Guess Who?

Zingo (ThinkFun)  According to our 4-year-old and 5 1/2-year-old testers, this game is a winner. The concept is easy -- it's a fast-paced bingo game with pictures instead of numbers. Zingo teaches shape and pattern recognition, as well as improving short-term memory skills. Ages 4-8, $14.99

Bug Bingo (Lucy Hammett Games) This classic game of Bingo was given to me a while ago to test and it has been a family favorite ever since.  My daughter has played with Bug Bingo at least once or twice a week since we got it. She says, "it's the best game she has."  Not only has she learned all about insects, but she has also learned what complex words like entomology and metamorphosis mean!  There are also great games like Dog Bingo, Christmas Bingo and more.  These are a great gifts and fun for all!  Ages 3-12. $13.95

Rush Hour  (ThinkFun) This solitaire game is the winner of a 2001 Dr. Toy Award and a 1999 Parents' Choice recommended toy. It includes a card deck of 40 puzzles (with solutions). You set up the cars and buses in the pattern specified and then move the vehicles one at a time, trying to get the red car out of  gridlock. Other versions include Railroad Rush Hour Game,  Safari Rush Hour Game and the simpler Rush Hour Junior for ages 6 and up. (Note: Keep this away from children under 3, who might put the cars in their mouths!) Ages 8 and up, $15.99)

This educational game tests knowledge, creativity, and reasoning with components of acting, drawing, and modeling clay to achieve correct answers. It's a nice take-off on tic-tac-toe games with a little more difficulty than just X's and O's. Be warned: You can't play a quick game. This is best saved for rainy days when you have lots of free time.

This is a great educational game for children as young as 3. Players match drawings on cards and open magic doors to look for hidden balls. Kids get excited when they find the last ball and open the treasure chest! The game teaches color and shape recognition as well as some numbers.

Remember playing Operation as a kid? Today's version is a little different in construction, but it's still the same fun game. Players try to remove silly body parts from the "patient" without setting off the alarm. Funny as it is, Operation helps hone fine motor skills -- so it's actually educational too!  

Chutes & Ladders Game 

Another classic game. The object is to move your child-shaped playing piece from square one to square 100. If you hit a chute you slide back, and if you land on a ladders you climb forward. Great for number recognition, and children don't need to read to be able to play.

This is one of the best games invented. The tiles and rack are still
made of wood, the board is sturdy, and it's as fun as ever! How many times
have you played Scrabble? Get your grandchild this game and a dictionary.  You'll have as much fun as they will!

As always, you can buy property, add houses and hotels, and cash in -- or go bankrupt! This game can go on for hours, or you can play one of the shorter variations. A must-have for any family's game closet.

Twister

This game is good for ages 6 to 99! Kids will love this game because it's active and requires no reading skills -- just color recognition. Teens and older will have fun with it at sleepovers and parties. Adults -- well, let's just say that we hear it's hilarious after a glass or two of wine!