this because my younger son loves magic and adventure but doesn’t have the stamina to play tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons just yet. This game gives you a fun dungeon crawl experience with memorable and fun characters and strong visuals that will keep your little adventurers wrapt for hours.
Carcassonne (7+)
A tile-placement game that teaches spatial reasoning and strategic thinking. For my money, this is the most elegant board game ever created, and one that familes can play together for years to come. Players build a medieval landscape, scoring points by completing cities, roads, and monasteries. It’s like architectural design meets board game.
Wingspan (10+)
For older kids and nature enthusiasts, this beautifully designed game teaches ornithology through complex but engaging mechanics. Players become bird enthusiasts, creating habitats and understanding ecological systems. Although technically 10+, I actually recommend this for 12+ as it is quite deep in its gameplay.
As an added side benefit, many players report learning and retraining actual nature facts from the game, and even take up bird watching as a hobby!
Creativity Engines
Minecraft (Any age with parental guidance)
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. “Another screen time recommendation?” But Minecraft isn’t just a game — it’s a creativity platform. Kids design entire worlds, learn basic engineering principles, and explore spatial reasoning. The educational potential is massive, especially when parents engage alongside their children.
Hues and Cues (8+)
A color-based party game that challenges players’ perception and communication skills. It’s a brilliant way to explore language, color theory, and how we describe abstract concepts.
Physical Games That Get Them Moving
Ring Fit Adventure (Nintendo Switch, 10+)
An exercise game that transforms fitness into an epic RPG adventure. Players defeat enemies by performing real exercises, making physical activity feel like a heroic quest. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had my rambuncious kids get their energy out with a quick round of Ring Fit.
Just Dance 2025 Edition (Any age)
Movement matters. This video game turns exercise into a party, encouraging physical literacy through rhythm and play. For kids stuck inside during winter, it’s a lifesaver. Ubisoft has just released a brand new version for 2025 with updated music including 40 new songs that are currently at the top of the charts. Have boys? Guess what: they love to dance, too.
Storytelling and Imagination
Dixit (8+)
This game turns imagination into a social experience. Players use beautiful, surreal cards to tell stories and guess each other’s narratives. It develops linguistic skills, encourages creative thinking, and creates moments of genuine laughter and connection.
The Real Win: Shared Experience
Remember, the best games create moments. They’re not about winning or losing, but about the stories you’ll tell afterward. The laughs, the strategic debates, the occasional dramatic plot twist — these are the gifts that truly matter.
Pro tip for parents: Always play these games with your kids. Your engagement matters more than any game mechanic.
Methodology Matters
I didn’t choose these games randomly. Each was evaluated through a modified version of what I call the “Razor Test” — does this game create meaningful engagement? Do the mechanics serve a deeper purpose beyond mere distraction?
The answer, in each case, is a resounding yes.
Sam Liberty is a father of two, and gamification expert and serious game consultant. He teaches game design at Northeastern University and was lead game designer at Sidekick health.
