The trick to a family game night that does not fall apart is picking games that work across ages. Younger children lose interest when a game runs too long, and older players switch off when the rules are too thin. A mix of one quick game, one party game and one slightly longer game usually keeps everyone at the table without anyone getting bored or overwhelmed.
Piece count is the first thing to settle when you choose a jigsaw. Puzzles for young children usually have large pieces and a low count, so small hands can manage them, while 500 and 1,000-piece puzzles suit older children and adults who want a longer sit-down. If you are buying for someone new to jigsaws, it is better to start lower and work up than to hand over a 2,000-piece puzzle that never gets finished.
Difficulty varies a lot, so read the age guidance and the suggested group size. A game aimed at families with younger children keeps the clues fairer and the reading lighter, while a harder title will have adults scratching their heads. Working through the puzzles together is good fun, and there is a real sense of satisfaction when the last lock clicks open.
It is worth thinking about the setting too. Games with a drawstring bag or a tin survive being thrown in a rucksack better than a large flat box. For a caravan or a beach hut with limited space, pick a few small games rather than one big one, so you can match the game to the mood without taking up a whole shelf.
Fast games are the backbone of the evening. Card and tile games such as Flip 7 and Mobi play in a few minutes, so a child who loses a round is straight back in for the next one. Dexterity and throwing games like Tossit get everyone up and moving, which helps if the little ones have been sitting still for a while. These are all available from The Happy Puzzle Company alongside its own titles.
If you want a shortlist of games tested for family play and grouped by how long they take, browse the family and party games chosen by outdoor garden games.
