As schools have now returned, our attentions move towards considering Christmas. It may seem crazy, especially after the year we have had, however Home Bargains now have an aisle dedicated to festive season goodies and it’s time to start stocking up!
For us, lockdown gave us the time to finally dust out board games we had forgotten about, complete jigsaws and just generally have family fun. With this in mind, we are going to take a look at some of the hottest games for Christmas, that are fun not just for children, but great for the whole family to play too!
Break The Board, Diamond Heist and Who Dunnit? are recently launched family fun games from Yulu that we have been putting to the test recently, but what did we think?
Family Games From Yulu And Popcorn Poppin’ Giveaway
Break The Board
We have been totally hooked by the Cobra Kai series on Netflix recently, having watched The Karate Kid film during lockdown. If you haven’t watched it yet, I can totally recommend it! When Break The Board arrived it was the first game Liv wanted to try and before I could say ‘Daniel-san’, the included red Break The Board hachimaki was tied around her head and she was ready to chop!
Based on the ‘Simon’ concept, the game requires you to Chop, Swipe, Strike and Break The Board, when prompted with instructions and lights. You can use the included stand (very easy to set up) for solo play or you can find someone brave enough to hold the board up! With 4 challenging game modes – Level Up, Competition, Training and Freestyle, this is a fantastic interactive game that will keep everyone entertained! Instructions are included, although it is very easy to understand the game from the get-go. The game is aimed at children aged 6 years upwards and does come ready to play with 3 x AAA batteries included, alongside a demo mode! You can now purchase Break The Board (RRP £19.99) from retailers such as Smyths Toys online or in store.
Diamond Heist
Also aimed at children aged 6 years upwards, Diamond Heist takes a little longer to set up, but is totally worth it. Once you have read the instructions (there are plenty of images to check too!) and set it up for the first time, it will become easier and quicker to set up in the future.
The game mission is to rappel into the vault to find and recover the diamond, using team power (ideally 2-4 players) in order to escape before the guards arrive. We liked this game for the ‘Crystal Maze’ feel and the excitement! Tensions are definitely high as you work together, controlling the spy figure on strings as you swing it around the game board to complete all the tasks.
Remove cameras, remove the booby trap, open the vault, retrieve the diamond and escape before you are caught… you never expected stealing a diamond to be easy did you? Whilst it is aimed at 2-4 players, you may find it easier with a higher number of players to help manoeuvre the spy figure. Perfect skills such as dexterity, teamwork, speed, coordination and spy skills… well, you never know when they may come in handy! Remember that they guard’s car is moving around the game board at all times on a timer, if you are caught then just reset the game! No batteries are required, simply pull back the guard’s car into the original place.
This is a high octane game that is sure to encourage everyone to get involved in game play. Whilst there are small pieces and mission discs involved, the game is very easy to pack away, making it portable to take to family and friends too. With an RRP of £19.99, you can now purchase Diamond Heist from retailers such as Smyths Toys, online or in store.
Who Dunnit? Mystery At The Museum
An awesome head to head crime solving game that is perfect for all the family to get involved with! Aimed at ages 7 years plus with 2-4 players, although you could have more, they would just need to be discreet when whispering clues, Who Dunnit? Mystery At The Museum is a fabulous game for Christmas at home or on travels!
Easy to set up and put away, the game includes 6 game frames with supports, 36 cards, 6 see-thru evidence boards so you can keep track of your progress (and your opponents!), 2 dry-erase markers, 1 dice and an instruction sheet. The aim of Who Dunnit? Mystery at the Museum is to figure out ‘Whoodunnit?’ by asking your opponent’s questions relating to who, what and where and then eliminating suspects when they have been thoroughly interrogated with yes and no questions and cleared!
A totally fun spin on other guessing games, giving players the opportunity to solve the who, the what and the where facts about two crimes that have been committed at the National Museum. The winner is the first player/team to figure out who took what priceless treasure and hid it where in the museum.
The see-thru evidence boards are actually quite funky and most importantly, sturdy! It is very easy to set up, simply clip the evidence boards into the frames and then let the fun commence. I personally love this game as there isn’t a lot to set up, you can put it back in the box set up so that it’s ready for the next game and it’s easy. After a day of work, it’s a nice, relaxing game to play with family but it still has the fun factor about it. Children will find it very easy to set up and play too! Plus, it is super easy to travel with, making it ideal for visits and trips away!
Who Dunnit? retails at £19.99 and can now be purchased from store such as Smyths Toys online and in store.
