Top boardgames for Father’s Day

Father’s Day gifting can be a minefield of socks, mugs and last-minute braai tools. But for the dad who enjoys a challenge and a table full of family chaos, a board game may be the better bet.

Ticket to RideTicket to Ride remains one of the great modern classics for good reason. Players collect train cards, claim railway routes and connect cities. It’s easy to learn, but still gives competitive dads plenty of room to quietly become obsessed.

Exploding Kittens: Grab & GameA spin-off of the popular game of the same name, this version is made for fast, funny and wildly unpredictable play. Its quick-play format is perfect for holidays, restaurants, family gatherings or a Father’s Day afternoon. It is simple to learn, quick to set up and full of ridiculous moments.

Spot It! SAThen there is Spot It! SA, a compact speed-and-observation game that works across generations. The premise is simple: spot the matching symbol before everyone else. The result is noisy, competitive and addictive, especially when dad discovers he is not quite as quick as the children. What makes this game special is that you’ll recognise many of the South African icons on the cards.

CATAN Zip!For families who already love the island, CATAN Zip! takes the spirit of CATAN and makes it travel-friendly. The portable edition includes a map pad with 50 different layouts, along with the components needed to play in one compact set, making it ideal for weekends away and holidays.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaFor the dad who claims he “doesn’t really play board games”, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is the trap. Fast, loud and ridiculous in the best way, it is a quick-reaction card game built around matching words and cards before slapping the pile. It’s ideal after lunch, when nobody wants rules that sound like a tax return.

“Board games make brilliant Father’s Day gifts,” says Alex Irwin of Solarpop. “A well-selected board game makes for a wonderful surprise, and it’s something that can be enjoyed by everyone. The retail, hobby store and toy store shelves are brimming with board games, both old favourites and new, so there’s something to suit every taste.”

So give dad something better than another thing to own. Give him a reason to gather everyone, start a little friendly rivalry, and maybe negotiate his way to victory. For more gifting inspiration, follow @solarpopsouthafrica.