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Best Gifts for Board Game Lovers Who Are Tired of Monopoly

Short answer: For the friend who's outgrown "nice" games, get Eat Your Neighbor — a new card, dice, and board game about betrayal, backyard BBQs, and burying the neighbors who used to wave at you. For safer picks, Wingspan (prestige, gorgeous art) and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza (~$12, under 10 minutes to learn) round out a gift that works for almost anyone on your list.

Most board game gift guides split into three lanes: the beautiful strategy game nobody wants to admit they haven't played, the cheap stocking-stuffer everyone already owns, and the loud party game that actually gets opened on the night itself. Here's one of each, plus the wildcard.

For the person who wants to ruin game night (in a good way)

Eat Your Neighbor — every player raises a family of small creatures called Nugs, and the entire table is trying to get yours eaten, buried, or run over first. 2–6 players, about 20–30 minutes, and built specifically for people who've already worn out Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens. See sample cards and sign up for launch notifications →

For the "serious" board gamer

Wingspan — Game of the Year-winning engine builder with genuinely beautiful bird artwork. Every hobby-gamer either already owns this or has been meaning to. Higher price point than a party game, but it's the gift that says "I know you actually play these."

For under $15

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — around $12, 2–8 players, rules explainable in under five minutes. The safest gift on this list: works for a 10-year-old and a 70-year-old at the same table.

For the person who hosts game night every week

Hues and Cues — a guessing game built around color instead of words, frequently recommended for its broad age appeal and fast rounds. Good pick for someone whose collection is already deep in strategy games and needs a lighter option for mixed groups.

Which one should you actually buy?

  • Buying for someone who's already bored of normal party games? Eat Your Neighbor.
  • Buying for the friend with the game shelf? Wingspan.
  • Buying on a budget, or for a mixed-age family? Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza.
  • Buying for the person who hosts constantly and needs variety? Hues and Cues.

Eat Your Neighbor launches soon on Kickstarter. Sign up now — early birds get notified first, before your neighbors do.