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 brain games for adults.

Christmas is when board games and puzzles and games earn their keep. With the family together and a stretch of quiet days, a good game gets everyone off their phones and round the table, from the youngest cousin to the grandparents. The trick is having a mix ready: a quick game for the afternoon lull, a party game for the evening and a puzzle for someone who wants a quiet corner.

To compare escape room games by difficulty and player count, and find one that suits your group, see the escape room range at jigsaw puzzles.

Matching a game to a child”s age saves a lot of guesswork. For four and five-year-olds, look for chunky, simple games with clear rules and short rounds, so there is not much waiting between turns. Bee Genius, pitched at younger children, is one example that uses big pieces and a single, easy-to-grasp goal.

To see the traditional board alongside the 3D, giant and garden editions, have a look at the Snakes and Ladders range at outdoor garden games.

Word games sit in a sweet spot between fun and family-friendly. They give players a reason to think about letters and words, but wrapped up in a race or a puzzle rather than a test. That makes them a popular choice for families who want screen-free play that keeps everyone reaching for letters at the same time.