Candyland

You can't go wrong with a classic board game like Candyland! So simple, yet often overlooked. A classic amoung the high-tech games available for kids.

My family has had so many fun times playing Candyland. We even help our younger daughter play, although the rules are fairly simple for those who can count and recognize colors ;).

You can find Candyland at Target or Amazon for around $10.

Pretty Pretty Princess

My daughters aren't into the Disney Princesses (although they know all of their names). I would say they aren't overly girly but they do *love* playing the Pretty Pretty Princess game. Could it be the fun earrings? Maybe the bracelets and necklaces? Or the crown?

As you travel around the game board you collect the jewels that match your color. If you collect all of your jewels and the crown you WIN. Really, collecting and wearing the jewels is just as much fun as actually winning!

There are a few different versions of Pretty Pretty Princess (we have the Cinderella). You can find the Sleeping Beauty one pictured above at Amazon for under $15.

Cranium Cariboo

This is another favorite from Cranium! Children reinforce letter, number, shape, and color skills as they search for the hidden balls to unlock the treasure.

Cranium_Cariboo is geared toward the younger kids, ages 3 to 8. Although I like to give this game for second birthdays, just when the birthday child is ready to play games! My daughters enjoy playing Cariboo by themselves at times, just using the purple key to open the doors in search of the hidden balls.

You can find Cranium Cariboo at Amazon for under $20.

more gaming fun!

In the spirit of Penguin's Gifts Game Night themed week check out Sara's blog. Sara has reviewed two of the Elefun and Friends games that she has played with her family. The best part - 'Sara the Savvy Shopper' is giving away *two* Elefun and Friends games here!

Be sure to check out Sara's weekly Target report also. She highlights some great finds at Target AND links to printable coupons. Sara the Savvy Shopper has been a coupon printing inspiration to me!

I'm off to print out my coupon for Elefun and Friends games right now ...

Crazy Eights Card Game

My older daughter *loves* playing Crazy Eights. And its fun for us to play with her. My younger daughter plays with us sometimes, although she is always paired with an adult to make a 'team'. There is nothing like a good old fashion card game!

I found this Kidz Cards in a Tin on Amazon. It includes the games Crazy Eights, Go Fish, War, and Old Maid. The cards looks so cute! Fours sets of cards/games in a nice storage tin (I'm all about toys/games that self store) for under $10. Any child will have lots of fun with these card games for many years to come!

Check out this card set at Amazon.

Cranium Hullabaloo

My older daughter played this game at a friend's house last spring. Then she wouldn't stop talking about it. Would NOT. So I finally broke down and bought it and gave it to her on one rainy day over the summer. After playing it myself I now understand why she couldn't stop talking about Cranium Hullabaloo because it is such a fun game!

Cranium Hullabaloo is a movement and listening game for children four and older. It can be played by just the kids or with the adults too. Jump, spin, and hop between the colored floor pieces while listening to the voice from the console give the next direction. Oh, and don't forget to do a funky dance at the end! So fun!

You can find Cranium Hullabaloo at Amazon for under $25.

Family Game Night - Oops!

Did you know that Family Game Night was September 23? I didn't! I did, however, know that September 26 was National Pancake Day AND we ate pancakes for dinner that day. Do I get an bonus mom point for that?!?

This week Penguin's Gift will focus on games for the younger kids. I'm kinda excited because this will be our first themed week. I hope to bring you more theme weeks in the months ahead.

With all the new game gift ideas you will be all set for Family Game Night in 2010!