Why do I like Games?  I should say, why do I LOVE Games!!  Every time a game is played, it’s new, and that’s part of the reason I Love games.  Games are always at an easy price point, which is another reason that I Love Games.  But most important, games bring families…in fact generations of families, together. 

Our first games with our children are simple, peek a boo, hide and seek…the stepping stones to fun interaction.

Games are made for our youngest non readers…all the way to games that our parents, grandparents, great-grandparents will still enjoy.  Classic games live on, inventing themselves in new ways to play.  Games teach lessons to all of us, including patience (wait for your turn), cooperation, and teaching skills, like memory, math and reading.

I have so many new favorites (many with names that you’ll easily recognize).  Here are some great ones to add to your family’s collection:

Twister Hoopla:  Yes…we are beginning with a favorite, but with a brand new “twist”.  The mat is gone, and we now have real hoops!  There are five games to choose from and you can play in teams or against one another…but you’ll be twisted and connected in so many new ways, you’ll never be able to keep from laughing… a lot!!   (ages 6+)

Scene It! Disney Magical Moments:  Like the classic Scene It games, this is a DVD/board game.  But while other games are more specific to teens.. this is classic Disney, everyone will be able to (and wanting to) play!  Puzzles, trivia and activites for the whole family. (age 6+)

Glee CD Board Game:  I have three teens…and there is not an episode of Glee that they will miss (which is why we thank goodness that we can record these now).  So I don’t have to tell you how excited they were to play Glee.  Here fans will sing, dance, and act to figure out the who is in the character card.  A Glee“full” game!!  I also love that while this is a game for 13+ because of the content, it also helps when you’re stuck on what to buy kids at this age, which can often become a stressful event.

Diary of a Wimpy Kids Cheese Touch Game:   I am always a fan of literary adventures turn games and this one is no exception.  It will keep kids interested in the book series, but give them an expansion of play and loyalty to the characters.  Kids love the books and will love the game.  There are challenges they face in this board game…and wrong answers will leave them with moldy cheese that was found on the basketball court. (age 7+)

Blockers:  This is a really cool strategy game that takes about a minute to learn…but then you can’t stop!  You need to make the fewest amount of clusters on the game board while blocking your opponent…but of course, they have the same thing in mind.  Once you get started, you’re hooked.  (ages 8=)

Creationary:  Roll those Lego dice (yes, I said LEGO) and start building.  This is the first collection of games that you build (even the Lego dice are buildable), and you changeable.  There are four building categories with three levels of difficulty (a grow with me game) and other players have to guess what you are creating.  This game is for 3 to 8 players, so fun for everyone and for ages 7+.

UBuild Monopoly and Monopoly Revolution:  Yes…another name that I think lives in everyone’s households..but with two new ways to play.  For UBuild…you actually build and customize everything.  And..you can build the game to be played in just 30 minutes.  On Revolution, the board is round!!!  And forget the banker, this game uses credit cards…not cash (but I will miss the colorful money).  Both of these great Monopoly games will keep generations playing together.  (ages 8+)

Beyblade: Metal Fusion Super Vortex Battle Set:  (OK…let’s just call it Beyblades…and they are back and better than ever).  Take that battle into the beystadium arena and let her rip!!  These are metal fusion tops with ripcord launchers. There’s also codes to enter at Beybladerbattles.com so you can compete with other Beybladers online! 

I can go on and on….if there’s anything to stock the toy shelves with, it’s games.  Most of these games will grow with your families, certainly the ones mentioned above.  Always remember that a family that plays together….stays togetherJ

The Toy Insider Mom

www.thetoyinsider.com