The tabletop space has grown over the years with boardgames expanding in creativity, storytelling, expansive mechanics and providing hours of entertainment for friends and family. With so many amazing games available, there is bound to be a tabletop game for everyone to enjoy over the Christmas holiday season.
The Global Board Games and Tabletop Games market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate between 2023 and 2030. In Australia, the annual growth rate for board games is projected to be approximately 8.5% between 2022-2027.
While Christmas is meant to be an enjoyable time for all – it can also get stressful and intense. Games, like the ones listed below, can provide some much needed distractions and also some serious bonding moments that might be better shared while eating a slice of Pavlova.
Board games and tabletop games are a great way to get everyone involved and even get to know people better. Even if we don’t all understand the 6-7 meme, we can at least enjoy everyone’s company over a good fun game that helps with creative thinking and problem solving.
The Christmas picks are:
- Herd Mentality by Big Potato Games (Available at Kmart, Target and most game stores, https://bigpotato.com.au/products/herd-mentality). RRP: $29.95. Voted as “the best party game ever created” by TechRadar in 2022, “Herd Mentality is guaranteed to have you in stitches… a fabulous game to play with families.” The game where you need to think like the crowd to win
- The Chameleon & The Chameleon Pictures by Big Potato Games (Available at Kmart and most game stores, https://bigpotato.com.au/collections/all/products/the-chameleon) . RRP: $39.95. Described as a social deduction game, the games are about spotting-the-imposter and about blending in and not getting caught, as the name of the game suggests;
- CATAN 6th Edition (Available at Kmart, Target, most game stores and catan-au.com.au). RRP: $79.95. The latest release of CATAN marks thirty years since Klaus Teuber’s original game. The 6th edition retains its core mechanics while enhancing creative components for easier gameplay. The rulebook includes more imagery and graphic examples for simplified learning. Revamped art features updated packaging and a premium square box with captivating lid art that immerses players in the game. In 2025, popular expansions such as Seafarers, Cities & Knights, Traders & Barbarians, and Explorers & Pirates will be released, alongside their 5-6 player extensions.
- Block Party by Big Potato Games – RRP: $39.95. Combining artistry and building skills, this game challenges players to create things off their ‘build card’ with ‘the guesser’ having to correctly identify what they have built using their coloured blocks. Available at most game stores and https://bigpotato.com.au/products/block-party;
- Dumb Questions To Ask Your Friends by Big Potato Games – RRP: $39.95. This year’s ultimate party starter, players have to guess which question their friend has answered from their answer. With 400 dumb questions to ask, this is hilarious fun and a great way to find out more about your nearest and dearest. Available at Kmart, Target, most game stores and https://bigpotato.com.au/collections/all/products/dumb-questions-to-ask-your-friends;
- You Can’t Say Umm by Big Potato Games – RRP: $39.95. The ultimate noisy party game with a simple mission – avoid saying “umm” at all costs! Two teams race to navigate their way to victory by describing bizarre things from random cards. But here’s the catch: every “umm” triggers the bell, ramping up the pressure. As teams approach the finish line, the stakes rise with more sounds off-limits. Get ready for a frantic, fun-filled dash to victory! Available at game stores and https://bigpotato.com.au/products/you-cant-say-umm.
- Slingz: The Hilarious Lightning Card Game – RRP $29.95 . Wild times guaranteed! Deal 5 letters to each player and reveal a theme. All players rush to find words that fit the theme and begin with one of their letters. They sling their card saying the word and look for more until 3 words are found. Then a new theme is revealed. The first to put down their 5 letters wins the round! This game encourages good humor, quick fire responses and fast action! Available at Target https://www.target.com.au/p/slingz-the-hilarious-lightning-card-game/71825489?
