10 Best Fun and Educational Games to Gift Kids
As an educator of over 15 years, board games are one of my favorite activities to do with kids. They teach and allow us to practice a variety of skills (taking turns, playing fair, strategy, counting, sportsmanship, and patience, among others), plus, they’re just plain fun! And I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a bit picky when it comes to the games I like to play. They should be fun for kids, yes, but fun for adults, too! And I like games with a mix of strategy and luck, so that even the youngest players have a chance to win.
Whether you’re looking for strategy games, cooperative adventures, or educational tools disguised as fun, this list has you covered. Here are my top recommendations for the best games to gift kids this year!
And if you’re looking for the best picture books to give as gifts, check out my post 10 Picture Books Kids Will Love: Gift Recommendations from an Educator!
Why It’s Great: This award-winning game makes chess accessible to even the youngest players by weaving storytelling into the rules. Kids learn strategy and problem-solving without stress. Even if you’ve never played as an adult, this set is easy to learn and will have kids asking to bring it out. FYI, I’ve been beaten many times by kids playing this game- and it’s awesome to see their faces when they realize they’ve got you!
Perfect For: Kids aged 3+ and beginners learning chess.
Price: $39.99
Why It’s Great: A colorful, Montessori-inspired tower game that combines fun and cognitive development. With four game modes, it grows with your child, making it perfect for family game nights. A great game for all, but an especially awesome game for kiddos who tend to be a bit more reactive to practice their sportsmanship when the balls fall.
Perfect For: Families with kids aged 3-9.
Price: $35.99
Why It’s Great: This kid-friendly charades game is portable, making it perfect for travel. It’s a great way to build communication skills and encourage imagination. I’ve had as much fun as an adult acting out the cards as in watching little minds figure out how to act out their cards!
Perfect For: Kids aged 3+.
Price: $8.89
Why It’s Great: A fast-paced block puzzle game that challenges spatial thinking and logic. Fun for kids and adults, it’s a hit for family gatherings. It’s straightforward so you can get playing quickly, but fun enough, you’ll want to keep coming back to it.
Perfect For: Ages 4+ and families looking for a brainy challenge.
Price: $49.99
Why It’s Great: Disney fans will love this skill-building card game that encourages observation and quick thinking. Its compact size makes it a great stocking stuffer or for traveling. It’s also a great solo game for kiddos who enjoy a little independent play or need some quiet time.
Perfect For: Disney-loving preschoolers aged 3-5.
Price: $7.99
Why It’s Great: This simplified version of the classic strategy game CATAN introduces younger players to the world of trading, building, and resource management. CATAN is one of my favorite board games as an adult, and being able to share it with a simplified version for kiddos is awesome.
Perfect For: While the recommended age is 6+, even younger kids can learn to play this game with the help of an adult the first few times.
Price: $22.81
Why It’s Great: A junior version of the classic train strategy game, this is perfect for young explorers learning geography and planning. This game is a blast, and will keep you coming back until the kids are old enough to play the regular version.
Perfect For: While the recommended age is 6+, even younger kids can learn to play this game with the help of an adult the first few times.
Price: $27.99
Why It’s Great: A cooperative game that teaches kids about 25 useful plants while promoting teamwork. Bonus: it comes with a plant guide and coloring book! As useful as it is fun, this game is a straightforward classic-style board game that has the added benefit of teaching while kids play.
Perfect For: Kids aged 4+ and families interested in nature and herbal knowledge.
Price: $37.99
Why It’s Great: This award-winning educational game helps kids practice sight words while having fun. It’s a fantastic way to boost reading confidence. There’s numerous versions, including the classic that has pictures along with more advanced words, but this one is great if you’re looking for a more educational game. It’s still tons of fun, especially if you get to operate the dispenser!
Perfect For: Pre-K to 2nd graders learning to read.
Price: $21.99
Why It’s Great: A delightful game for toddlers that promotes fine motor skills, color recognition, and turn-taking. Plus, the adorable squirrel theme is irresistible.
Perfect For: Kids aged 3+ and families with younger children.
Price: $19.99
Why These Games Are the Perfect Holiday Gifts
These games bring more than just entertainment—they help kids develop cognitive skills, creativity, and teamwork while creating lasting family memories. With a mix of educational and just-for-fun options, there’s something for every child on your list. I hope they have as much of a blast playing them as I have!
🎁 Pro Tip: Many of these games are part of holiday sales, so grab them early for the best deals!
Looking for more toy and game gift recommendations? Check out my post 30 Best Preschool Toys for Kids: Educator-Approved Gift Ideas for Learning and Fun
With joy, Miss Sarah
Affiliate Disclosure:
Hey there, awesome parents and gift-givers! Just a heads up—this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through these links. Think of it as your way of helping me keep the coffee flowing while I bring you more helpful and fun recommendations. Thanks for your support! :)
