The best gifts for board game lovers in 2026: Santorini, Root, Parks, Cartographers, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, plus quick card games like Sea Salt & Paper, Skull King and The Mind. Strategy games and party fillers for game night, from $12. Pa...
Quick-to-learn strategy game where players build up a Greek village and try to climb to the third level first; 2 to 4 players. About $50.
Santorini
Woodland war game where every faction plays by different rules; a favorite for groups who like a deeper game night. About $60.
Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right
Relaxed hiking-themed game with national park art from Fifty-Nine Parks; easy for families and casual players. About $60.
Parks (2nd Edition)
Flip-and-write map-drawing game; everyone plays at once, so it works for 1 to 100 players. About $30.
Cartographers
Story campaign that teaches itself through tutorial scenarios; the approachable way into Gloomhaven. About $60.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Fast, silly card game for game nights with non-gamers; rounds take about 15 minutes. About $20.
Exploding Kittens: Original Edition
Pirate trick-taking card game where you bid how many tricks you'll win each round; great with a big group. About $20.
Skull King
Cooperative card game where the team plays cards in order without talking; short and surprisingly tense. About $18.
The Mind
Small card game with origami artwork; easy to pack for travel and quick to teach. About $18.
Sea Salt & Paper
Viking-themed card game about recruiting a crew and sailing on expeditions; plays in about 30 minutes. About $35.
Knarr
Card-drafting game about building a garden; light rules with satisfying choices. About $40.
Hanami
Dice-game spin-off of Parks; quicker and cheaper, a good add-on for Parks fans. About $30.
Parks: Roll & Hike
Adds new factions and support for more players; for whoever already owns Root. About $40.
Root: The Riverfolk Expansion
Full set of polyhedral dice for D&D and other tabletop RPGs; an easy stocking stuffer. About $17.
ECLIPSE Acrylic RPG Dice Set (11ct)
Pocket-size dice game for ages 6 and up; fun for family nights with kids. About $12.
