In the digital era, the simple pleasures of a board game have been almost forgotten.
But there’s something about gathering your nearest together for a few hours of screen-free fun.
Where once board games were part of the Christmas schedule or trundled out for once-a-year get-togethers, game nights are now the star of the show.
You don’t have to leave the comfort of your sofa nor the convenience of your stocked fridge to have an epic game night in of your own.
Not when we’ve rounded up the best games to play with friends and family, all of which you can shop online and have delivered straight to your door.
From family favourites to games you probably shouldn’t play with your gran, here are the best games for adults.
Weird Crushes: British Hunks
Best for: judging friends for their inexplicable crushes
If you’ve ever harboured a soft spot on an unexpected celebrity (that'd be Ian Hislop for us) this is the game for you.
The pack brings together 55 famous and eccentric British men, rating them for sex appeal, charisma, style, likeability and fame (Albert Square’s very own Romeo Ian Beale is among the worst cards, scoring a measly 1 out of 10 in each category). Think less footballers with six-packs, more comedians with dad-bods.
The player holding the worst card at the end loses. With a five-star rating, Weird Crushes is a game that will trigger endless debates and help you see your friends in a whole new light. We can't wait to play.
£9.99 | Prezzybox | Buy it now
See more adult party games from Firebox
Now That's What I Call Music Board Game
Best for: combining karaoke with quiz... quizzaoke?
This trivia game will really test your knowledge of hits from the 80s (arguably the greatest musical era) right up to 21st century bangers.
Tasks will see you sing covers or mime song titles to be crowned the winner. Extra bonus points for an impassioned air guitar solo? Well, we'll leave that to your discretion.
£15.53 | Amazon | But it now
Monopoly Voice Banking
Best for: busting cheats
A much loved game that’s been around since 1903, there are hundreds of versions of Monopoly available - including a Stranger Things one.
The latest iteration looks to thwart cheaters, as it is voice activated and Mr Monopoly manages all the cash from the depths of this top hat.
Requires three AA batteries, included.
£21 | Argos | Buy it now
Black Mirror: Nosedive
Best for: finding out who’s top dog, once and for all
You only have to look at news headlines to feel like you're living in an episode of Black Mirror these days, but if you really want to feel as if you've entered a dystopian Charlie Brooker universe, try a game of Nosedive.
Inspired by the Black Mirror episode of the same name (series three, episode one), this devilish board game sees players rate each other and compete to live the 'perfect life'.
It's been released in the US but we're still waiting for it to arrive on our shores. However you can pre-order the game on the link below.
£14.99 | Zatu Games | Buy it now
First Dates: The Game
Best for: never looking your mates in the eye again
A spin-off from the hit Channel 4 show, this official game promises to dish up the most awkward meal of your life.
Split your group into pairs and get ready to answer uncomfortable questions that go up the scale of awkwardness, from Starters, Mains to finally, the excruciatingly Dessert round (think questions like "who would have more people at their funeral?" and "Who would give a better lap dance?").
It's awkward but fun in a very British way.
£14.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Playing Cards: Day of the Dead
Best for: trying out your poker face
There's just no beating a classic game of cards, whether you're into Texas Hold 'Em, rummy or the simple joys of snap.
Give your deck an upgrade with this cool pack complete with colourful Day of the Dead illustrations by artist Ricardo Cavolo.
As well as this, there's a huge variety of other illustrated games to be found at Laurence King, including Dog Bingo and Cat Bingo!
£9.99 | Laurence King | Buy it now *available August 26
FAO SCHWARZ Charades Matchbox Trivia Card Set
Best for: giving a classic a helping hand
A smart card game to roll out after your next dinner party, this is the F.A.O version of the classic game, charades.
There are 100 cards to provide inspiration for your mime, featuring famous books, films, songs, plays and TV shows that everyone will have heard of.
Perfect for playing with friends old and new, this is sure to keep the party going for as long as you do.
£12 | Selfridges | Buy it now
Scrabble FXW09 70th Anniversary Edition - English Version
Best for: flexing linguistic prowess
Scrabble may have just celebrated its 70th birthday, but the ultimate rainy-day board game remains in a continual state of flux as language evolves and new words become officially accepted in the game. Recent entrants include the likes of fatberg, upskirting and manspreading.
To celebrate seven decades of sparking small family feuds, Mattel has released this slick black and gold Scrabble board, complete with matching letter tiles.
Keep things fair with Collins Official Scrabble Words, the official, comprehensive word list by Collins Dictionaries, £19.99 from Amazon.
£29.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Game of Thrones Risk Board Game - Skirmish Edition
Best for: keeping your favourite fantasy show alive
The show may be over but if your passion for Game of Thrones is still going strong, channel it at a game night with your friends with this GoT-edition of Risk.
A game of strategic conquest across Westeros, the pack includes a beautiful bespoke board complete with famous locations from the series, along with crafted game pieces and key characters such as the Mother of Dragons, Tyrion Lannister and Sansa Stark.
£39.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Ridley's Game Room After Dinner Quiz
Best for: stopping dinner guests from falling into a food coma
Treat your loved ones to an after-dinner quiz with Ridley's Games. Topics span everything from literature and wine, to philosophy and retro cars.
Split your group into teams and watch them do battle for quiz supremacy.
£9 | John Lewis | Buy it now
Hot Seat Card Game: The Party Game About Your Friends
Best for: seeing yourself from your friends' perspective
The next time you have a party that needs livening up, pull out this pack of cards. Hot Seat helps you discover who knows you best by guessing your answers to awkward questions written on the game cards.
There are 200 questions to get through, giving everyone a chance to sit in the Hot Seat.
Ideal for your next BBQ or house party, the more people in play, the better.
£22.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Akiko Solitaire, Marble and Copper
Best for: a housewarming gift
This beautiful white marble and copper set of Solitaire will look stunning as a piece of home décor as well as a quiet game for two.
£30 | Made | Buy it now *On sale from £39
Fog of Love
Best for: pretending to be big screen stars
This two-player game recreates the corny, cheesy, cliche moments of a classic rom-com. Every run through offers different scenarios and results, so it's a game you can play over and over. Each round can last up to two hours, so crack this open the next time you need a rainy day distraction.
£39.98 | Amazon | Buy it now
Verdict
If you're throwing a party or need a fun drinking game, Weird Crushes: British Hunks is our top pick for getting everyone involved. Our top rainy day pick goes to Now That's What I Call Music - because who doesn't love a singalong? Meanwhile Monopoly's latest voice-operated iteration is our best pick for wholesome family-friendly fun.
Shopping Editor // Jessica Reynolds
