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.

These games are a good pick if you want screen-free play that travels well and does not need a long rulebook. You can compare the full Genius line-up and read how each version plays at games for children.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly educational games for kids chosen by escape room puzzle games.

For a bigger group, party and bluffing games give teenagers and adults something to sink their teeth into. Titles such as The Traitors board game and card game, both available from The Happy Puzzle Company, lean on reading the room and second-guessing each other, which tends to spark the loudest laughs of the night. Keep one of these for when the whole family is together at Christmas or on a birthday.

For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and rough playing time listed for each, browse the games-by-age pages at outdoor garden games.

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.