by E. Rae Fallesen

Created on: February 29, 2008   Last Updated: August 18, 2010

Board games make great gifts. They're interactive, often educational, fun, classic and not too personal. You can give a board game to anyone on your list if you put some thought into it.

1) Personality. This is very important. More important than anything else you'll consider when buying a board game. You don't want to give the kid that hates books the Trivial Pursuit book lover's edition. You want to give a game that says something about your receiver. Let them know that you sought what they liked (and hopefully found it). Active games are good for kids that can't sit still. Hullabaloo is a good game for hyper kids. Candy Land is a great game for a dreamer. If you're shopping for adults pick something you think they'd be good at, or choose a themed version of a classic game that they already love.

2) Age. This isn't necessarily as important but it is a good way to narrow down your choices. Kids can grow into games and play them with the help of their families, adults can play younger games with their children or even among their friends just for a laugh. For the best successes however, choose a game that fits their age range and maturity level. If you've got a studious brother get him a trivia game. For a crazy aunt look for something that involves shouting out or acting ridiculous. These criteria are fun for all ages, but the challenge of the game will be catered better if you stick within the right ranges.

3) Price. Some collectors editions are expensive. They come with special game pieces, special boards and diamond studded cards. Well not really. At least not all of them. The prices can just seem that way. If you don't have a large budget look into the classics. They've been around a long time so they can afford to cost less.

4) Fun. You're probably going to be playing the new game the very night you give it so look for something fun. Games are gifts that get put to the test right in front of you so it can be tricky to find something you're sure will pass. However, it is worth it. You want to be known as the person that chose something that made the night so much fun.

5) Sentimentality. This can be a great way to give a gift to a family member you remember playing a certain game with. I know I always played Uno, Scrabble and Monopoly with my grandparents. I have since gotten them the collector's editions of all three games and we still play together. It's an easy win.

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