Holiday Gift Guide 25: Game On! The 10 Must-Have Holiday Games And Toys Everyone’s Talking About

 From timeless classics to digital blockbusters, these picks will dominate gift lists in 2025.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy family night or looking for the perfect gift to spark laughter and connection, games are a timeless way to bring people together. A classic board game like Chess or Monopoly, a fast-paced card game, or a cutting-edge digital adventure can turn any holiday moment into a cherished memory. These gifts say, “Let’s play,” in the most joyful way possible.

“This holiday season, games are more than entertainment—they’re a gateway to imagination, connection, and shared joy. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family game night with classics like Monopoly and Chess or gifting a digital escape like EA Sports College Football 26 or Donkey Kong Bananza, the right game can transform any moment into a celebration. From timeless board games that spark nostalgia to blockbuster video titles that push the boundaries of play, this year’s top picks are designed to delight every generation and every kind of player. In a time when togetherness matters more than ever, games—both analog and digital—remain the universal language of fun.” — Joseph DeAcetis, Editor at StyleLujo.com 
 and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology

These Game Gifts Will Make You the Most Wanted Guest at Every Party

Top 10 Game Picks for Holiday 2025 (Source: Statista and Toy Insider Holiday Guide 2025)

  1. Chess – The timeless strategy game that sharpens minds and bridges generations.
  2. Monopoly: Luxe Edition – A premium twist on the classic property game, perfect for gifting.
  3. Scrabble – Wordplay and wit come together in this beloved board game.
  4. Uno Ultimate Marvel Edition – A superhero spin on the fast-paced card game.
  5. Codenames – A clever party game of word association and deduction.
  6. EA Sports College Football 26 – The top-selling digital game of the season for sports fans.
  7. Donkey Kong Bananza – A nostalgic platformer reboot with modern graphics and gameplay.
  8. Minecraft – Still a favorite for creative exploration and multiplayer fun.
  9. Jackbox Party Pack 10 – Digital party games that are perfect for groups and remote play.
  10. The Game of Life: Digital Edition – A modern take on the classic journey game, now with interactive features.

In American homes, the holidays are more than gift exchanges—they’re a season of storytelling, laughter, and shared adventures. We gather not just to celebrate, but to connect through play, challenge, and imagination. From Thanksgiving’s warmth to New Year’s excitement, games are the spark that lights up living rooms and brings generations together.

On behalf of the editorial team at StyleLujo.com, we extend our warmest wishes to all families and communities across America. May this holiday season be filled with peace, joy, and happiness—and may every console and coffee table be a portal to laughter, bonding, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re gifting a game or joining in the fun, let play be the gift that brings us all together.

GiiKER:

GiiKER Super Decoder for HGG 2025

SHOP NOW: GiiKER Super Decoder

The GiiKER Super Decoder stands out as one of the most innovative and engaging handheld games of the season. Selected by the editors at StyleLujo.com for its sleek design and brain-boosting gameplay, this pocket-sized code-breaking challenge offers a rare blend of entertainment and education. Designed to sharpen early problem-solving skills in kids, it also delivers a satisfying mental workout for adults—making it a cross-generational hit. In a holiday season where meaningful play matters more than ever, Super Decoder encourages logic, focus, and fun in equal measure. Whether tucked into a stocking or handed out at a holiday party, it’s a smart gift that keeps on giving.

StarFlux:

StarFlux Balsa Wood Airplane Kit by PowerUp — Where Nostalgia Takes Flight

Why StyleLujo.com Editors Selected It:
For the dreamers, tinkerers, and tech-savvy kids-at-heart, the StarFlux Balsa Wood Airplane Kit delivers a rare gift: wonder in motion. Combining childhood nostalgia with modern innovation, it’s the perfect holiday present for anyone who loves design, flight, and a touch of magic in their hands.

SHOP NOW: StarFlux Balsa Wood Airplane Kit $79.99

The Details:
Handcrafted from lightweight, durable balsa wood, the StarFlux merges classic craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech. Powered by the PowerUp 4.0 smartphone module, it transforms your phone into a flight controller, letting you build, customize, and pilot your creation straight into the sky. Proudly made in the USA, the kit offers a 2-in-1 design that shifts between a traditional airplane and an advanced canard-style model — giving enthusiasts two flight modes in one sleek package.

Educational, nostalgic, and beautifully engineered, StarFlux turns play into performance — a modern heirloom for makers and aviators alike.

