For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and rough playing time listed for each, browse the games-by-age pages at click for more.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly games chosen by family board games.

Part of what makes it work is the head-to-head option. Two players each take a grid, roll the same starting positions, then race to finish first. A single round takes only a few minutes, which makes it easy to fit in before dinner or on a rainy afternoon. It suits ages six and up, and adults tend to get just as competitive as the children.

Slower, more thoughtful word games suit older children and adults who like to plan a high-scoring play. These reward a wider vocabulary and a bit of tactics, so they are better kept for players who enjoy taking their time. If you are buying for a mixed-age family, a fast game is usually the safer bet, since it keeps the youngest involved rather than left behind.

For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and rough playing time listed for each, browse the games-by-age pages at brain teaser puzzles.

For the big family session, party and bluffing games carry the day. The Traitors board game and card game, both available from The Happy Puzzle Company, work well with a larger group because they turn on reading each other and keeping a straight face, which suits the after-dinner mood. Keep one of these back click for more the moment when everyone is round the table and looking for something to do together.

To compare word games by pace and age suitability, and see which reward speed versus vocabulary, take a look at the word games at brain games for adults.