I hope you have been inspired by the games above, they really would make fantastic Christmas gifts!
However… getting to this point, you certainly deserve a little treat, so how about a giveaway to win one of Christmas 2020’s most wanted toys?
Based on the classic ‘hot potato’ passing game, Popcorn Poppin’ (RRP 14.99) has its own modern twist! The objective is to pass the popcorn to the next player before it pops! A fun game everyone can join in with – aimed at children aged 4 years upwards. So, how would you like to win a Popcorn Poppin’ game?
For your chance to win a Popcorn Poppin’ Game, simply enter using the Gleam form below and do not forget to answer the question by leaving a blog comment!
Current Sim’s Life Giveaways
Win a family Humble toothbrush set – ends Sunday 13th September
Win a Build Your Own Microscope – ends Sunday 4th October
Win a Popcorn Poppin’ Games – ends Sunday 11th October
Win a Healthy Eating Recipe Books bundle worth £33 – ends Sunday 18th October
Win Baylis & Harding Musical Handwashes – ends Sunday 25th October
Win a Festive Food Survival Kit – ends Sunday 1st November
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Giveaway ends at midnight on Sunday 11th October 2020.
One winning entry drawn at random by Gleam.
The winner will receive 1 x Popcorn Poppin’ Game
The competition is administered by Sim’s Life and the prize will be sent directly from Mookie through their agency partner, Grayling.
The prize is recommended for children ages 4+ and it is the responsibility of the winner to adhere to the age recommendation for the product.
The winner will be selected within 24 hours of the competition closing and the prize will be sent within three working days of Mookie receiving the full postal address.
The prize is non transferable and will not be swapped for another product or cash alternative.
The winner’s details will be solely used for the purpose of sending out the prize.
Harry Potter trivial pursuit, new Monopoly set and books!
Switch console
A new bike
Some gardening tools
A PS5 but my parents have agreed to get me one between my birthday and Christmas gift
My son really wants a bike and a crossbow!
This game looks amazing!
I would be very happy with an iTunes Voucher
Monopoly Speed!
a new tv
I quite fancy playingthe whodunit game, I imagine that could be just as fun to play with adults as with kids
#pocolo
An Alexa
Pyjamas and slippers . . . same every year!
I would like some new perfume and books
I’d love some new pyjamas, my kids want car and train toys and my little pony toys.
A new ipad 🙂
a new phone
Ticket to ride Europe
New watch
My 6 year old wants lego friends, her 4 year old sister a baby, and my 2 year old wants to be thomas. Personally I just want someone else to do the washing.
Socks.
I’d love a new hairdryer
I would really like a new phone this year .
Trip away, fingers crossed!
I would love a new phone
An iPad
a new phone 🙂
I’d love a new hairdryer
Yarn for knitting!
Books and pyjamas
A subscription to Killer Suduko magazine
WHAT IS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST THIS YEAR?
a bit of wishful thinking . . . . . the end to the coronovirus threat, failing that . . . . a lovely new laptop
I’ve been eyeing up a kirby Plushie for a while but not sure just yet! Trying to ignore the fact its getting closer.
A puppy x
Some books & lots of chocolate.
I love to get new socks for Christmas
Some new bedding
A new pair of converse
A new mobile phone
I’d like some Harry Potter gifts!
I wish you could wish for better health for my family. That would be nice! Or at least some good luck haha
Nintendo switch
at the moment nothing, trying not to think of christmas
Some makeup products!
I’d like a food mixer, I’ve started making my own bread during lockdown, but I’m not very good at kneading.
I would love the new Giorgio Armani perfume.x
A Better year than I had this year maybe a bit of good luck
Maybe we need to consider starting a Christmas list. As we missed out on planned break :- Coronavirus / covid 19 Lockdown, etc. Though we would like a break away, somehow just can’t count on that happening. Feel we are in need of some Good Luck, Good Experiences, etc. Obviously we will get gifts for each other, etc if possible. Keen to have some Sense of Security, Stability, Home Comforts, etc.
I’m getting low on my favourite perfume so I would like a bottle of Noa.
A switch games console
A bike
would love some new perfume x
i want a drone!
a new phone would be lovely
I would love some Liz Earle skincare
id love the roald dahl collection of books. my all time favourite books since i was a little girl
I would like a new puzzle, with us spending more time indoors, we enjoy a puzzle to complete on a sunday.
