Top Ten Games

We are definitely a game family. I would be embarrassed to admit how many board games we actually own - and we also enjoy making up our own from time to time (see earlier Road Rally post). Games are just such an easy way to bring everyone together for some uninterrupted family time and can guarantee laughs, cooperation, and serious competition! Since Christmas shopping is in full swing and because I found myself recommending a couple games to a friend the other day, I thought I would post the Top Ten Games in the Rakestraw household (at least for right now).

1. Anything by THINKFUN
Marketed as "addictively fun games that stretch and sharpen your mind",  this game company has won several awards for advancing learning through play. Brainteasers, logic puzzles, and creative thinking drive this innovative thinking company and are just some of their super fun products. Check them out!

2.   FUNGLISH
Clue givers have to use word cards to describe things for the guessers. You have helpful categories like "definitely", "sometimes", and "definitely not". Fun for both kids and grown ups and can be modified so non-readers can be guessers only. Emphasizes team work (which we always like) and provides laughs and vocabulary building.

 3.  CUPONK
This is one of those games you walk by in the store because you can't imagine paying $10 for a plastic cup, 2 ping pong balls, and some cards. It really is worth it. The cards describe specific tricks you must complete and how many tries you get to do it. It can be played with any number of people and is fun for little and big kids. A very popular activity at our house right now.

4. HEDBANZ
This game comes with 6 plastic headbands and simple object cards. Like the old card game, you wear a card on your headband and ask yes or no questions about what you are to try and make a guess. Everyone from our 4 year old nephew to the oldest adult loves this simple game.

5. SHAPES UP
Combining strategy and tangrams, this geometric puzzle like game is great for logical thinkers. Blockus and Rumis are similar games that are also fun.

6. MAGNETIC MOSAICS
This is a simple art activity I found in a magazine that has provided hours of calm, cooperative creating. Kids can match colors using small foam blocks to create pictures or create their own mosaic design.

7. DISNEY APPLES TO APPLES
If you enjoy Apples to Apples, this is a great version for kids - especially younger ones - as pictures are included on the cards. It stretches their minds to make comparisons and allows them the opportunity to speak thoughtfully about their reasoning.

8. IMAGINIFF
This game involves deciding who is most like a kitten or an old tennis shoe and why. Or if Dad could be a professional athlete, what would he be? Fun with your family and also a fantastic slumber party game - especially when 6th grade boys' names are written in as categories...


9. SPLIT SECOND
This is an old Parker Brothers game my husband and I revived with our kids. It's basically quick answer trivia questions, but closest/fastest wins. The kids love the quick release plastic arms that you have to flip once you write your answer down with dry erase marker. Also thrown in are random personal questions that always make for family fun.


10.  THE NAME GAME
This is a made up game - not sure of the original creator - but my sister and her theater friends played it in college. It's so much fun that we play it in every setting: couples game night, family time, girls weekend, Christmas extended family....Basically, everyone writes down 10 names (we play anything goes - famous people, cartoon character, even people you know) The only rule is that at least 3 people need to know this person. Put all names in a bowl, divide into two teams, and complete 3 rounds of play. A round is complete when every name has been guessed correctly. Round 1: describe using any words except the name. Round 2: say only one word. Round 3: no words allowed (charades). Points are given for each correct guess. This game is active and hilarious!

*I know this is more than ten - but I can't post this without mentioning those great card games you can throw in your bag for long car rides or waiting for a table at a restaurant. Some of our favorites are: Cranium Zigity Tin, Blink Card Game The World's Fastest Game, There's A Moose In The House, and Zeus on the Loose.

I'd love to hear of any other great game recommendations - we look forward to adding to our collection! Enjoy many evenings by the fireplace this winter!