Joybuy Insights

Buying board games: a guide for families, game nights and travel

Board games should suit your group, the occasion and the space you have available. Yet product descriptions can often lead to the wrong purchase: a game may seem versatile at first glance, but not be suitable for the number of players you have in mind or take much longer than expected. Age recommendations and information about materials are also often overlooked when buying.

Common pitfalls when buying board games

1. The number of players doesn’t suit your actual group

“Suitable for several players” doesn’t tell you much. A game for 2 to 4 players won’t work for a party with ten guests. Conversely, games for large groups can lose some of their appeal when played by a small family group. So check the minimum and maximum number of players and think about how many people usually join your game night.

2. The stated playing time is underestimated

A quick card game and a strategic board game have different demands. Some titles list a playing time of around 45 minutes, while others can be played over several short rounds. For travel, restaurant visits or waiting times, compact card games and travel games are usually more practical than extensive board games.

3. Age recommendations, content and small parts are overlooked

The age recommendation doesn’t just describe the level of difficulty. It may also relate to small game pieces, language requirements or adult content. When choosing games for children aged 7+ or games for children aged 8+, parents should read the warnings. Small parts can pose a choking hazard for children under 3. Games with dark humour or real-life crime themes aren’t automatically suitable for every family game night.

What to look for when choosing board games

Number of players and group size

Flexible formats are a good choice for families whose line-up changes. According to the product details, UNO is designed for 2 to 10 players aged 7+. SKYJO supports 2 to 8 players aged 8+. For larger groups, party games such as “The Werewolves of Millers Hollow” may be suitable, with 8 to 28 players aged 10+.

Game mechanics and level of difficulty

  • Card games usually take little time to set up and are well suited to travel.
  • Family games combine easy-to-understand rules with a limited playing time.
  • Strategy games often call for planning, number skills or tactical decisions.
  • Co-operative games focus on finding solutions together rather than competing individually.
  • Party games work particularly well when communication and lots of players are at the heart of the game.

Check whether the game comes with instructions in German. According to the product description, “Wizard” includes German instructions. It is designed for 3 to 6 players aged 10+, with a playing time of around 45 minutes.

Materials, format and storage

Paper and cardboard components should be stored in a dry place and cleaned only with a dry cloth. For games with plastic parts, it’s important to store everything together so that no cards, tokens or playing pieces go missing. Size and weight matter when travelling: the Rummikub Travel Pouch is stored in a fabric bag, while compact card games often fit into small boxes.

For children’s games, you should also check the safety information on the packaging. According to the product details, Ravensburger’s “Cow & Co.” meets EN-71 safety standards. It is designed for children aged 4+ and contains small dice and card pieces. Always follow the manufacturer’s own labelling.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
UNO Card Game

UNO Card Game

Why this product suits your needs: The rules focus on matching and playing cards by colour or number. With 2 to 10 players and an age recommendation of 7+, this card game is suitable for families, teenagers and casual game nights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of players is clearly stated, and the card format needs neither a game board nor batteries. That keeps set-up simple.

Key benefits and strengths

112 cards, customisable Wild cards and a format for 2–10 players, according to the product details.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality standards
Asmodee Ticket to Ride Europe

Asmodee Ticket to Ride: Europe

Why this product suits your needs: This board game combines route planning with a clear theme. It is designed for 2–5 players aged 8+, with a stated playing time of around 45 minutes or more.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of players, age recommendation and approximate playing time are all clearly stated. According to the product description, the rules can be learnt quickly.

Key benefits and strengths

Game board, cards and plastic components; German-language version and around 250 components listed.

Ideal for: Specific needs and frequent use
Jumbo Spiele Original Rummikub Travel Pouch

Jumbo Spiele Original Rummikub Travel Pouch

Why this product suits your needs: This fabric pouch game is designed for 2–4 players aged 7+ and is aimed at buyers who want to take a board game on holiday, on train journeys or when visiting friends and family.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The travel-friendly format is designed for limited storage space. The pouch keeps the pieces together, but you should still check the dimensions and what’s included before buying.

Key benefits and strengths

For 2–4 players, with German-language details and a fabric travel pouch, according to the product information.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety requirements in force in the EU.

More games to consider

For a family game night with children aged 7+, UNO or Rummikub variations are an obvious choice. If you’re looking for a game for adults, check the age recommendation and content: “Black Stories Real Crime” is designed for ages 12+ and contains 50 crime puzzles. According to the product details, “Verdammt Nochmal” is intended exclusively for people aged 18+.

For co-operative games, consider “EXIT – The Game: The Last Performance” for 1–4 players aged 12+ or “MicroMacro: Crime City” for ages 10+. For a party with lots of guests, “Hitster” for 2–10 players aged 16+ or “The Werewolves of Millers Hollow” for 8–28 players are more suitable than traditional board games with a smaller player count.

FAQs about board games

Which board games are suitable for 2 to 10 players?

According to the product details provided, UNO and Hitster are designed for larger groups. UNO is suitable for ages 7+, while Hitster is for ages 16+. When deciding what to buy, also consider the content, language version and whether you’ll need a smartphone or app.

How long do board games last?

A game’s lifespan depends on its materials, storage and how often it’s used. Cards and cardboard pieces should be stored somewhere dry, away from direct light and kept clean. Damaged small parts should be replaced or no longer used. Keeping everything neatly stored reduces the risk of losing important components.

What does it cost to run a board game?

Traditional card, board and dice games usually need no batteries and have no ongoing energy costs after purchase. One possible exception is a game such as Hitster: according to the product description, you’ll need a smartphone, the app, a Spotify account and an internet connection to play the music.