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 games for children.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly games chosen by puzzles and games.

For a hand-picked selection of Christmas games and stocking-filler puzzles for every age, browse the seasonal range at games for children.

Part of what makes it work is the head-to-head option. Two players each take a grid, roll the same starting positions, then race to finish first. A single round takes only a few minutes, which makes it easy to fit in before dinner or on a rainy afternoon. It suits ages six and up, and adults tend to get just as competitive as the children.

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.

Brain teasers can help pass the time on a commute or wind down at the end of the day, and they make a good talking point left out on a table. They are also handy gifts because they do not need batteries, a screen or another player. A well-made escape room puzzle games in solid metal or wood also tends to last, so it can be handed round the family for years.