Learn how to choose family games that suit every age, mood and occasion, with simple tips for finding a thoughtful game they'll enjoy playing together.

A family game can look perfect on the shelf, then spend the evening unopened because the rules feel fiddly, the youngest player is left behind or nobody can agree on how long to play. Knowing how to choose family games is less about finding the loudest box or the most familiar name, and more about choosing something that suits the people who will gather around it.

As a gift, a well-chosen game has a particular charm. It is an invitation to put the phones aside, make a cup of tea and share a laugh - with just enough friendly competition to make the winner feel smug for a few minutes. The best choice depends on the household, the occasion and whether they enjoy a quick round after supper or a more leisurely weekend activity.

Start with the people who will play

The age range matters, but it should not be the only thing you consider. A game marked for ages eight and over may be manageable for a younger child with a little help, while a game aimed at adults can work brilliantly for teens who enjoy strategy or wordplay. Think about the youngest regular player, then ask whether everyone else will still find it interesting.

Games with simple turns, clear goals and a little luck tend to work well across mixed ages. They let younger players join in without putting older players on autopilot. A game that relies entirely on speed, advanced reading or very specific knowledge can be great for one family and frustrating for another.

It also helps to consider personalities. Some families love a noisy quiz or a race against the clock. Others would rather build, match, solve or tell stories at a gentler pace. If the recipient dislikes being put on the spot, avoid games that require dramatic performances or instant answers. A thoughtful gift should feel like fun, not homework with a scorecard.

Choose the right level of competition

A little rivalry can make a game memorable. Too much can bring an evening to a rather abrupt end. There is no universal answer here: some families delight in keeping score, while others prefer to work together towards a shared goal.

Competitive games are a lovely fit for households that enjoy banter and want a clear winner. Look for games where luck and clever choices both have a part to play, so one experienced player cannot dominate every round. That balance gives everyone a reason to stay involved.

Co-operative games are especially useful when players are different ages or confidence levels. Instead of competing, the group works together to solve a challenge, complete a task or beat the game itself. They can be wonderfully inclusive, particularly for a family gathering where not everyone knows one another well.

There is a middle ground too. Team games let people pair up or play in groups, which takes the pressure off individual players and creates plenty of conversation. For a present, this can be a safe choice when you are not quite sure how competitive the household is.

How to choose family games by playing time

The time printed on a game box is a helpful guide, but real life is usually less tidy. Set-up, explaining the rules and debating a close finish can add a surprising amount of time. If you are buying for busy parents or a household that tends to play after dinner, a game that can be learned and finished in 15 to 30 minutes is often the better bet.

Short games are not lesser games. They are more likely to come out on a weeknight, and a quick round can easily turn into another if everyone is enjoying themselves. Card games, matching games and straightforward party-style challenges are particularly good for this.

Longer games suit families who make an occasion of playing. They can be satisfying gifts for Christmas, a birthday or a rainy holiday, especially if the recipient enjoys planning ahead and settling in for an hour or more. Just make sure the length matches their habits. A beautiful strategy game is not the right choice for a family that prefers something spontaneous between other plans.

Look honestly at the rules

A game does not need to be complicated to be clever. In fact, the games people reach for repeatedly often have rules that can be explained in a few minutes, with enough variety to keep each round interesting.

When choosing a gift, look for a clear purpose: collect something, guess something, make a pattern, get to the finish or work together to complete a challenge. If the basic idea is easy to grasp, new players can join without a lengthy briefing from the person who read the instructions first.

That said, some families genuinely enjoy learning something more involved. If you know the recipient loves puzzles, planning and tactical choices, a game with deeper rules may be a very welcome present. The trade-off is that it may take a few plays before everyone feels comfortable. Choose it for the right household, not because the box promises endless possibilities.

Think about where and when it will be played

The setting can shape the best choice. A compact card game is ideal for taking to a cottage, packing for a weekend away or bringing along to a family lunch. A larger board game can become a lovely fixture for evenings at home, but it needs table space and a place to keep all the pieces together.

Consider the usual group size too. A game designed for two to four players may be perfect for a small household but leave visitors waiting their turn. For families who often host grandparents, cousins or friends, a game that works well with five or six players offers more flexibility.

Noise is worth considering as well. Lively games are brilliant for parties and school holidays, but quieter options can be more appealing for a Sunday afternoon or a relaxed gathering. Neither is better. The thoughtful choice is the one that fits the atmosphere they enjoy.

Give a game that feels special

A family game is both a present and a reason to make time for one another. That is why it is worth looking beyond a rushed, obvious choice. A distinctive design, cheerful artwork or an unusual theme can make the gift feel more considered before a single card is dealt.

For a birthday, choose something that suits the recipient's sense of humour or favourite kind of challenge. For a housewarming, a game with broad appeal gives new hosts something easy to bring out when guests visit. At Christmas, a game that welcomes several players can become part of the day itself, rather than another present put aside for later.

The Red Squirrel's approach to gifting is built around those small, pleasing details: selecting items that feel personal, useful and a little more memorable than the expected option. A game deserves the same care. It need not be grand or expensive to become a family favourite.

A quick check before you buy

Before settling on a game, picture the first ten minutes of play. Can the intended group understand how to begin? Is there a good chance that everyone gets a turn and has something to do? Will it suit the time they are likely to have available?

Also think about replay value. A game with changing questions, different combinations or a little unpredictability will usually earn more repeat outings. A very specific novelty game can still make a brilliant one-off gift, but it is best chosen for someone whose taste you know well.

Finally, do not underestimate presentation. A game wrapped with a favourite snack, a handwritten note or a promise of a future games night turns a good present into an occasion. Choose for the people, not just the box, and you may give them a new tradition as well as something lovely to open.

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