10 of the Best Family Games for Cosy Evenings and Festive Fun

SPOTLIGHT STORIESTOYS, BOOKS & VALUESSHOPPING & GIFT GUIDES

10/28/20256 min read

As the nights draw in and the festive season creeps closer, there’s no better time to gather the family for a night of laughter, creativity and a little friendly competition. Whether you’re after a silly game that’ll get everyone giggling, or a mindful activity to help little ones wind down before bedtime, these 10 picks offer something for every age and mood. From clever card challenges to creative crafts, here are some of the best family games to play this season.

Sosig

Sosig is a brilliantly funny, fast-paced card game designed for families with older children and teens. It strikes just the right balance between competition and comedy, with quirky illustrations and tongue-in-cheek humour that keeps everyone engaged. The rules are simple enough to learn in minutes, which means no one is left waiting around while someone reads the instructions.

Ideal for ages ten and up, it is a great choice for after-dinner entertainment or weekend family time. Even those who are not naturally competitive will find themselves laughing out loud. Sosig works beautifully as a family ice-breaker, encouraging quick thinking and plenty of shared jokes that will last long after the game ends.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk

Fuzzballs: Pizza Thief

Cute, clever and quick to play, Fuzzballs: Pizza Thief brings together a delightful mix of strategy and silliness. Players race to collect as many pizza slices as possible while dodging cheeky opponents who are determined to steal them away. Each round is short enough to keep things lively, making it perfect for families who like games that move quickly and deliver instant fun.

The playful artwork, full of expressive cartoon animals, makes this game particularly appealing to children aged eight and over. Parents will appreciate how it keeps everyone involved, while younger players will love the element of mischief. It is a wonderful addition to any games cupboard and one that will no doubt become a regular favourite over the holidays.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk

Monkey Mayhem™

If your family thrives on energy and laughter, Monkey Mayhem™ is the perfect choice. This lively game encourages fast reflexes, quick thinking and plenty of good-natured chaos as players scramble to complete silly challenges. The unpredictable gameplay means no two rounds are ever the same, and there is something endlessly entertaining about seeing who can stay calm under pressure.

Recommended for ages ten and above, Monkey Mayhem™ is a brilliant way to bring the whole family together. Younger children will love the action, while older players can add strategy and competitiveness to the mix. It is a guaranteed mood booster and an ideal way to liven up a rainy afternoon indoors.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk

Hoddog

Hoddog delivers a perfect combination of humour and quickfire gameplay. This card game thrives on ridiculous fun and lightning-fast rounds. It is made for groups who love to laugh, compete and let loose a little, making it a great fit for family gatherings or festive get-togethers with friends.

Best for players aged ten and over, this one has a slightly cheekier edge that will appeal to teens and adults alike. It is fast, funny and designed to get everyone talking, making it an excellent choice for family nights that tend to stretch into the early hours.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk

Texas Hold It

Fans of poker will love Texas Hold It, a comic twist on the classic card game. Combining all the bluffing and strategy of traditional Texas Hold ’Em with the irreverent humour of Cyanide & Happiness, this version is guaranteed to provoke laughter and a little friendly rivalry.

Perfect for older teens and adults, it is the kind of game that creates memorable family moments. There is no need to be an expert player, as the jokes and light-hearted rules keep it accessible to everyone. Whether you are playing for bragging rights or festive snacks, Texas Hold It is bound to become a highlight of your holiday gatherings.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk

Heads Will Roll

For something hands-on, Heads Will Roll is a wonderfully inventive dexterity game that challenges players to flick miniature sculpted heads across the table to complete a series of imaginative tasks. It is funny, unpredictable and surprisingly competitive, as precision and luck often go hand in hand.

This one is perfect for families with children aged eight and up, as it gets everyone moving and laughing. The physical aspect of the game makes it a nice break from screens and sitting still, while the creative challenges encourage problem-solving and coordination. It is easy to set up, quick to play and guaranteed to spark plenty of laughter.


@laywastegames @giftpruk

Wooden Stacking Toy

Sometimes, the simplest toys are the most rewarding. Rex London’s Wooden Stacking Toy is a beautifully designed classic for children aged three and over. With smooth, pastel-coloured rings and a sturdy base, it encourages little ones to practise coordination and patience as they learn to stack and balance each piece.

Parents will love its timeless appeal and eco-conscious materials, while children will enjoy the satisfying sense of achievement that comes from building and rebuilding. It is an ideal gift for the smallest family members and a lovely reminder that not all fun has to flash or buzz.


@rexlondonuk @giftpruk

Murder by Christmas

If your family enjoys a good mystery, Murder by Christmas is a must-have for the festive season. This clever whodunnit unfolds over twelve days, with a new clue revealed each day to bring you closer to solving the case. It combines storytelling, deduction and teamwork in a way that keeps everyone guessing until the very end.

Perfect for older children and adults, it is an engaging alternative to traditional board games. Settle in with a cup of tea and get everyone involved as amateur detectives. The format makes it an ideal pre-Christmas activity, giving families a reason to come together for a little intrigue and conversation each evening.


@omarabooks @giftpruk

Poo Curling Game

Poo Curling is one of those games that proves laughter really is the best way to bring people together. Inspired by the Olympic sport but with a silly twist, players slide little poo-shaped counters across the table, aiming for the target. It is simple, hilarious and completely family-friendly.

Ideal for children aged three and above, it is a game that levels the playing field. Younger players can easily compete with adults, which makes it brilliant for family gatherings. It is quick to set up, mess-free and always good for a few giggles, especially when played after a big Sunday roast or festive dinner.


@rexlondonuk @giftpruk

Joking Hazard

From the creators of Cyanide & Happiness, Joking Hazard is a fast-paced, irreverent card game that guarantees laughs for teens and adults. Players complete comic panels with absurd or outrageous punchlines, resulting in hilarious, unpredictable stories. It encourages creativity, quick thinking, and a playful sense of humour, making it a great choice for family evenings when kids are older or for festive get-togethers with friends. Its short, lively rounds mean everyone stays engaged, and the jokes spark conversation and plenty of giggles.


@explosmofficial @giftpruk