Go back to playing board games, and discover that it was possible to have fun before computers. Board games and puzzles are a great way for children to get away from TV for a while, and indulge in some old-fashioned family fun. It was only a couple of decades ago that the whole family would sit around for a game of Monopoly or Cluedo.
When you think back however, there was a lot of plastic involved then, with various plastic dice and plastic figures to hop around the board. Here are some alternative board games that make things fresh, and all the family will enjoy them.
Most board games and jigsaws have small parts. So keep securely away from pets and children, to avoid choking hazards
Read The Board Game Family.to help reclaim your children from the screen. Ellie Dix offers a roadmap to integrating board gaming into family life, and presents inspiring ways to engage the trickiest of teenagers, to manage game nights with flair.
Many parents feel as if they are competing with screens, for their children’s attention. As the children get older, they become more distant, leading parents to worry about the quality time shared. This book helps to find tech-free time and reconnect.
Teacher and educationalist Ellie aims to help fellow parents by inviting them and their families to the unplugged world of board games. This can help develop interpersonal skills, boost confidence, improve memory formation and cognitive ability, and refine problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The book offers a wealth of tips to unleash the potential of those dusty game boxes at the back of the cupboard. And become teachers of outstanding gamesmanship, to navigate the unfolding drama of competition and be a more cohesive family unit. Includes tips on applying game-playing principles to daily life and an appendix of over 100 game descriptions, including a brief overview and key info on game length, player count and mechanics.
A Few Eco Board Games
This snakes & ladders game is handcrafted from maple wood. CE tested and approved, not for children under 6 due to small parts. Remove all packaging and assemble correctly. Instead of plastic, even the counters and dice are made from biodegradable wood, all handcrafted in the beautiful New Forest. The game is also personalised with the family’s name, and sits on a cork base (no trees are chopped down to make cork). Includes full instructions, and cute illustrations in a beautiful colour palette.
This Eco Friendly Ice Pops Memory Game is made from recycled cardboard. Lay the cards face down and take turns flipping over two at a time. Do you have a match? If not, turn them face down again, and try to remember where they are . Designed with little hands in mind, the game features illustrations of classic and hand-made ice pots to promote visual recognition and memory skills. Supply in an eco-friendly branded box.
This charming Peter Rabbit Dominoes Set is made from wood, and makes a lovely gift. It even includes a personalised name on the wooden box. This toy is not just fun, but helps children learn to recognise colours and learn to count.
A Plastic-Free Jigsaw
Vida Natural Plastic-Free Jigsaw is a fun and educational jigsaw made from recycled paper and card. Keep small parts away from pets and young children. The 1000-piece puzzle is sold in an organic cotton bag, with a recycled board, and uses starch-based glue. Made in Dorset.