We've turned to board games and puzzles [1] to keep us entertained all year long, and the holidays are no exception. Not only are they fun activities to do for a small group, they also make for great gifts [2]. We're loving these 20 picks because they're both enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing, and we know you will too.
Whether you're looking to use your brain by picking up chess or laugh a lot by playing What Do You Meme, these options will definitely make the recipient smile. Plus, if you're lucky, maybe they'll let you play too! Keep on reading to shop our picks!
A Holiday Puzzle: Enchanted Nutcracker 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Ring in the holidays with this Enchanted Nutcracker 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle [4] ($14). It's a perfect gift, and a great activity to do with your family.
A Cool Chess Set: MoMA Two-in-One Chess & Checkers Set
This MoMA Two-in-One Chess & Checkers Set [5] ($55) is one they'll be happy to display. They can play chess and checkers on one board.
For the Game Enthusiast: Board Game Set
This Board Game Set [6] ($42, originally $60) will let them play a whopping 15 different games. From chess and checkers to backgammon and cards, there's something for everyone.
Pretty Board Games: Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue Vintage Board Game Bookshelf Collection
This Scrabble, Monopoly, and Clue Vintage Board Game Bookshelf Collection [7] ($110, originally $120) looks so elevated, and contains three of the classic games they'll love. This is for your friend who takes their home aesthetic very seriously.
A Classic Game: Settlers of Catan
They're going to be obsessed with Settlers of Catan [8] ($22, originally $44), if they aren't already. It's a game you can spend the entire afternoon playing with friends.
A Pretty Puzzle: Grand Tetons in Fall 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
How beautiful is this Grand Tetons in Fall 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle [9] ($16)? It makes us want to go to the mountains ASAP.
A Complete Game Set: Hey! Play! Deluxe 7-in-1 Game Set
Got some downtime over the holidays? This is the perfect gift. We want this Hey! Play! Deluxe 7-in-1 Game Set [10] ($39, originally $50) for ourselves.
An Aesthetically Pleasing Gift: MoMA Geo Pattern Dominoes
These MoMA Geo Pattern Dominoes [11] ($46) are so cool. They're worth displaying, and will make for a fun afternoon.
A Backgammon Set: One Kings Lane Barona Backgammon Set
This One Kings Lane Barona Backgammon Set [12] ($175, originally $239) is gorgeous. Plus, it makes an amazing, luxurious gift.
A Game Trio: Hyyge Games Set of 3 Games
Get to know the people you're with, thanks to this Hyyge Games Set of 3 Games [13] ($50). If they like trivia questions or guessing games, this will be so fun.
A New Classis: What Do You Meme?
If they love to laugh, or are always sending memes, they'll want this What Do You Meme? [14] ($30) game. It's a no-fail present, and is great for secret santa gift exchanges.
For the Friends Lover: Friends TV Show Collage Jigsaw Puzzle
So no one told us life was going to be this way, but we can still have some fun with this Friends TV Show Collage Jigsaw Puzzle [15] ($17). All they have to do to finish the puzzle is pivot!
For the Creative: Gift Boutique DIY Puzzle Kit
The creatives in your life will love this Gift Boutique DIY Puzzle Kit [16] ($30). It's such a fun way to express their creativity.
A Great Travel Set: 3-in-1 Game Set — Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon
How cool is this 3-in-1 Game Set — Chess, Checkers, and Backgammon [17] ($30)? If they love playing games on vacation, this is a great travel set.
For Monopoly Fans: Monopoly Super Electronic Banking Game
If they love Monopoly, they need this Monopoly Super Electronic Banking Game [18] ($10, originally $20). It's a new take on the classic franchise.
A Stunning Set: Jonathan Adler Milano Backgammon Set
We want this gorgeous Jonathan Adler Milano Backgammon Set [19] ($415). It's the ultimate coffee table centerpiece.
A Great Gift For Girlfriends: Jiggy Women's History Month x Maliha Abidi
This Jiggy Women's History Month x Maliha Abidi [20] ($40) is an amazing gift for all your closest girlfriends. It contains 100 iconic women, and they'll have so much fun spotting all the greats.
A Game For the Whole Family: SunnyLife Lucite Poker Set
Gather everyone around the table for this fun SunnyLife Lucite Poker Set [21] ($140). Whatever you bet is up to you, but may we recommend some holiday treats?
For Family Game Night: Quicktionary
Quicktionary [22] ($15) is a fun game for wordsmiths who like to think on their feet. Everyone will enjoy this one.
Get to Know Everyone Better: We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game Expansion Pack
If you want to get to know everyone better, you need this We're Not Really Strangers Card Game Expansion Pack [23] ($12). It's a great stocking stuffer, and asks insightful questions that will invite everyone to engage on a deeper level.