The Best Cheap Board Games
Many of these inexpensive family games sell for $10 or less.
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If you want your children to be intelligent, play games with them. If you want them to be more intelligent, play more games with them. That’s the upshot of a joint study published by doctors at U.C. Berkeley, MIT and the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
For 60 minutes a day, twice per week, the researchers played games with two groups of 7- to 9-year old children. One group played logic games (like Qwirkle) and the other group played beat-the-clock games (like Perfection). Eight weeks later, children in the first group increased their IQ test scores by 10 points; the kids who played quick-thinking games experienced a 30% gain in coding ability.
Indeed, different types of games benefit children in different ways. Dr. Silvia Bunge, a neuroscientist specializing in children’s education and a co-author of the study puts it simply: “you should be exercising your brain and body in lots of different ways — indoors, outdoors, alone, and with friends.”
The same is true for adults. A 20-year French study found a correlation between board game playing and a lower risk of dementia. Another study published in Brain Imaging and Behavior found that playing games is associated with a “lower risk of developing [cognitive impairment] and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Health benefits aside, a good board game is a cheap form of timeless entertainment. Backgammon was invented 5,000 years ago, Monopoly has been popular since the 1930s; heck, even Hungry Hungry Hippos has been around for 40 years. It’s a rare luxury to spend a few bucks on something that can remain fun, playable and culturally relevant for decades, centuries or millennia! Here are the best cheap, educational games for kids and families:
Looking for Classic Board Games?
Hasbro’s Retro Series features nostalgic editions of classic games like: Battleship (1967), Trouble (1986), Clue (1986), Guess Who (1988) and Aggravation (1989). The modern editions of these games (some of which appear below) may have different graphics, rules and characters.
Taboo Kids vs. Parents Family Board Game
Good Price: $15 | Great Value: $10
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This kid-friendly version of Taboo is a fun way to encourage quick thinking, vocabulary use and creative word associations, according to several online customers. Many reviewers were disappointed that this game uses a “squeak toy” in place of a buzzer; others caution that this game is too advanced for smaller children.
Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $9
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Suspend is a fun way to learn the basics of strategy and balance, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the game gets old quickly; others wish that the plastic packaging was more durable.
Winning Moves Games Big Boggle, The Classic Edition
Good Value: $14 | Great Deal: $8
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Boggle is a fun way to build vocabulary and brush-up on spelling skills, according to several online customers. Some reviewers prefer the classic 4x4 version of the game; others say that the plastic lid doesn’t fit well.
Simon: Electronic Memory Game for Kids
Good Value: $17 | Great Deal: $10
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Once high-tech, Simon is now a vintage alternative to screen-based entertainment, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the game is smaller and more cheaply-made than they remember.
Jenga Classic Game
Good Price: $8 | Great Value: $5
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Jenga is an oldie but a goodie, according to several online customers who say this stacking game is just as fun as they remember. Many reviewers say that the wooden blocks are well made, but the packaging is not, cautioning that the plastic stacking sleeve has been replaced with cardboard and a loose box.
Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Puzzle Game
Good Value: $11 | Great Deal: $8
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Kanoodle keeps kids engaged and entertained, according to several online customers. Some parents say that the game takes more time to set up than to play; others complain that the lid won’t stay open.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Cyber Monday.
Qwirkle by Mindware: Travel Size
Good Value: $13 | Great Deal: $9
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Qwirkle keeps your mind sharp, according to several online customers. Reviewers have mixed feelings about the travel-sized version of the same: Some say the pieces are too small; others say the smaller tiles are better. Many customers say the tile colors are hard to tell apart, especially for those who are color blind.
Perfection by Hasbro
Good Value: $16 | Great Deal: $10
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Perfection is a fun way for young kids to develop hand/eye coordination, according to several customers. Many reviewers say the board “pops” prematurely and it is made more cheaply than they remember.
Operation by Hasbro
Good Value: $16 | Great Deal: $10
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Operation is a timeless, challenging game for kids and adults, according to several online customers. Many reviewers miss the play money that came with the classic game; others say the body parts are too small.
Hasbro Connect 4 Game
Good Value: $9 | Great Deal: $5
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Many nostalgic customers say this version of Connect 4 is as fun as they remember, but also caution that the frame is made of cheap, lightweight plastic (and not as sturdy as the vintage game).
Rubik’s Race
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $9
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Rubiks Race is a fun and competitive game, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say the assembled game doesn’t fit back in its box and the game tiles have dull colors that are hard to tell apart.
Hasbro Guess Who? Classic Game
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Guess Who? is as fun as ever, according to several nostalgic customers, but many online reviewers say that the card holders don’t flip up-and-down as well as vintage versions of the game.
Clue Game
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Most online customers like this version of Clue, but some fans are upset that Mrs. White has been replace with another character. Some reviewers say that the foldable board is wobbly once it is set flat.
Mastermind Game: The Strategy Game of Codemaker vs. Codebreaker
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $4
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This logic game is fun and challenging for kids and adults, according to several online customers. Many reviewers complain that the game is a pain to store because the pegs don’t fit well in the board.
About the Author: John DeFeo is a proud parent and the former head of insights for educational brands like Live Science and Space.com.