Freddo:

Freddo Toys Ride-On Cars for Holiday Gift Guide 2025

SHOP NOW: Freddo Toys

Freddo Toys has redefined the ride-on experience with officially licensed mini replicas from luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Toyota, and Land Rover. Selected by the editors at StyleLujo.com for their unmatched blend of style, safety, and realism, these pint-sized vehicles deliver that “new car feeling” to the youngest drivers in the family. With working headlights, engine sounds, MP3/Bluetooth connectivity, and parental remote control, Freddo’s ride-ons aren’t just toys—they’re lifestyle statements built to impress. Whether cruising the driveway or starring in a holiday surprise, these cars offer smooth performance, all-terrain durability, and screen-free excitement. In a season where experiential gifts shine, Freddo Toys puts kids in the driver’s seat of joy, imagination, and unforgettable memories.

Completing the Puzzle:

StyleLujo’s Best of Holifay 2025: Retro, Reinvented

This season, the editors at StyleLujo spotlighted gifts that tap into the year’s most irresistible entertainment trend: nostalgic play with a modern twist. From tactile puzzles to arcade icons, old-school games are getting a stylish upgrade — and these two brands are leading the revival.

SHOP NOW: Completing the Puzzle 

Completing the Puzzle turns puzzling into a chic, sustainable ritual. With its puzzle rental subscription, members access a curated library of artful designs that double as décor. Once completed, puzzles are returned and swapped — eliminating clutter while promoting mindful, screen-free downtime. It’s the perfect trifecta of style, sustainability, and wellness.

Skee-Ball®:

SHOP NOW:

Skee-Ball® Premium 

Skee-Ball® Premium reimagines the classic arcade lane for today’s homes. Handcrafted with luxe finishes and scaled for modern living spaces, it’s both a nostalgic thrill and a design-forward centerpiece. Whether you’re chasing high scores or high style, this grown-up version of the boardwalk favorite delivers.

Together, these picks embody the “retro, but reinvented” ethos — where play meets polish, and entertainment becomes an experience. Holifay 2025 is all about celebrating the past with a fresh perspective.

PlayStation:

PlayStation Portal Remote Player – $199 on PlayStation

SHOP NOW: PlayStation Portal Remote Console//$199 on PlayStation

Gaming goes mobile — at home. The PlayStation Portal Remote Player redefines flexibility for PS5 users, offering a sleek 8-inch full-HD screen that streams your console games over Wi-Fi, no TV required. With up to 60 fps and full DualSense integration (yes, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers included), it delivers immersive gameplay in the palm of your hand. Whether you’re sneaking in a session while someone else watches TV or curling up in bed for a late-night raid, the Portal makes your PS5 library instantly accessible — anywhere in the house.

Perfect for multitaskers, design-conscious gamers, and anyone who refuses to pause the action.

Sunday Club:

 (Photo credit: Sunday Club)

SHOP NOW SUNDAY CLUB Price: $6.99 for a single issue and $29.95 for Standard or $54 for Premium Subscription

The perfect product for a cozy fall morning or evening! Introducing Sunday Club, a physical, print newspaper that is all games and no news. The best way to keep your brain moving, but your mind preoccupied with activity that’s not doom scrolling or staying up to date with the overwhelming news outlets. 12 pages full of crosswords, mazes, Sudoku puzzles, and more! Purchase single issues or join their subscription program and receive other fun items like their chic $30 totes, pencils, etc. 

Completing the Puzzle:

SHOP NOW: Completing the Puzzle 

Completing the Puzzle – For the Mindful Homebody  StyleLujo.com  editors chose Completing the Puzzle as one of the best games for HGG 25 because it redefines relaxation and connection in a screen-saturated world. This puzzle rental subscription is perfect for cozy nights in, offering a sustainable, clutter-free way to unwind. It’s a gift that appeals across generations—from grandparents to teens—and encourages mindfulness, creativity, and togetherness. With reusable packaging and curated designs, it’s a feel-good alternative to traditional games that aligns with eco-conscious values and modern lifestyles.

Skee-Ball®

For the nostalgic gamer (or the one who has everything)

SHOP NOW Skee-Ball® Premium 

Skee-Ball® Premium – For the Nostalgic Gamer Skee-Ball® Premium earned its spot on the HGG 25 list for its unmatched blend of retro charm and high-end design. This scaled-down arcade classic turns any home into a boardwalk-style game room, complete with six game modes and sleek Merapi woodgrain cabinetry. It’s the perfect gift for the person who has everything—or just misses the thrill of friendly competition. Whether for families, collectors, or design lovers, this showpiece delivers joy, nostalgia, and instant entertainment, making it a standout holiday gift.

