We never thought we’d become one of “those people,” but it’s happening in our circles of friends; an inevitable swap of big nights out for great nights in with wine, cheese, and…games.
But before you break out the Monopoly board and start praying for doubles, there are a few other options when it comes to crowd-pleasing party games.
Here are six notable party games you may want to download or pick up for the “nights in” that lay ahead.
1. Ellen’s “Heads Up” App
If it’s created by Ellen, you know it’s going to be hilarious…and not hilarious in a middle-aged housewife who watches The Ellen DeGeneres Show religiously type of way. Heads Up is the app version of the game Ellen plays on her show, where the objective is to guess the card on your head from your friends’ clues before the timer runs out. Aside from its cost per entertainment value, the best part about the game is that it can be played with one other person (date night in) or a dozen other people.
2. Mattel’s Apples to Apples Party Box
A midnight game of Apples to Apples always goes over well. Apples to Apples is a game of ridiculous and hilarious comparisons, that’s made funnier when a large group and cocktails are involved. The object is to win the most rounds by playing a “red apple” card, which features a noun, that best matches a communal “green apple” card that contains an adjective. It can be as clean or inappropriate as you want it to be. Find out how to turn it into a drinking game here.
3. The Logo Board Game
Put your friends in advertising and marketing to the test when it comes to how well they really know their logos. Bust out The Logo Board Game when you’re hosting the next get-together to discover how much or how little you actually know the brands you use every day. The game is for 2-6 players (unless you get really geeky and couple up).
4. Cards Against Humanity – ‘90s Nostalgia Pack
There’s nothing like a good game of Cards Against Humanity when it comes to inappropriate laughter – just don’t play it with your sensitive or overly conservative friends or parents. Couple it with some 90s nostalgia and you’re in for a hilarious night. The 30-card mini expansion version is available online.
5. Say Anything by North Star Games
If you’ve seen every card in your Cards Against Humanity deck (at least three times), you may want to switch it up with Say Anything. The award-winning game will give you more insight into the thoughts of your friends as it offers the chance to settle questions that have been the topic of hot debate for years. Players can take a stand on everything from which website would be the most difficult to live without, to the most important invention of the past century, and which celebrity would be the most fun to hangout with for the day. It’s designed for 3-8 players.
6. Curses!
If you want to really break the ice at a gathering, brush up on your acting skills, and laugh your ass off in the process, pick up Curses! Players draw “challenge cards” that detail an action – a situation or role to act out, a story to tell, or a point of view to explain – and draw “curse cards” to give to another player with a specific instruction. This can range from not being able to bend your elbows or fingers to having to bark like a dog whenever the player to your right reads a card. A lesson in taking direction, the goal is to continue the command or combination of commands as long as possible without breaking it. It’s played with 3-6 people.
There you go; now all you need is the wine and cheese. Oh, and friends will help too.
#NOTABLE
Cover image: Ellen
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