Sometimes choosing a gift can be so overwhelming that it loses its charm. It takes effort to make the recipient happy. Cosmetics, small gadgets, and accessories always come to mind.
How often have you missed the mark on a good gift? The lipstick might be the wrong shade, the tie may clash with the suit, and the gift certificates might gather dust on the shelf. We have an excellent, unique solution for you that will be useful to anyone. Believe us, by purchasing such a gift, you'll spoil both young and old, regardless of gender and preferences.
Why Board Games are the Best Gift
The present idea for your friend, relative, or acquaintance is already familiar from the table of contents: board games! You can give a new one every year, and so many of them exist. Such a gift will surely bring a smile to the recipient's face.
You can even choose specific board games based on the person's interests. There are also universal options, like Monopoly, that will suit anyone. The main thing your loved one will receive is the enjoyment of the game, vivid emotions, and the bonding experience in a close-knit circle of friends.
An added bonus: your gift can be used right at the event itself—a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or friendly get-together! After all, everyone will immediately want to open the beautiful box and test out what's inside.
It's safe to say that board games have the following advantages:
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They create emotions and impressions. They're not just another thing that may not be suitable. Games don't have a specific size, color matching (like clothing), or personality. They're an explosion of emotion and excitement.
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They are perfect for family, friends, and colleagues. They are a truly universal gift option, even if they don't have a specific target audience. Of course, there are simpler models for children, while others are more complex and require some research. But in any case, you'll find a good option among the vast selection and variety.
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They help people take a break from gadgets and bring people closer together. Sometimes, it's difficult to communicate even within the same family. Everyone sits scrolling through the news on their phones, and there's no reason or space for real conversation. Games bring people together, add community, and build strong bonds.
As you can see, the idea is tempting enough to try at least once. Let's examine board game options to get a quick overview of what online stores offer.
TOP 3 Popular Games for Small Groups
A great idea is to support friendship with an interesting gift. Friends become even closer, and family members feel united. We've researched and identified three excellent options that are perfect for you. Below, you'll find more details about each of the suggested games. We obtained this information from the website of the well-known retailer Queensell.
Meteor Shower
This is an excellent strategy board game. It's ideal for two players. The main goal is to create an original and, most importantly, unbroken chain of meteorites. These will appear as falling balls and fragments. Movement takes place on the game board. Your goal is to hinder your opponent.
The game's appearance and concept are appealing. The game has a sci-fi feel, and all the events occur (you can easily imagine) on Mars, Saturn, or another cosmic environment. During the competition, players place their toy "meteorites," make creative paths, and disrupt each other's moves by knocking down their opponents' pieces.
The unique style and charm will surely appeal to anyone passionate about space and science. All participants can develop spatial thinking and creative strategy options.
Objective: You must be the first to connect one side of the playing field to the other. This can be done by creating a "chain." A curved, straight, or broken line will work. The main thing is that there are no breaks in the chain.
The board game offers two modes: accelerated (designed for 10-15 minutes) or advanced (30-90 minutes). You can easily plan your leisure period and choose the time based on your preferences.
Meteor Shower has several target audiences:
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For a small group. Ideally, it's two players. It is an excellent example of a dueling puzzle that requires finding the optimal moves. Suitable for all ages, starting from approximately 8 years and up. Teenagers and adults will also appreciate Meteor Shower. It's an excellent family option that's also perfect for taking on a camping trip.
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For those who enjoy abstract strategy games. If you're a fan of planning, tricks, and blocking moves and want to develop visual thinking, Meteor Shower is the perfect choice.
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This option is for those who want a short- or medium-term game.
The advantages of Meteor Shower include:
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Simplicity. You can master the basics by reading the instructions in a few minutes. Then, you can delve into deeper strategic decisions and follow the process more closely to build new models.
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Two options to choose from, depending on your time and mood.
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Develops practical skills such as spatial thinking, planning, and anticipating your opponent's moves.
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No need to study for too long; just read the rules to get started.
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Universal for all ages, genders, and interests.
This is quite a tempting offer. After all, the option is ideal for friends, family, and even children.
SOL43
SOL43 is a well-known logic, fantasy, and role-playing game. The creator's idea is that the game takes place on Mars. You will lead a "mission" lasting 43 Martian days.
What players do:
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Control drones.
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Solve post-mission problems.
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Overcome obstacles on Mars.
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Interact with various elements and anomalies of the environment.
There are two modes: single-player (which is easy to learn logic and moves solo) and two-player (which is an engaging competitive mode to show off your skills).
The Queensell website provides information about the creator's concept. There is a clear educational element. Participants develop logical thinking, improve puzzle-solving skills, and enhance memory and computational skills. In other words, it's not just a fun pastime, but also beneficial for the brain.
The target audience for SOL43 is:
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1-2 players. This model isn't a fun option for a large group, but it is a great way to spend time one-on-one.
