Best Christmas Board Games for Tweens (Ages 9–12)

Tweens like games with real choices, a bit of bluffing and plenty of laughs. These picks work for sleepovers, family nights or playing with older siblings.

Ideas worth a look

• Ticket to Ride: First Journey or the classic — Building train routes across a map teaches planning and geography. Search on Amazon ↗
• Exploding Kittens and quick party card games — Short, silly rounds that are easy to teach to friends. Search on Amazon ↗
• Escape-room puzzle games — Work together to crack codes and solve the mystery in one evening. Search on Amazon ↗
• Catan and other strategy classics — Trading and building that tweens can play with adults. Search on Amazon ↗
• Drawing and word party games — Pictionary-style games get the whole room playing. Search on Amazon ↗

What to think about

• Check how many players a game needs. Some games need 3 or more to be fun.
• Escape-room games are usually played once, so think of them as a special-night gift.
• Starter editions of popular games are easier to learn.

Make the list easy for everyone

Once you have a few ideas, help your child write a free letter to Santa with Pip, then share a private wish list so grandparents and Helpers can coordinate without doubling up.

Prices, stock and age ratings change often. Check each product's listing and age label before buying.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.