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Are you in need of an affordable wedding gift idea? Perhaps you happen to know a couple that you want to give a bit of an unusual wedding gift. Today we’re talking about giving a board game collection as a wedding gift idea!
A week or so ago I was out for dinner at some friends’ place and they introduced me to a new game, called Ticket to Ride, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Couple that with fresh flavoured lattes using their new syrup collection and I couldn’t believe that it was midnight all of a sudden! (I had a white chocolate raspberry soy latte… delicious!)
When I was in university, a few friends started to get married. Naturally, my financial resources were fairly limited, as were theirs! While I didn’t go to many weddings, I still bought a few people gifts. My first gift of choice? A two player game, so they could while away the time together. Additionally, such games usually fell within my rather limited budget!
Perhaps you know your friends have several games already, or at the very least enjoy games. Perhaps you know that they would love a special edition of Settlers of Catan? Some people even put board games on their wedding registries now, so you could build a games-night themed gift basket around the selection.
Games-Night Gift Basket Ideas
- Board Game(s) (duh!)
- Beverages – pop, fancy drinks, beer, or even stuff to make floats.
- Snack foods – Select ones that aren’t greasy, you don’t want to have greasy fingers on the new board games!
- Cute napkins
- Side plates – from the registry, of course.
- Serving bowl – again, from the registry. Use this as your “basket.”
- Fun Invitations – Pick these up at your local dollar store.
- Cheesy Trophy – my (super competitive) spouse would absolutely love one. Re-purposing one from a thrift store may be your best bet.
- Gift Certificate for take out
- Recipe cards for “foods on a stick” – this avoids the greasy-finger problem!
- Themed decorations – Maybe there’s a few hanging out at the party supply store or dollar store?
Okay, so you’ve put together a few of those things up there, to make a rockin birthday gift or wedding gift, but you need a central game.
How to Choose Board Games to Put in Your Wedding Gift Basket
Now that you have the basics of what goes into the basket down you’ll need to pick out some board games. Of course, the games you choose are going to depend on the couples’ personality and friend groups. I’ve broken this down into a few categories you can choose from with some go-to games in each.
Ideally you’ll pick one or two games from each category to give to the couple – but you know them best!
2 Player Only Board Games
Always always always include some 2 player board games in your wedding gift basket. They’re so good for date nights and don’t rely on getting a bunch of people together to enjoy. While a lot of popular games can be played with 2 players, a lot aren’t as fun.
Instead, opt for games specifically designed for two players like these ones:
7 Wonders Duel
This is probably the perfect 2 player board game for any couple who likes games that are slightly complex. It’s a bit competitive, requires just enough strategy, and feels like a different experience every time you play it.
Patchwork
Patchwork is so simple and easy to learn that even board game newbies will have no problem mastering the mechanics. What makes patchwork so fun is the randomness; it’s great for replayability.
Codenames: Duet
Codenames is a great board game to add to the gift basket too but it can’t be played with just two people so that may not be great for every couple. Instead, opt for the 2 player duet version. It’s a fun, cooperative twist on the classic game!
Tried and True Eurogame Classics
These are just a few of the popular titles on the Eurogame scene. If you’re new to games outside of Hasbro and Parker Brothers I’ve collected a few popular options to consider in your gift basket.
Ticket to Ride
As mentioned above, Ticket to Ride is a fun and approachable board game that almost anyone can get into. It can also be played with 2 players but is more fun with more.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is super fun but you may want to grab a few expansion packs to include with this one if you get it. It’s 20 years old so you can definitely call it a classic at this point!
Splendor
Splendor is so easy to learn and really fun. Since the cards are laid randomly the replay factor is high making it a great staple for any board game collection.
Azul
Azul is a gorgeous game that should appeal to folks who aren’t super into competitive board games. 2-4 players earn points by placing tiles and creating patterns.
Settlers of Catan
Can’t forget Settlers of Catan, it’s another classic! The only downside to this one is you need at least 3 people to play so keep that in mind when buying.
More Complex Board Games
These games may not be for everyone but if you think the couple will enjoy exploring heavier gameplay or more complex systems in their boardgames these are games that most people enjoy.
Terraforming Mars
A more recent game than some of the classics, Terraforming Mars has become one of the most popular board games around. It’s not overly complex, but you’ll definitely need to set aside a good chunk of time and brain power to play this one properly.
It can be played well with 2 players and up to 5.
Wingspan
This is another newer game that’s super popular. It’s also very cute, which makes it perfect for couples. The goal is to collect birds!
Again, this one is fine with 2 players but better with more.
Viticulture
This is another one that works great with two players and has a theme that will appeal to a variety of people. You could even pair it with a bottle of wine for a gift!
In Viticulture, players work at building the best vineyard over several generations. It’s fun, complex, and super thematic.
Cooperative Games
Not everyone wants to compete with each other! These cooperative board games are a great addition to the couple’s collection as a wedding gift. What’s more symbolic of marriage than working together? To help make your selection easier here’s some of the most popular games:
Forbidden Island
There’s a bunch of games in this series that make great additions to a board game gift basket. The goal is to escape the forbidden island!
You can definitely play this with 2 players fine but it’s also great as a double date game too.
Mysterium
For the spooky and Halloween loving couple! One person plays the victim that’s acting as a ghost giving the other players clues. You can play it as a couple but the full 7 players makes this a super fun party game for a group.
Pandemic
This one’s been around long enough that pretty much every board game collector recommends it for a beginner collection. Work together to save humanity from a deadly pandemic! Random cards and different difficultly levels makes this game fun to play again and again.
Party Games
Can’t forget to have fun! OK yes, board games are fun, but these ones don’t take things too seriously. Party games are great if you’re enjoying a few drinks or want to teach a game quickly to friends.
Cards Against Humanity
It’s a must-have in any collection! Cards Against Humanity is the funny, adult party game that’s always fun to bring out with a group of friends. If they already have it then add an expansion pack instead.
Coup
This is another great party game for a group that can be taught in just a few minutes. It’s also one that they may not have (or even have heard of) but definitely should have in their collection. It’s all about social deception, aka lying to your friends!
Specialty Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit used to be a mainstay of any home but it’s often overlooked in board game collections now. Get the classic game or pick something niche to the couples’ interests for a fun night with friends!
Besides these games you can also include some classics like Life or Scrabble, too. I didn’t include them here because most people know about those already.
