My friend group has been gifting board games for every graduation since college. Way better than gift cards honestly. These are the ones that always get the best reactions.
Sections
6
Strategy Games 🧠
Party Games
Two Player Picks 🎲
Cooperative Games
Quick Games ⚡
Big Box Favorites 🎁
Strategy Games 🧠
For the grad who loved outsmarting everyone in class. These take some thinking but never feel like homework.
this is the one that got me into board games. every grad should own it.
Catan Board Games & Expansions | Settlers of Catan & More
my whole family plays this one together 🚂 easy to learn, hard to stop playing
Ticket to Ride: Disneyland Tickets & Board Games
the tiles feel so satisfying. looks beautiful on a shelf too.
Azul Board Game: Plan B Games, Strategy & War, 2-4 Players
bought this for a biology major friend and she LOST it. plays it weekly now.
Wingspan Board Game
quick rounds but surprisingly deep strategy. perfect for dorm rooms
Quick win strategies | Splendor
Party Games
Because post-graduation parties hit different. These are the ones that make everyone laugh until they cry.
split into teams and it gets competitive FAST 😂
Codenames Party Game | Best Board Game Collection
weird name, incredible game. takes like 2 minutes to learn
Steam Workshop::Exploding Kittens Collection
we played this at my sister's grad party and my dad won somehow
Here For The Comments by What Do You Meme? Card Game
basically telephone but with drawings. the results are always unhinged
board game telestrations
yes you actually throw burritos at people. yes it's as fun as it sounds 🌯
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens - A Dodgeball Card Game
Two Player Picks 🎲
Not every grad has a big group around. These are perfect for a roommate, partner, or just one good friend nearby.
cozy and competitive at the same time. my partner and I play this constantly
Patchwork Game - Board Games Collection
all the fun of the original but built for just two people
7 Wonders Duel Board Game | Expansions & Accessories
trading game that fits in a backpack. great for coffee shop hangs
Jaipur Game Collection: Board & Card Games
no board needed, just the tiles. we play it at the park sometimes 🐝
Hive Board Game | Top Games & Accessories
feels like chess but way more approachable. the pieces look so cool
Santorini Board Game: Strategy & Fun for All Ages
Cooperative Games
Sometimes you don't want to compete with your friends. These are for working together and it honestly builds real bonds.
you work together to save the world. hits different after 2020 lol
Pandemic Game & Board Game
quick co-op game that's great for beginners. sinking island, rising tension
FORGOTTEN ISLAND | Official Trailer
tiny box, huge fun. we beat it on a road trip once
the crew card game
one person is a ghost giving clues through visions. so creative 👻
Mysterium Board Game: Secrets & Lies | Strategy & Fun
perfect for any HP fan starting a new chapter. pun intended
Hogwarts Battle Game | Harry Potter Board Games
Quick Games ⚡
For grads moving into tiny apartments with no table space. These play fast and pack small.
takes 15 minutes and the art is adorable 🍣
Sushi Go Card Games
just 16 cards but so much bluffing. fits in your pocket
Love Letter Game | Board Games & Variations
my niece beats me at this every single time. humbling honestly
Spot It Games: Find Fast and Play More
a classic for a reason. the Skip card ends friendships though
Takashi Murakami UNO Artiste Series Card Game Multi
like Scrabble but faster and no board needed. English majors go wild for this
Bananagrams Classic Word Game
Big Box Favorites 🎁
When you want the gift to feel substantial. These are the ones that look impressive when they unwrap them.
upgraded my old copy recently and the new version is solid
Clue Classic Mystery Board Game
fair warning, this one can take ALL day. bring snacks.
Risk Board Game
controversial pick but every apartment needs one. just set a time limit 😅
Classic Monopoly Board Game
kind of poetic to gift this at graduation right?
The Game Of Life
got this as a grad gift myself and still have it ten years later
