For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast,…

To see the traditional board alongside the 3D, giant and garden editions, have a look at the Snakes and Ladders range at family board games.

For a hand-picked selection of Christmas games and stocking-filler puzzles for every age, browse the seasonal range at brain games for adults.

For a hand-picked selection of brain teasers across easy, medium and fiendish levels, have a look at the adult Happy Puzzle range at educational games for kids.

The 3D and giant multi-storey versions bring something new to the classic. Instead of a flat board, counters travel up and around a tall structure, with the snakes and ladders running between levels, which children find far more exciting to watch. Larger garden versions scale the whole thing up for outdoor play, so the game moves from the kitchen table to the lawn on a sunny day.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly games chosen by jigsaw puzzles.

From about six upwards, children can handle puzzles with a bit more thinking. The Genius Square and Genius Star ask them to roll dice and fit shapes into a grid, which keeps them busy without needing anyone to read a long rulebook. Games like these also work solo, which is useful for a quiet half-hour or a long car journey.