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This is for adults and children aged eight and up. It is ideal for family members, not just groups of friends.
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For science enthusiasts or simply those interested in learning.
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For fans of puzzles and educational games.
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For those who want a game with high replayability, where the challenges are slightly different each time.
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This model is for those who want a solo game to occupy their free time. Finding such a game isn't easy, by the way. Most board games are designed for large groups.
SOL43 advantages you'll appreciate:
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An excellent option for development and education. It's your home trainer for practicing logic, creativity, memory, and calculation.
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A multi-level option with 43 different challenges that can be tackled each time.
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Flexible player count. Solo and two-player options are available.
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The themes of science, space, planets of the solar system, and exploration add a special charm and narrative dimension.
Upon closer examination of this gift option, we liked it so much that we even wanted to buy one ourselves. Finding a gift option suitable for one person and two people is not always easy.
Mexican Train
Mexican Train is a unique variation of dominoes, where players appreciate its interesting game mechanics.
The game is played using standard dominoes. A set typically contains 91 tiles.
There are various options with more pieces:
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Double-15.
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Double-18.
We recommend the extended set if there are many players or you want to examine longer games.
The standard set on websites includes the following components:
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Dominoes.
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Train markers.
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A central "engine."
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A central hub or "station."
Preparation consists of shuffling all the dominoes face down so their values are invisible. Then, each player is given a predetermined number of tiles. The number depends on the size of your group and the type of set purchased.
After the tiles were dealt, participants chose the "engine." This is the largest double, placed in the center.
Each set contains detailed instructions on how to proceed. After reading it, you'll learn how to build trains, make them social, and, most importantly, how to win.
It's worth noting that the game can be played over several rounds. This means you can enjoy winning all evening long with a boisterous group.
The target audience for Mexican Train:
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Families of two or even eight or more. Before buying a gift, consider how the recipient will use the set. The basic model will be suitable if they enjoy quiet get-togethers with a small group. A noisy house party will require a more extensive version with many pieces.
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Mexican Train is a game for everyone. There are no age or interest limits, and it can captivate anyone.
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This is for those who enjoy balance and a clever combination of luck and strategy. The tiles you get are random, and then it all depends on your thinking.
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For groups of friends and large families.
Benefits of buying Mexican Train:
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Simple rules that don't require any special skills or preparation. You can understand the essence of the instructions after reading them.
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Social subtext. Players will actively interact within their lines and "interfere" with each other's strategies via the Mexican train.
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An exciting combination of strategy and luck. However, it also requires thinking and planning.
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Opportunity to expand your group of players if you have a set with many tiles.
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A new strategy and game every time. The tiles fall differently, so each round will always differ from the previous one. It is exciting and engaging.
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Available to expand with accessories. You can add hubs, holders, metal trains, and more.
This gift option is clearly different from the previous one. It depends on the recipient's personality, including how often they gather in noisy groups. You can always choose a suitable option after getting to know the person.Â
However, you don't need to know too many personal details, such as favorite clothing brands, perfume, or lipstick color. That's why board games are so popular as a gift option for colleagues and bosses at work.
Tips for Choosing a Board Game
The advantage of gifting a game is that you don't need to know the recipient closely to find the right option. You only need to know the following:
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Recipient's age. Many options are for adults, but some are also suitable for children. Read the product description for age restrictions. If the recipient has children or grandchildren, this information will be helpful.
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Number of players. It's easy to determine a person's personality, even in a working team. Some are loners who prefer playing solo or in small groups. Others, on the contrary, like noisy parties and large groups.
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Difficulty of rules, levels, and other factors. Beginners will appreciate simple, short instructions and a small number of levels. Experienced players enjoy advanced strategy versions with complex and deep mechanics. Some games offer several versions, ranging from simple to complex.
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Theme and interests. Some of the same mechanics are presented in different ways. For example, SOL43 has a distinctly space-themed theme. If you know at least one increase, you can find a great themed gift for the recipient.
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Game length. Short 15-30-minute sets are perfect for boisterous parties, while long, multi-level strategy options are available for family evenings and quiet get-togethers.
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Component Quality. Versions are available in plastic, wood, and other materials. Your recipient may prefer natural parts and components, and wood would be a perfect choice.
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Versatility. There are options suitable for all ages—both children and adults. Some sets can accommodate different numbers of players.
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Personalization. Abstract, narrative, social, and classic sets are available.
We really liked the variety of versions available on the Queensell website. There's a wide selection, and you'll surely find the perfect model. Give your loved ones emotions, not things. It's something they'll remember for a long time!
Conclusions
You don't have to spend much to impress a colleague or relative. You must be original and choose gifts that bring positive emotions and a smile.
Today, we examined board games. We're sure all guests will want to try this gift that day.
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