The holidays can be a little stressful even during the best of times, but this year, we all need a little extra help on keeping the peace. Here’s a list of five games (that won’t break the bank) that you can play with family this holiday without spawning too much talk about current events (like Cards against Humanity*). And, you’ll probably even look forward to taking them home and playing them after the holiday, too.
Munchkin
Whatever your interests, there is a box of Munchkin for you. Pick the dungeon-crawling original or properties that range from Marvel comics, Oz, Rick & Morty, X-Men, Conan or even Shakespeare. One box can handle up to six of your favorite (or not so favorite relatives) and while the game recommends 10 and up, there are versions that are a little more family-friendly than others. Add more boxes to the game, and add more people. Munchkin versions start at around $10-$15.
Exploding Kittens
The name may not sound fun, but this game by the Oatmeal promises to take only two minutes to learn (it does!) and about 15 minutes to play. There are two versions—one for those 7 and older, and one for those a bit, um, older. Use your best judgement, but keep your audience in mind. You can get a base game for around $15-$20 and it’s expansion, Imploding Kittens (Cone of Shame included), for about $10-$15. The game is not as ominous as it sounds, but the principle is simple—be the last person standing while kittens explode around you. Two copies will net you the ability to play up to nine people.
Unlock!
Unlock! brings the thrill of an escape room to your dining room table. With the download of a free app, this card game comes in a few different versions, each with a different skill level required. Raising from easy to expert, you have about one hour (depending on your choices) to use the cards and unlock the door keeping you in the virtual room. It’s a fun way to problem solve with up to six people, and can run between $10-$20 dollars to play per deck.
Imperial Assault
For some families, it’s frowned upon to bring your action figures to the table as an adult (I know!)—this is why Imperial Assault made our list. Set in a galaxy far away (a long time ago), you can choose to play as a rebel or an Imperial agent, complete with a group of fighters on your side. There are multiple maps included, with different objectives that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to play. While base game one can cost anywhere from $40-$100, you can replay it alone with a free app or play with up to five other people! There are also expansions and miniatures of characters you can pick up to change the story or what you can do within the story, which means you can play it again and again.
RPGs
There are a ton out there, and while it may seem like a really “geeky thing” to play, you can sell it as an adventure or storytelling event for the evening. You’ll really only need a pair of dice and a pencil and piece of paper for each person. Most of the $20-$25 beginner boxes (for Star Wars, Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons) have adventures that can take a few hours. But, if you’re going this route be sure to break open the box and prepare beforehand. There are books for Firefly, Doctor Who, My Little Pony and more. If that isn’t in your budget, try tackling a few of the online versions—pdfs range in price, but contain great information. For a really fun, all-ages game we recommend Low Life (based on the Savage Worlds system) because it has cool pictures and funny content.
Do you have a quick or innocuous game you like to break out during the holidays? Share in the comments below!
* This author can also attest to the family-breaking aspects of the seemingly innocuous Apples to Apples. While less charged than CAH, some people just WON’T get over the fact you didn’t pick their perfect card—not that we’re saying it’s the people who usually buy the coolest gifts, but we’re not not saying it, if you know what we mean.