Board games are the perfect way to woo kids away from gadgets! There are a few games that Saira enjoys playing on days she is at home or has friends over. Here’s what’s in her current games drawer!
Oh Snap
Saira received this lovely game from her uncle as a Christmas present! Oh Snap is a game developed by Marbles Brain Workshop, a US based company. To play the game, you need to pull back the snapping bar and place all the discs inside. Players need to take turns in removing the disc without the bar snapping. If you bar snaps while you’re removing the disc, you lose points.
Why we love it: It’s a fun game that requires concentration. Kids need patience to remove the disc making sure the bar doesn’t snap. Initially, it seems a bit difficult, but once kids get the hang of it, they love it.
Chain Letters
Saira was very excited to receive Chain Letters from her Nana. She enjoyed playing these games over the summer holidays. Chain Letters was developed by India-based toy company Funskool. This game requires kids to make new words using letters from the previous word (made by the opponent).
Why we love it: It’s a simple word game perfect for kids who are learning how to make words. For younger kids, you need to help them make words. Saira was delighted as we made some big words together and she won! She said I’m lucky that I got these letters. The company recommends it for 8 year olds but if you sit and play together, six year olds also enjoy it.
Monopoly
The good ol’ Monopoly (developed by Hasbro Gaming) was given to her by her Papa! She truly enjoys playing the game with him when he has a few hours to spare.
Why we love it: This is a great family game that can keep kids engaged for a few hours straight. The more number of players the more fun it is. Kids learn how to buy and trade properties. It helps them learn how to improve their math skills while handling currency. Older kids can learn how to spend wisely and understand the concept of rent. This game is appropriate for 6+ year old kids.
Go Go Gelato
Toytag in Singapore offered to send me a game to review and I chose Go Go Gelato. Developed by Blue Orange games, this game requires kids to stack ice cream cones according to the card shown. This game requires hand dexterity and focus. Kids have to ensure that they balance the scoops on the ice-cream cone without falling.
Why we love it: I liked this game, as it is different from the others that I’ve seen. Kids love ice cream so this board game is a natural with kids. It takes a while to figure and master, and needs some amount of focus and attention, but there’s no denying that kids absolutely adore the game!
Candy Land
Saira received this from her brother Ved and enjoyed playing this game with her friends. Candy Land is a game published by Milton Bradley Company and Hasbro. In the game, players are required to move down the tracks based on the cards they receive. The winner is the one that reaches the finishing line first.
Why we love it: I liked this game because it is simple, easy and great to play when you don’t have much time in hand. It doesn’t require much thinking and helps kids unwind and have a good time. When we played it together with another 6 year old, he said it was boring! To be fair, the younger ones can also play it.
(Photos by My Red Palette}