To be completely honest, dear hubby doesn't get into board games as much as darling daughter and I but she did do a good job of coaxing him into a game of Monopoly. However, he was less than stoked when he completely bankrupt me and I couldn't pay him when I landed on his property that had a hotel on it two times in a row. He wanted his money! Sorry dear, life happens and good thing this is just a game. Next, he sent poor darling daughter into bankruptcy but she took it with grace and helped clean up the game with a smile.Besides Monopoly we have some other family favorites in our house and I am going to tell you what I like about all of them....starting with Monopoly. Perhaps today's post will give you some gift giving ideas! Please note: this post does contain affiliate links. Thank you for your understanding.
Monopoly: It teaches using money wisely, budgeting, and math skills. Yep, I am introducing multiplication without darling daughter realizing it.
Scrabble: It teaches spelling and expands one's vocabulary when new words are introduced. When darling daughter was younger I would help her with her turn even if it meant I was playing for both of us. She likes the game!
Rummikub: There is a kid's version with animals but I prefer this one as it teaches a bit about number sequencing and forming sets of different colors PLUS some strategy as you can break other sets and use them yourself.
Clue: Personally, I love this game and the detective work you go through trying to figure out whodunnit, where, and with what and darling daughter is getting very good at it! And we have a dual version that has the classic clue and a boardwalk version too.
Mexican Train: Have you played this domino game? My mom got us hooked on it years ago and darling daughter LOVES it but personally, I like it more with more players than just the two of us. Just this past summer we played with Grandma and two of her best buddies...all five of us had a blast (and perhaps ate a few too many snacks but hey, it was summer vacation!). And yes, it teaches strategy and knowing what to play when and where. And do you want to know a secret? Last summer darling daughter's last play on her own train was a domino she could have played earlier on my mom's train but she didn't! She knew she needed it later on her train. That is when my mom knew she could invite her friends over to play with us since darling daughter could hold her own against four grown-up's.
Mermaid Island: Darling daughter fell in love with this box years ago at an aquarium store and eventually I broke down and got it for her as a Christmas gift. Why? Because it was a cooperative game and we got this in those early years when she would get upset if she didn't win. In this game, all the players work together to get the mermaids safely to the island before the witch. We still play it when she wants some game time and we don't have much time to play.
The Secret Door: Another cooperative game by the same maker as Mermaid Island and personally, I really enjoy this game and its twist on memory. It is a memory detective game where you try to get as many matches before time runs out (you find a clock and it moves up to the top of the board). Once time is out you need to guess what three items were stolen and hidden behind the secret door. We don't always figure it out but we always have a blast.
What games do you or your family enjoy to play?
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for board games and finding the time to play.
Daily Bible Verse: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. ~ Psalm 145:18
