Despite all the lists and the carefully put together plans, not everyone manages to get all their holiday shopping done before the actual holiday. Not to worry. Here are a few better-late-than-never games that are sure to amuse and entertain _ including a few designed to be amusing and entertaining after the kiddies have gone to bed.
_ Not Parent Approved (Not Parent Approved, LLC)
Inspired by Cards Against Humanity, this one is closer to being for the whole family (but with plenty of double-entendre possibilities to titillate more mature players). It's all about filling in the blanks in questions like, "I dare you to tell your dad about ___ " or "Grandma believes that ____ is the source of all goodness." Comes with 455 cards. If that's not enough, expansion packs are also available. Under $25. 4-10 players, ages 8+. https://notparentapproved.com
_ What Comes to Mind? (Endless Games)
Most of us go back and forth between thinking everyone else thinks just like we do and being amazed when they don't. This fast-paced matching game will let you figure out exactly how well you actually know the people you think you know (plus it's a great way to get to know people you don't already know). Under $15. 3+ players, ages 10+. http://endlessgames.com/
_ Villainous (Wonder Forge)
Players play as one of six Disney villains: Maleficent, Jafar, Ursula, Captain Hook, Queen of Hearts, and Prince John, using cards that list the villain's special abilities and skills. Another deck has heroes each villain needs to take out to win. The rules are a little complex, but once you get going, you'll discover just how fun it is to get your evil on. Under $32. 2-6 players, ages 10+. http://www.wonderforge.com
_ Exit: The Game. Dead Man on the Orient Express (Thames & Kosmos)
Combine an escape-the-room team challenge with taut murder mystery on a speeding train and you've got a recipe for a few solid tech-free hours of clues, puzzles, codes, solutions, arguments, and fun. Unlike some escape-the-room games, this one can be played only once (because you'll be marking, folding, and tearing things up. Under $10. 1-4 players, ages 12+. https://thamesandkosmos.com
_ Dude and More Dude (North Star Games)
Since there's only one answer in this game, this is truly a time when how you say something is more important than what you say. All players have identical decks of cards, each evoking a different way of saying "dude." Players pick one, then, all at the same time, read "dude," the way the card tells them to. Think you match with someone? Say "sweeeet." If you're right, you score. About $21. 3-6 players, 13+. https://www.northstargames.com
_ What's That Smell? (WowWee)
A truly unique game that pits your schnoz against everyone else's honker. Each player picks a mystery whiff card (with scents from divine to disgusting), sniffs it, writes down a guess, and passes it on. When everyone's smelled all the cards, tally up the points (like horseshoes, you can score for being close). The winner is the Nose-it-all. Under $13. 2-4 players, ages 14+ https://whatsthatsmell.wowwee.com
_ YeahNOPE (Wonder Forge)
You know all those secrets that you hoped would stay hidden? Well, um, they're out now. One "It" player reads an Experience card aloud (something like "I practiced my kissing technique on an inanimate object" or "I've given a friend a piercing"). The remaining players work together to select a Situation tile (like "while drunk," "and hated it," or "for money") in the hope that it will make a true statement. The It player then uses the sequined box to answer honestly; swipe one way and the sequins spell Yeah, the other way and you get NOPE. 3-8 players, ages 17+. http://www.wonderforge.com
_ Family Feud After Hours (Endless Games)
Whether you're old enough to remember Family Feud's original host, Richard Dawson, or you're a fan of Steve Harvey, now's your chance to play this deceptively simple game for real. Come up with your very own answers and then see what "Our survey says ...." Under $17.50. 3+ players, ages 17+. http://endlessgames.com/
