12 must-have board games for all ages

Christmas is fast approaching, and with it the desire to share convivial family moments. What could be better than a good board game to bring young and old together around the table? Whether you're looking to entertain the little ones, take on team challenges or simply spend some quality time together as a family, these twelve must-have board games have it all. Suitable for all ages and tastes, they promise hours of laughter, reflection and complicity. Discover our selection and get ready to offer memorable souvenirs this Christmas!

A simple cooperative game where players have to collect the fruit before the crow catches it. My First Orchard is ideal for learning colors and developing coordination.

- Recommended age : From age 2
- Number of players: 1 to 4
- Average time: 10 minutes

Why we love it An ultra-simple ruler, quality wooden pieces, and a team spirit adapted to toddlers.

One die for the color, the other for the symbol. Combine the two and you've got a speed game where players have to catch the right combinations of symbols on magnetic discs. It's up to you to create the highest pile, but make sure you don't get it wrong, or face penalties!

- Recommended age : From age 4
- Number of players: 2 to 6
- Average time: 10 minutes

Why we love it Fun and interactive, it's perfect for developing concentration, observation skills and dexterity. And sometimes, a little frustration too...

Players investigate crimes by scanning a detailed illustrated map. Carefully observe every detail, reconstruct the facts and solve the puzzles. MicroMacro Crime City features sixteen different missions.

- Recommended age : From age 10
- Number of players: 1 to 4
- Average duration: 15-45 minutes (depending on survey)

Why we love it It's a captivating mix of Where's Charlie? and interactive thriller.

With Skyjo, the player with the fewest points wins! Players try to minimize their score by strategically swapping cards.

- Recommended age : From age 8
- Number of players: 2 to 8
- Average time: 30 minutes

Summary: Players seek to minimize their score by strategically swapping cards.

Why we love it This is a card game for everyone, but with strategic depth for seasoned players.

A game of association in which two teams compete to identify their secret agents from clues given by a master spy.

- Recommended age : From age 10
- Number of players: 2 to 8+.
- Average duration: 20-30 minutes

Why we love it A word game with surprising associations! A great way to test your powers of deduction.

The four animals want to get back to their igloo. Help them cross the bridge quickly before it collapses. Roll the die and see if you can move an animal. Do you fall on the icy side? Careful, you'll have to remove one of the bridge pillars.

- Recommended age : From 2 ½ years
- Number of players: 2 to 4
- Average time: 10 minutes

Why we love it We love its adorable figurines! With its simple rules, it's a great way to introduce youngsters to board games. Either we all win, or we all lose!

Are there any escape game enthusiasts around here? Yes, then you're going to love this version of the famous Unlock! investigation and puzzle games. Featuring three kid-friendly stories, it takes you to different worlds. The puzzles are accessible and there's no time limit.

- Recommended age : From age 6
- Number of players: 2 to 6
- Average running time: 20-30 minutes per scenario

Why we love it Immersive, with replayability thanks to the different scenarios included, since each story contains two adventures.

Have you heard of the telephone game? The one where, in single file, players whisper a phrase into each other's ears, trying to repeat it identically? Now imagine doing the same thing by drawing a word. That's precisely what Esquissé is all about. This hilarious game creates zany situations at the end of the chain.

- Recommended age : From age 8
- Number of players: 4 to 8
- Average time: 30 minutes

Why we love it Ideal for unleashing creativity and laughter with family and friends. Don't forget those who can't draw because, as the game says, "The less you can draw, the more fun you'll have!"

Roll the dice with the numbers to discover the theme. Invent an extraordinary adventure using the sentence starters given by the colored dice. Use the white dice to add a dose of suspense, and be ready to be interrupted by other players with the black dice.

- Recommended age : From age 7
- Number of players: 3 to 8
- Average time: 20 minutes

Why we love it The themes are zany and the twists and turns take you down crazy paths, but you still have to find the conclusion! Stimulating the imagination, it is suitable for all audiences and develops oral expression and communication skills.

No more sore losers and bad faith! In this offbeat game, players have to get rid of their cards... by cheating! Just make sure you don't get caught by the guard who's watching you!

- Recommended age : From age 7
- Number of players: 3 to 5
- Average duration: 20-30 minutes

Why we love it Why play by the rules when you can finally cheat? Perfect for short, hilarious games, this game encourages you to think outside the box while remaining strategic.

The most essential of today's board games! Does it need any introduction? Dobble is an ultra-fast observation game where players have to find the common symbol between two cards.

- Recommended age : From age 6
- Number of players: 2 to 8
- Average time: 15 minutes

Why we love it Accessible, intergenerational and always intense! Its many editions (Harry Potter, animals...) make it a timeless classic.

Whether you're looking for a game for your little ones, to liven up your evenings with teenagers and adults, or to enjoy moments of collaboration and creativity as a family, this selection of board games is sure to meet your expectations! This Christmas, the gift of a board game is much more than a gift: it's a gift of sharing, laughter and complicity. So, are you ready to play? 🎲