Recipe books x
Roblox vouchers and zailetsplay merch
I’d love to get one of those laser hair removal devices – very expensive though!
I always ask for candles, my kids however want the new gaming consoles
skincare
New clothes
eyeliner,clothes,reusable products (reusable cotton buds for example) .. ive almost finished buying for myself!
Some lovely new pjs!
I’d love an aromatherapy oil kit but most of all.Just to be able to hug my 6 year old grandson
im hoping for some new books for xmas this year
I may have to ask Santa for a new oven or we won”t be having any turkey.
A new tablet
A new phone xx
My usual requests, , books and pjs
A new phone would be grande
I would love a die cutter
This game is on my list!
The latest Mario switch game
An end to this coronavirus would be nice! But failing that perhaps a snuggly new dressing gown.
An eternity ring
It has to be some a new road bike for me
I would like an outdoor table tennis game to play with my grandchildren!
Must have a new jigsaw for Christmas!
Perfume I htink!
Many books
i have a new kitchen on my list this year
More board games, we have quite a few and always happy to have more to our collection. They are a handy way to get kids off consoles.
Lots of CDS 🙂
I would like a new watch
Books 🙂
Lots of books
A cross-stitch kit and some fluffy pyjamas
some crafty stuff, used a lot in lockdown so would love to carry on into 2021
A staycation, shortbreak or holiday to anywhere. Get me out of here!
A vaccine, I need to escape, a means to a holiday would be fabulous
Lots of games to keep the children happy. This game looks.
Nintendo Switch
some new hair straighteners
I’d love a PS5!
A new hairdryer.
A Bag of Welsh Cakes
My christmas list consists of a lovely brand new 10″ ipad or tablet, as mine broke!
Lots of cosy pyjamas!
I have seen a christmas monopoly edition, I love christmas and love monopoly so that is on my list
I’d be happy with a new pair of pyjamas!
I’d love some fluffy slippers
I bought a new laptop recently and although the new one if great and has an amazing amount of memory, it doesn’t have a CD / DVD drive. So that’s on my Christmas wish list.
A new phone.
Some pjs
I could do with a new phone and there is always some books on my list
An advent calendar of beautiful things.
A bottle of perfume
I’d love a new phone
a happy family
I’d love a new telescope
A new phone would be lovely
Lawnmower
id love some cosy pjs!
Some board games
Hello, for Christmas I would like some vegetable seeds.
right now to be in a new home following after everything that has happened this year
I would love a stand mixer. I have been dropping lots of hints.
I need some lovely warm woolies!
I’m looking for a board game for my friends teens for this Christmas, last year they had Pie Face. Thanks for linking with #pocolo and hope to see you back tomorrow
Books and lots of wool so I can knit more fluffy socks
Books are definitely on my list
Covid to end would be nice. My daughters Christmas presents never materialised last year which consisted of 2 nights in London, 2 theatre shows, London eye and cruise plus TGI vouchers. All cancelled due to go April. I want to be able to plan some fun again without worrying.
spending time with my family
A new Fitbit! I’ve wanted one for ages and I’m finally going to take the plunge.
New mouse and mousemat
I’d love a new laptop.
A new dressing gown
My list is the same every year, new pjs, slippers, wine and jewellery
I’d actually like some new socks this year!
Although we don’t do grown up gifts anymore we go away for a Christmas treat, this year we were hoping to do the santander sleepover at towers but they doubled the price so now I have a christmassy break on my wish list
I have got back into playing video games, so it would be great to receive some 🙂
The impossible. a new kitchen
Any knitting related gear as I’ve just started to learn and I am addicted!
A new bed!
a new laptop
A new pair of knee high boots.
Some new boots
Books and Yankee candles x
A watch maybe
a pair of aftershokz 🙂
usually new clothes
slippers
A pizza oven!
A fancy watering can!
A decent mobile phone
On my Christmas wish list, this year is lots and lots of books!
Sweets – I’m easy pleased!
Jûst to have all my family together
Im far too old but i want a nintendo switch so badly lol xx
I’d love some new hair straiteners and a bottle of Armani My Way perfume.
Some new slippers! I liked in mine during lockdown and they’ve seen better days!
The new Robert Galbraith novel.
i would love some new perfume
I could really do with some new nightdresses or pj’s
i really want a abs toner to start my diet plan
I need some new trainers for xmas
A pair of pygmy goats.
Top of my Christmas list is some new hair straighteners
Disney’s UP Pandora charm
A new bed
A popcorn machine funnily enough. I have wanted one for a while to make healthier, easy popcorn.
