-
Gross-Abulary
It's a game that uses sight words and picture cards, pitting players in a race against a three-minute timer to create the longest sentence. A great way to help those just beginning to read, it's also challenging for players of any age to try and come up with the longest—and let's face it, when it comes to kids, the grossest—sentences possible. No question that the entire family will have a total gas with this game.
-
Earthopoly
Do certain board games have a Monopoly on fun? Earthopoly changes up the classic real-estate development game and brings it down to earth. Instead of building up hotels, the goal for kids (and adults) is to increase property values by purchasing carbon credits, clean air and the like. Make wise decisions or your all-natural game token will lead you directly to the Dump (instead of Jail).
-
What’s in Ned’s Head?
It's gross, but that's totally the point. What's In Ned's Head is a game for any child who finds appeal in what makes others squeal. Players choose a card then reach into Ned's plush ears, nose, or face and pull out one item—mouldy cheese, rats, fake vomit, creepy bugs, spiders and more. The object is to match the picture on the card with what you have pulled out of Ned's head, but the rules—and your appetite, if you play along—may just go out the window.
-
4-Way Countdown
Schooled in the art of the educational gift? Strive to be a moron—an oxymoron that is—and give a gift that is seriously fun. 4-Way Countdown uses simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division in a game where players use the roll of the dice and the combination of the numbers to try and flip all their natural wood numbered keys over first. The game can be made easy or difficult based on the age and skill level of the player. It's a definite maybe that they'll love this gift.
-
HAPE Pandabo Bamboo Balance
We're still trying to perfect our own balancing act, but kids will make striving for equilibrium a fun activity with the HAPE Pandabo Bamboo Balance Game, which challenges participants to keep the sticks on the uneven Panda game piece. Made of bamboo, non-toxic paints and wood, with a cotton bag to keep all the game pieces together, it's a game that's never dull—just like our life with kids.
-
Super Story Starters
These colourful cards have fun visuals and relatable questions to get kids talking—and thinking—about anything and everything from friendly aliens in their backyard (“What would you show them in your neighbourhood?”) to an igloo adventure (“What things would you bring for a stay in an igloo?”). The answers will be funny, thoughtful, and adorable, just like the partner you're playing the game with.
-
Math Mat Challenge Game
Play-based learning may have its critics, but at home they'll both play and learn with this interactive Math Mat which will appeal to both preschoolers and school-aged kids. The Mat asks the question, the kids jump on the right answer. With four different games, two skill levels and increasing speed with each correct answer, it's the perfect combination of play and learning.
-
Bananagrams Game
A non-competitive, educational game where players create words and link them to others crossword-style and it comes in the cutest banana bag that's perfect for packing. And no monkeying around with pencil, paper or board as none are required to play. Simply use a table or other flat surface, and one hand can be played in as little as five minutes.
-
SET - The Family Game
This great family game allows people of all ages to play together, no reading required. Out of the pile of cards on the table, you need to be the first to recognize the patterns among the cards and find three that will form some type of set. Sound simple? Your set can be all the same, completely different or slightly similar. It's a fun fast paced action game for all skill levels and perfect for when kids are trapped in restaurant chairs waiting for their food.
-
Gobblet Gobblers
As easy to understand as tic-tac-toe, but with a strategic twist (big pieces can gobble up smaller ones), your younger kids will have fun trying to outwit the grown ups.
-
Crunch a Colour
Tired of trying to get a balanced meal into their mouths? Save the dessert bribes (and your dwindling patience) and pick up Crunch a Colour, The Healthy Eating Game that challenges young players to earn colourful point cards as they eat-and-learn about certain foods and food groups. A reward chart is included to encourage good table manners, as well as trying new foods. When dealing with the lunch and dinner debate over what's on their plate, Crunch a Colour may be a winning strategy.
-
Blokus Game
Although this game requires a lot of strategic thinking to win, Blokus does not have many rules, requires no reading and can be played in around 20 minutes, making it perfect for younger kids (five and up). You'll be surprised at how quickly your children will start outwitting you!
-
The Game of Life
This game is as much fun as you remember, but what you might not recall is what you learned while playing it. The Game of Life teaches realistic lessons about financial planning, decision-making and how expenses can add up! We loved watching our kids get frustrated with debt and learn to save their money.