The family will love any of these 10 must-have board games this Christmas

Want some festive fun that doesn’t involve technology? Smyths have unveiled their top 10 must-have board games.

A board game is as customary at Christmas as the Late Late Toy Show; a chance for the whole family to get together and enjoy some old-fashioned entertainment (plus the kids’ eyes get a break from all that screentime).

If you’re tired of the usual options in your cupboard and want something new to play then here are a few ideas. Smyths have announced their top board games for Christmas 2019 and there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

We’re talking about all the classics: Pictionary Air (a more modern variation) and Buckaroo, or challenge your skills of time and take your place in the hot seat with 5 Second Rule — it’s trickier than you might think.

Perhaps you fancy a never-ending game of Monopoly — cue the annual war over whose turn it is to be the ‘Banker’ — with plenty of new variations available to try, such as the new Monopoly Voice Banking or Monopoly Fortnite.

Still undecided over what board game to choose?  Here is their list of this year’s must-haves for the festive season:

 1. Electronic Arcade Crazy Golf

Bring home all the fun of Crazy Golf with Electronic Arcade Crazy Golf — younger kids will particularly love this one.

2. Pictionary Air 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MATTEL (@mattel) on Jun 23, 2019 at 9:48am PDT

In a twist on the classic drawing game, you draw in the air and see it on screen using the Pictionary Air™ app and your tablet.

3. Monopoly Voice Banking

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Scrap & Co (@scrap__co) on Oct 12, 2019 at 5:57am PDT

Tired of all the I-want-to-be-the-banker arguments? In this updated version, The Monopoly Voice Banking game features lights and sounds and comes with an interactive Mr Monopoly banking unit. The iconic Monopoly top hat is voice-activated and the personality of Mr Monopoly handles all of the transactions. This adds another element of fun to the overall game.

4. Baby Shark Fishing Game

This will keep your youngest occupied for hours, as they attempt to grab the fish with the Baby Shark-themed fishing rod as the board spins.

5. Monopoly Fortnite

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BoogheOfficial (@boogheofficial) on Oct 29, 2019 at 6:54am PDT

This edition of the Monopoly game is inspired by the popular Fortnite video game; 2 to 7 players claim locations, battle their opponents, and avoid the Storm to survive. The last player standing wins.

6. 5 Second Rule

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Last Piece – East Geelong (@the.last.piece.geelong) on Sep 28, 2018 at 9:36pm PDT

It should be easy to name 3 breeds of dog, but can you do it under the pressure of 5 seconds twisting away? Time’s not on your side, but that’s all part of the fun!

7. Electronic Arcade Basketball

With this mini electronic arcade basketball game, just like the original, this game has two sections for two players, complete with an electronic scoreboard, sound effects and rapid shooting action.

8. Jumanji the Game 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Camelot Games & Coffee (@camelotgamesandcoffee) on Nov 6, 2019 at 5:15pm PST

You’ve seen the film, now play the game (minus it sucking you into another dimension) as you move through the jungle and players race against time to rescue you.

9. Hungry Hungry Hippos 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Si (@thesidog) on Nov 3, 2019 at 3:23am PST

It’s still a classic your little ones will love; whichever happy hippo eats the most marbles wins the game.

10. Buckaroo 

How much stuff can you stack on a mule before he starts kicking? You haven’t much time to find out. (Was anyone else filled with terror as a child waiting for the horse to buck?).

Main photograph: Unsplash