DREAM PHONE BOARD GAME
OK, this probably isn’t one for the whole family, but it will definitely appeal to girls aged 8-14. This game’s been going for years and it’s still just as popular. You’ll get texts and calls on the mobile phone (it’s not quite smartphone level, but it’s not bad), and then using the clues you have to work out who your mystery admirer is. The first player to figure out who has a crush on them wins. £24.99 from www.toysrus.co.uk
THE TIPPING POINT
The aim of the game is to collect counters – by answering questions correctly – which you then put into a slot machine in the hope that more counters come out at the base. This electronic game works on the same premise, answer general knowledge questions in the hope of winning big. It comes with its own electronic machine (powered by a couple of AA batteries), counters and of course, question cards. A good-quality game that is suitable for those aged 10+. £17 from www.amazon.co.uk
ELEFUN AND FRIENDS BOARD GAME
Suitable for those aged 3+, two children can play at once. The aim of the game is to use the nets provided to capture as many fireflies as possible. They come up through the elephant’s long trunk intermittently and there will be squeals of anticipation while the players wait for them to pop up. £17.99 from www.smythstoys.com
POINTLESS
You’ll have watched the popular BBC game show by now and who can help but love the fact the point is to find lowest-scoring answers. With this version of the board game, you can download the accompanying free app and have the electronic scoreboard running on your smartphone/tablet to accompany your answers. Feel the tension rise as you wait to see just how many people have given the same answer as you. £14.99 from www.argos.co.uk
PASS THE PUD
A game you’ll be bringing out every Christmas, this is suitable for those aged 8+ and is essentially the opposite of pass the parcel. The jingling Christmas pudding is passed from player to player but before you pass it on you have to answer a question (cards provided); if you don’t beat the timer before answering your question, the pud will emit a large burp and you’ll be out. A great game that runs on three AAA batteries. £12.99 from www.toysrus.co.uk