Classic Board Games

Looking for a fun zero-waste gift? Try a vintage board game! Check out our list of 18 fun and favorite classic board games.

Why you should play classic board games — *Some of the more obscure games in our collection.*

We’ve always played a lot of board games in our household. And heading into winter, I’m pretty certain we’ll be playing a lot of classic board games.

While we are huge fans of strategic games, we also really enjoy classic board games. Here are a few reasons to dust off your copy of Clue or Candyland.

Since classic board games have been around for a few years, they are super easy to pick up secondhand. Perfect for a zero-waste gift.
Una’s 4.5 years younger than Max… so playing a less competitive board game is a good thing.
Variety is the spice of life! There are so many types of classic board games, that you’re sure to find one you’ll enjoy.
Bored with your games? Share them with your neighbors and friends!

Types of classic board games

Rather than create a huge list of all our favorite classic games, here they are broken down by type.

Quick and cheerful

Looking for a game to play with your niece or nephew? Here are a few quick and cheerful games that are perfect for a rainy afternoon. Just turn off your brain, put on some music, and relax.

Payday
Life was my favorite game as an 8-year-old
Clue
Yahtzee
Any game based on a tv show, movie, or cultural icon. (We owned Happy Days and The McDonald’s board games when I was a kid).

Active

Not a sit still and push pieces around the board sort of person? Here are a few active games that will get you moving:

Pictionary
Balderdash
Twister
Operation
Pie Face is a huge party favourite around here!

Vitamins and Minerals

Looking for an educational game? Whether you’re trying to keep your brain young or get the kids learning on the weekend, here are a few games for you.

Scrabble
Memory
Chinese Checkers
Trivial Pursuit
Boggle
Rummikub is still one of my favorite games of all time!

Epic

Epic board games are the sort that lasts for at least a few hours… if not days. I’ll admit that I’m not a huge fan of these games because growing up my family wouldn’t take prisoners… even if you were way younger than everyone else.