Gunnar:

Editor’s Pick: Best Gift for the Gamer Who Has Everything

SHOP NOW:

Pinnacles ($89) – Aviation-inspired magnesium-aluminum power, because pilots never squint. 

Mammoth ($49) – A classic rectangular beast, lightweight yet unbreakable.

Monterey ($130) – Titanium swagger with adjustable pads and spring hinges for that “finally fits right” feeling.

At StyleLujo.com, we’re always on the hunt for gifts that blend form, function, and flair—and Gunnar’s new King Size Collection checks every box for the gamer in your life. Designed specifically for those with larger heads (finally!), these blue light blocking glasses deliver all-day comfort without compromising on style or performance.

Whether it’s the rugged Mammoth, the sleek Monterey, or the aviation-inspired Pinnacles, each pair is engineered to reduce digital eye strain, sharpen focus, and elevate long gaming sessions with Gunnar’s signature lens tech and G-Shield glare protection. Add in the wraparound design, subtle magnification, and premium materials, and you’ve got a gift that says: “I see you, and I’ve got your six.”

Because when it comes to gaming gear, size—and vision—definitely matters.

DAT GAME:

Why Stylelujo.com  Chose DAT GAME for HGG 2025

SHOP NOW: DAT GAME

In a year where connection feels more precious than ever, Stylelujo.com  editors were drawn to DAT GAME for its refreshing ability to bring people together—without screens, scores, or distractions. Created by San Francisco couple Cat and Aaron Fluss, this story-driven card game transforms any gathering into a moment of laughter, vulnerability, and genuine conversation. With its clever Do, Ask, Tell format, DAT GAME invites players to share personal stories, take playful risks, and ask questions that spark real dialogue.

What started as a homemade twist on “truth or dare” has evolved into a beautifully inclusive experience that resonates across generations. Whether you’re hosting a party, reconnecting with family, or simply looking to deepen friendships, DAT GAME delivers the kind of joy that lingers long after the cards are packed away. Its upcoming Family Edition and app expansion only underscore its versatility and heart. For HGG 2025, DAT GAME isn’t just a top pick—it’s a reminder that the best games don’t just entertain, they connect.

BunBebes:

SHOP NOW BunBebes – Halo the Yellow Tie-Dye Cat 

Price: $28.00

BunBebes is a collection of irresistibly adorable, limited-edition plushies designed to bring people of all ages closer to the magic of play and connection. Every BunBebes character is designed to spark play, creativity, and imagination. These delightfully round, soft-bodied friends are perfect for cuddling, tossing, or simply holding close when the world feels overwhelming. Crafted from fleece-like material for unmatched softness and baby-safe, they’re as soothing to hold as they are fun to collect. Kids can discover a digital universe with downloadable coloring pages to further connect with each BunBebes.

The Guidepost Co.

Why We Love It:
Editors at StyleLujo.com selected The Guidepost Co. for its meaningful approach to gifting—an experience that inspires genuine connection and creates a keepsake that lasts long after the holidays.

SHOP NOW: Guidepost – $99

Product Description:
The Guidepost Co. offers a guided 30–60 minute online experience designed to help individuals, couples, and families uncover what truly matters most. With the gentle support of a personal GuideHost, participants craft a beautifully written, custom-designed 16″ x 20″ keepsake—professionally printed on archival paper and elegantly framed in a modern wooden hanger. Each experience includes quarterly inspiration and the option to add a Connection Box filled with thoughtful activities to nurture meaningful relationships all year long. A heartfelt, one-of-a-kind gift that transforms shared moments into timeless memories.

Goldfish Swim School:

Goldfish Swim School — Holiday Packages: Give the Gift of Confidence

Why StyleLujo.com Editors Selected It:
This holiday season, swap the clutter for skills that last a lifetime. Goldfish Swim School Holiday Packages offer children confidence, fun, and essential water safety — a gift that truly keeps on giving and creates lasting memories.

SHOP NOW: Goldfish Swim School Holiday Packages

The Details:
In a fun, tropical, and family-friendly environment, children learn life-saving swim skills while having a blast. Perfect for families with young children, these packages build safety, confidence, and joy that last far beyond the holidays. With over 190 locations nationwide, swim lessons start as early as four months, making it a thoughtful and practical gift for the whole family. Prices vary by location.

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Picture of Joseph DeAcetis

Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis
Picture of Joseph DeAcetis

Joseph DeAcetis

Acclaimed American Journalist and International Editor. My interest lies in the pace and direction of trend adoption in luxury fashion and lifestyle, access to real-time fashion through top influencers and how disruption and social-intelligence have transitioned the trend landscape through the democratization of the marketplace

See more Blogs from Joseph DeAcetis

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