For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and roug…

These games are a good pick if you want screen-free play that travels well and does not need a long rulebook. You can compare the full Genius line-up and read how each version plays at brain teaser puzzles.

To see jigsaws grouped by piece count and theme, from first puzzles for toddlers to harder pieces for adults, take a look at the jigsaw collection at family board games.

For the big family session, party and bluffing games carry the day. The Traitors board game and card game, both available from The Happy Puzzle Company, work well with a larger group because they turn on reading each other and keeping a straight face, which suits the after-dinner mood. Keep one of these back for the moment when everyone is round the table and looking for something to do together.

Christmas is when board games and puzzles earn their keep. With the family together and a stretch of quiet days, a good game gets everyone off their phones and round the table, from the youngest cousin to the grandparents. The trick is having a mix ready: a quick game for the afternoon lull, a party game for the evening and a puzzle for someone who wants a quiet corner.

For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and rough playing time listed for each, browse the games-by-age pages at escape room puzzle games.

Slower, more thoughtful word games suit older children and adults who like to plan a high-scoring play. These reward a wider vocabulary and a bit of tactics, so they are better kept for players who enjoy taking their time. If you are buying for a mixed-age family, a fast game is usually the safer bet, since it keeps the youngest involved rather than left behind.