Every year, everyone simultaneously texts me “Josh, what board game should I get for my friend/family/kid/significant other.” I get about 50 of these on November 8th at 9:43 am.

So, instead of answering each of those messages individually, I thought I would create a curated list of the best board games to buy for any situation. These are going to be broken up into categories with runner-ups and other considerations underneath.

Exploding Kittens is easily my favorite family game. It’s easy to teach, understand, and everyone loves being able to blow up a family member.

Even my dad, someone who doesn’t enjoy games, laughs like a maniacal Bond villain after he pulls off a combo to destroy another player.

The box does say 7+ as the age rating but I think that has more to do with the crude artwork rather than the gameplay. If you have younger kids, definitely check out the art before making the commitment, cause chances are you’re kids will love it.

What can I say about this game? It’s good y’all!

This game puts players in a tight space and throws a broken pool cue at them. There never seem to be enough resources to go around, and you can never quite make things work out. For some, that description might be a big turn-off. However, once you embrace the chaotic gameplay on display here, the world opens up.

It takes a little while to learn the game, but once the game gets going it’s easy to follow. The real challenge comes in knowing what to do with the hand that is dealt you.

I will be writing more about this game as it might be in my top 3 games.

I’ll be the first to admit that Root is not a board game for everyone. In fact, I’d say it’s not for most people. However, I feel like I have to include it on this list.

Root scratches a very specific itch. Once you understand the core rules (which may take a while), the game becomes about the interactions between the game’s factions. It works best with 4 players, but the hirelings pack can make the game more compelling at 2p.

I recommend this game to gamers who have experience with board games but have yet to venture into complex games.

Looking for a board game for a couple can be challenging. Not all game works well at two-players. Luckily, there’s an entire genre of games dedicated to bringing a compelling experience to two player parties.

7 Wonders Duel is the crème de la top when it comes to 2 player fun. It’s on everyone else’s list, and now it’s on mine.

Azul is the game I recommend the most. It’s easy to learn (I recommend a video though, the rulebook is a bit abstract), fun to look at, and easy to play while lounging around drinking wine.

There’s no reason not to include this game in any board game collection… seriously just get it… then play it… and if you’re confused hit me up.

I couldn’t not include this under the wine section of this list, it’s literally about making wine.

Viticulture is a worker placement game akin to Everdell and PARKS, but instead of building a cozy city for woodland animals or exploring national parks, you’re in charge of a vineyard and a winery.

This game works at any player count and does have a longer play time so you may want to get a fresh bottle for this one.

This is another “I-feel-obligated-to-include-this-inclusion”. During October 2020 I spent many evenings at my friend’s house eating food, drinking cocktails, and playing board games. Carcassonne was our “warm-up” game. It’s what we brought to the table before making dinner and diving into whatever big box game we had planned for the night.

This is another easy recommendation for anyone and everyone. Players spend their turn placing a tile into a large picture and decide whether or not they want to claim any landmarks shown on that tile. It’s a very cozy game that’s easy to have casual conversations over.

Are you in the same situation that my wife is in; you don’t know what to get your loved one because they buy themselves what they want? Don’t worry, I’ve got just the things your board gaming freak will love.

If you aren’t a board game person you probably don’t understand card sleeves. However, as someone who cares and loves my board games, card sleeves not only protect the important components of my favorite games, but they make them feel prestigious.

Ryker Games are great options for buying card sleeves for someone else’s game. They make board game kits that include all the sleeves you need for a specific game or expansion. They’re also great quality and make the cards look great!

Most games use cardboard for their components. It’s not horrible, but it could be better.

If you have a friend who is obsessed with that game, you might be able to find an upgrade kit for it that makes the components just that much better.

There are also upgrade kits made by etsy stores. Some of them are better than others, but it’s worth the peek.

Finally, one of the greatest gifts you can give your boar gaming friend is a willingness to try out that game they’ve been pestering you to play.