The Best Celebrity Games

Buying Guide

Board games can be a great way to get everyone off their screens and encourage loved ones to interact with each other. Whether it’s a get-together with friends or a night of family bonding, the right board game can bring everyone a little closer.

But the type of game you choose can depend on those who will play it. Some personalities are more likely to enjoy board games than others. Within those personalities are those who gravitate toward card games, while others prefer games of chance or word-guessing games like charades.

The problem with these different types is that you typically aren’t playing a game alone. That means you’ll need to choose something everyone enjoys. If your game night includes the same people each time, you’ll likely learn eventually which games will appeal to everyone, but there will be some trial and error required.

For multigenerational teams, pop culture–related games can help level the playing field. While your youngest family members might not have the life experience to compete at Trivial Pursuit or Monopoly, chances are their knowledge of today’s entertainers tops yours. With celebrity games, you can cross generations, with each family member showing off their unique expertise.

To do that, though, it’s important to look for a celebrity game that crosses multiple generations. If your game only includes modern-day celebrities, older family members won’t enjoy being completely out of the loop. At the same time, a game that only covers celebrities who were in the media before some players were born will probably be too far slanted in older players’ favor.

Storage is an important feature in any board game. You’ll want to make sure you have somewhere to keep it when you aren’t using it. Most come in cardboard boxes, and those can wear out over time. A metal tin can be a much more durable option, especially if you’re buying a game you plan to use over multiple years.

• One downside of celebrity games is that they can quickly become outdated. Imagine a celebrity game from 10 or 20 years ago. If you cracked it open and tried to play it today, you’d probably be surprised how many of the clues are now irrelevant. Be prepared to regularly replace your board game if you can’t buy updates to it every few years.
• Most games have a minimum number of players. A requirement of at least two players is fairly common, but some are designed to be played in teams, at which point you’ll need at least four players to have two people on each team.  Some team-based games can be modified to be played with two or three players, but the experience might not be the same.
• Minimum age requirements are important, too. Even if you’ll be supervising younger players to ensure they stay safe, the complexities of a board game with a higher age minimum might make it less fun for some children.
• Many celebrity games use timers to intensify the experience. Check into the type of timer that’s included. Some require you to download an app and use a mobile-based timer.
• Some board games feature a different shape that might make them difficult to store with your other games. Keep storage in mind when buying.
• If you’re considering a celebrity game as a gift, take a look at the packaging. Some are more appealing than others, coming in gift-friendly decorative tins.
• Not all celebrity games are designed with children in mind. If you’re playing with young people, you might want to preview the clues before playing just to make sure there’s no inappropriate content.
• Over time, it’s easy for cards to get lost. To reduce that risk, try limiting your game play to one area of your home, and make a habit of putting everything up when you’re finished playing.