Money Board Games for the Whole Family

Holiday shopping season is here again! If you’ll be buying gifts for the kids in your life, there’s nothing wrong with sneaking in a little financial education with the fun. Here are 7 of the best money board games to teach a bit about finances, spending, investing and negotiating.

Some have been family favorites for decades, others are brand new, but all of them are excellent choices to add to your shopping list this year.

Dominion, ages 13+

You are the ruler of a small kingdom, and you hope to expand your territory. There are small bits of land that you hope to gain, but you’re not the only monarch out there vying for that property. Dominion players race to acquire unclaimed land in any way possible, whether that’s through hiring minions, building structures, and earning money for the kingdom.

This is a great family money board game if you’ve got teens at home, and there are plenty of expansion packs to keep the game fresh and exciting.

Pit, ages 7+

Pit teaches the basics of supply and demand and negotiating, usually through yelling and intense competition. It’s a great option for families because it’s simple enough for a wide range of ages, but engaging enough to get everyone involved.

Splendor, ages 10+

Splendor hearkens back to the lucrative days of the European Renaissance. Global trade brought luxuries from around the world, and the wealthy sought exotic gemstones. Players collect gems, transport them, find artisans to shape them, and then seek a storefront to sell their creations.

It might sound complicated, but this is actually a quick, fun game that kids and adults will enjoy.

The Game of Life, ages 8+

Ah, the game of Life. This is a classic for a reason. The scenarios might not be realistic, but it teaches the basic tenants of how your actions affect your outcome. Players learn how going to college (or not) can affect their finances and earnings, and experience financial pitfalls and wins along the way.

Daytrader, ages 10+

Daytrader is a financial board game that teaches the ups and downs of investing in the stock market. Players work at companies on the board, earn money and buy and sell company stock to save. Try to retire with enough cash before the market crashes.

Monopoly, ages 8+

You might feel like you lost years of your life to this game, but Monopoly still stands as one the classic, fun money board games of capitalism, luck, loss, and deal-making. Now there is even a shortened version of the game included – all the fun of battling your competitive family without the five hour time commitment.

Need more gift ideas? Check out these books for the upcoming grad in your life, and last year’s money-savvy gift guide.