Gifts to play together

A veteran of cold coastal Christmases, Amanda Maister picks some games to keep everyone entertained on those cosy dark afternoons.

Petit Collage Animal Friends // ‘Are they wearing a hat?’ This sweetly-designed game is a plastic-free version of that old favourite Guess Who? // Recommended age 3 up // £22 Wild+Wolf

Ludo // Ludo is a simple game for young players to grasp, but entertaining enough for older children too. This KidsConcept wooden set folds away into the box for easy storage too. // Recommended age 4 -7// £20.95 Scandiborn

Photosynthesis // There aren’t many strategy board games that aren’t about war or colonising the natural world. This game is about using light to reproduce your forest. Perfect for these eco-anxious times and it’s fun too. // Recommended age 8 up // £40 Science Museum

Safari Memory Game // Pretty pictures on wooden tiles for playing memory and matching from Ferm Living. // Recommended age 2 up // £19 Maven

Ravensburger Racing Snails // Who doesn’t love a racing snail? Crucially in this pretty and simple game there are no winners or losers, so a great choice if you have kids who struggle with that. // Recommended age 2 up // £15 Alex and Alexa

Labyrinth // This Brio game is a classic and now it has two extra boards to make it harder or easier., meaning everyone gets a fair turn. // Recommended age 6 -10 // £37.90 Alex And Alexa