When it comes to gifts, I love giving and receiving games. I’m all about hosting game nights, and it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Games can be played over and over again, with all kinds of groups of people. And even though games can be pretty expensive, I’ve rounded up nine affordable games around $20 and under that make great gifts. From classics like Scattergories to newer ones like Herd Mentality, there are so many fun yet affordable options.
So check out our top 10 picks below. And get ready for some truly epic game nights to come.
Affordable Games Under $20 Great for Gifting
- Slap It: If you’re in for a game of speed, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza sees who can slap the (correct) combination of cards the quickest. You may make some enemies, but it’s worth getting everyone riled up.
- On-The-Go: Test your spelling skills with Bananagrams! If you haven’t already played the iconic game, it’s essentially speed Scrabble without a board. And since it comes in a small pouch, you can take it wherever, whenever.
- Teamwork: As they say, teamwork makes the dream work. In Code Names, you’ll be working with other “agents” to beat out the opposing team. It’s on sale for 20% off right now, too, which brings the price down to just under $20.
- Classic: Obviously, everyone has played Battleship a million times over. But that doesn’t make it any less fun! Whether you’re sitting at home or at a bar, take down your friends’ fleets (and just try not to get too rowdy).
- Versatility: There’s truly nothing more versatile than a fresh set of Dominoes. You can play domino trains, chicken foot, draw dominoes—the options are truly endless.
- Forever Fun: Ah, an oldie but a goodie. Scattergories is a hilarious, creative thinking game that will definitely cause some discrepancies in your group… but regardless, be prepared for some laughs.
- For Large Groups: Everyone and their mother knows how to play Uno. So wrangle all your friends and make ’em play. Again, it may cause some game night fights, but it’s for the best. Plus, you can take it anywhere (so it’s obviously a must-have).
- Speedy: Even though Sushi Go! isn’t necessarily easy to learn, it’s one that you’ll want to play again and again. It’s a fast-paced pick-and-pass game that gets you different amounts of points when you make different food combinations. And rest assured, you’ll be hungry by the end.
- Twist On A Classic: Monopoly Deal is a cards-only version of the classic board game. And while it’s just as cutthroat, it’s about ten hours shorter. So you can play more than one round.
- LOL: There’s no doubt in my mind that Herd Mentality will get your group giggling. You’ll get to know your friends better than ever, too, so prepare to bond like nobody’s business. And while it’s just $5 over the price limit, we had to keep it on the list… sorry!