New pyjamas, my family and I give them every year.
I would love some new baking tins
I’d be happy with a quiet, peaceful Christmas but I’d like a few new books and some new pyjamas personally
Some more paint to finish off my sons log cabin getaway
A nice bottle of perfume & some chocolate
I’d settle for peace of mind and a modicum of hope for the future. Oh, and a PlayStation 5!
Some new clothes!
New beauty blenders
An iPad
Yankee candles for me and a life size toy cow! for my 4 year old
Harry Potter lego!!
Some relaxing bath smellies and a good book that I can read in peace and quiet!
I’d love a set of coasters for Christmas.
A new phone!
I’d like a new laptop but don’t think I’ll get one haha!
a kindle
I’ve got a kindle on my Christmas list as I think it would be easier to read ebooks. My sons have the entire smyths catalog on theirs
Well on my Christmas list is a full night sleep as we had a new baby in the house, but everyone else in the house has board games on their lists from santa x
On my christmas list this year is a total rewind of 2020 and replay WITHOUT Covid-19
Perfume
A nintendo switch
A new phone would be lovely
Has to be PS5 for my son
Kindle Paperwhite
a new laptop
Airline tickets
A Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing
I’d love a new Pandora charm, my little girl loves games and really wants Hungry Hippos x
Would love a new laptop 🙂
in serious need of some new trainers 🙂
Would quite like a PS5.
As long as the kids get what they want I’m not bothered about presents for myself
to see my nephews open gifts looking like first Christmas we wont be together
A Harry Potter box set so I can binge watch them all.
a new phone
I would like a ring doorbell – oh and some nice chocolates.
Chocolates
A foil jigsaw, new kindle and some chocolate 😀
Xbox Series X ? 😀
I’m a real pj girl soon as I’m in I’m out my v
Clothes and into my pjs so I’m always wanting New
Pyjamas and slippers
New cosy dressing gown 🙂
I would love a larger TV for Christmas. Other than that I just want my kids to have a good Christmas and gets things they like.
Family time
I’d love a fire pit or a patio heater for some winter outdoor entertaining
I’m hopeless at needing things, so I haven’t put anything on my list yet xx
We like fun board games so this will be on our list along with garden toys.
This year I have an iPad on my Christmas wish list to replace one that stopped working a few months back.
For me it is a new kettle and toaster and for my son he would like an easel
New books
Switch Condole seems to be a popular choice in our house at the moment!
An iPad
Looks like a Nintendo Switch might be on the cards. But I love the look of the Who Dunnit? Mystery At The Museum
Personally it’s books. I’ll probably be giving my nephew Amazon vouchers since he’s at a weird age.
the light up bottle of gin from M&S lol
Slippers and an air fryer
vouchers for the garden
Some more jeans!
Would love a new England shirt, preferably with my fav player in it (lol), but I’d settle for a shirt with his name and number on the back.
A new pair of boots
I need a new bag as my puppy chewed mine but also would like a new tassimo machine
PS5
A bike so I can keep up with my children who have now learnt to ride!
The New Mrs Hinch book, and new slippers
I’d love a food/ drink hamper for myself, L.O.L dolls for my daughter and PS5 for my teenagers
i really would love a new television
I’d love a PS5
Smellies as I dislike buying these for myself
A Fitbit, so I can keep track of my steps more accurately
I love things that smell lovely such as diffusers, fragrance and bath bombs. I hope Santa reads your blog …
A Fitbit, I’ve wanted one for ages
A new Fitbit as mine, although it still works, has got a crack in it. I somehow don’t think it’s going to work for much longer.
Lego
Waffle maker
Tickets to see a musical as missing the theatre this year. A new pair of trainers
id love some new clothes
Some perfume
Plants
There is nothing i really want for Christmas just my children to enjoy it and hopefully to see the family
Just Bits n Bobs.. New slippers and PJs. Good food n drink wiv my family x
Not much – a few new cook books would be great!
A Baby Yoda toy!
A new watch
Cosy Dressing Gown and a tin of Quality Street
Some new clothes.
I love Imperial Candles I would love a few more, such beautiful scents with jewellery inside!
I always ask for new pjs
Ps5
On my Christmas is a Nintendo switch
a holiday!
a big woolly jumper
A new digital camera
Nintendo Switch with Animal Crossing
A nintendo switch
Books
A new Alien perfume ❤️