Family Games

Most family games work best from around age six upward, when children can follow rules, take turns, and handle a little friendly competition. Jaques designs with this in mind, so the same game genuinely entertains a ten-year-old and a forty-year-old at the same table, rather than boring one or frustrating the other.

Wood is heavier, warmer to the touch, and quieter on a table than plastic. It does not crack or fade the same way, so pieces stay looking good after years of use. For family games that get played regularly rather than left in a cupboard, wood simply lasts longer and feels more satisfying to handle.

Start with the age of your youngest regular player and the number of people who usually sit down together. A game rated for two to six players suits most families. Then think about attention span: strategy games reward patience, while quick-turn games keep younger children engaged. Jaques product pages state playing time honestly to help you judge.

Classic games like draughts, dominoes, or Nine Men's Morris need no explanation and carry no awkward themes, which makes them reliable gifts even when you are not certain of the recipient's tastes. A solid wooden set also presents well without elaborate wrapping, and it is the sort of thing people keep on a shelf rather than quietly pass on.

Keep wooden games away from prolonged damp and direct heat, both of which can cause warping over time. Wipe pieces with a dry or very slightly damp cloth rather than submerging them. A light application of beeswax or furniture wax once a year keeps the wood looking good. Store pieces in their box or a cloth bag to prevent scratches.

Many Jaques customers write to us with exactly that story. Solid hardwood construction, hand-applied finishes, and replaceable pieces where possible all contribute to a lifespan measured in decades. A set bought today for your children is realistic to hand on to grandchildren, particularly if it is stored sensibly and the occasional lost piece is replaced.

Games with simple rules but genuine strategic depth get replayed most often because every game feels different. A short playing time, usually under an hour, also helps families fit a game into an ordinary evening. Jaques focuses on this balance: rules you can learn in minutes, games that do not feel identical each time you play them.