About Board Games 2000 Holiday Gift Guide

More of this Feature • Part 1: Introduction • Part 2: Party Games • Part 3: Strategy Games • Part 5: Updated Classics • Part 6: Final Thoughts    Join the Discussion "I'm looking for help in purchasing a game for my kids (10 and 5) and I to play for Christmas. Also, I want something for myself." In the Forum     Related Resources • Desert Island Games • 1999 Gift Guide • Shopping for Games    From Other Guides • Celebrate with About • Christmas Ornaments • Christmas Past • Holiday Movies • Santa Postcards

Dr. Suess Green Eggs and Ham
University Games
2 to 4 players
Ages 4 and up
This game emphasizes memory skills, this game is fun if for no reason other than you get to say Dr. Suess rhymes out loud. Be sure to read the book before playing Green Eggs and Ham. $12 to $15.

Harry Potter Trivia
Mattel
2 or more players
Ages 8 and up
If you or your children know the Harry Potter books inside and out, this one's for you. $25 to $30.

Kids on Stage
University Games
2 or more players
Ages 3 to 8
This game is easy to describe -- charades for kids. Simple objects (like a rabbit, an airplane and a telephone) will help children learn the game without becoming frustrated. $15.

My Colorforms World Game
University Games
2 to 4 players
Ages 3 to 8
Subtitled "A Multi-Cultural Dress-Up Game," My Colorforms World challenges players to dress their characters in traditional clothing. The rulebook includes some cultural facts which can be used to discuss different cultures with your children. Important for a game targeted to young children, the rules are simple and clear. There's no strategy involved, but playing with Colorforms is not supposed to tax the brain in that way. $7 to $10.

Mystery at Hogwarts
Mattel
3 to 6 players
Ages 8 and up
A twist on the classic mystery premise found in Clue; this one stars Harry Potter. Players work to determine who cast which secret spell and where it was done. Moving through the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, exploring secret passages and hidden rooms, players uncover clues. Here's a preview I wrote in October; I can now vouch for the game -- it's fun. $17 to $22. True Potter afficionados won't want to miss the Harry Potter Quidditch card game (2 players, $5 to $8).

Sky Runner
Ravensburger
2 to 5 players
Ages 8 and up
If your child enjoys strategic thinking, Sky Runner just might be the game to introduce them to the world of Family Strategy Games (aka German-style Games). The 3D game board is about two feet tall, and players are climbers attempting to scale the skyscraper. First one to the top wins -- but each level has fewer columns on which to climb. There is enough luck to allow less talented players to win occasionally (good for playing with children), but enough skill that players feel like they're in control. $20 to $25.

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