When the weather turns cold and the family gathers inside, there’s nothing better than a board game night or an old-fashioned puzzle spread across the dining table. Black Friday brings some of the biggest markdowns of the year on both, making it the perfect time to stock up on family favorites, classroom activities, or team-building games for your athletes and students.
Classic Board Games Reimagined
Black Friday always breathes new life into the classics. Expect Monopoly, Scrabble, Life, and Clue to be bundled or discounted anywhere from 30% to 60% off at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Many of these sets now come in themed editions—Monopoly: Super Mario, Scrabble Vintage Edition, and Clue: Harry Potter—making them great collector’s items or family gifts.
For younger kids, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, and Connect 4 often drop to prices under $10 during the holiday sale window. It’s a great chance to grab a few backups for birthday gifts or classroom prizes without breaking the budget.
Strategy & Family Favorites
The modern strategy game crowd keeps growing, and Black Friday is the one time a year when popular titles become genuinely affordable. Games like Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassonne are being offered in discounted bundles, and expansions are often half off. Codenames, Exploding Kittens, and Throw Throw Burrito are staples in party game aisles and make for great family gifts or weekend competition.
If you prefer something cooperative instead of cutthroat, Pandemic and Forbidden Island are excellent choices for families who like solving challenges together rather than against
one another. These titles also make great additions to classroom and youth group activities—especially for building problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Puzzle Mania Returns
Jigsaw puzzles continue to make a major comeback, especially among families looking for screen-free relaxation. Expect deep discounts from trusted brands like Ravensburger, Buffalo Games, and Springbok. Large-format puzzles \500 to 1,000 pieces) are seeing strong markdowns, while novelty options like 3D cityscapes and glow-in-the-dark puzzles are popping up in online flash sales.
For younger puzzlers, Melissa & Doug and Orchard Toys are offering discounted educational puzzles focused on letters, animals, and numbers. Black Friday also tends to bring bulk puzzle sets—multiple designs in one box—perfect for schools, daycare centers, or team waiting areas.
Specialty Games for Adults
For those who love game nights with friends, look for deals on adult-oriented or trivia-based games. Trivial Pursuit, Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme?, and Jackbox Party Packs typically run 25% to 50% off around Black Friday. Retailers like Target and Best Buy have started bundling physical and digital versions of these games, making it easy to host hybrid game nights with players at home or online.
Where to Find the Best Bargains
Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart lead the charge with early discounts, but keep an eye on game specialty stores like GameStop and Miniature Market for deeper cuts on collectible and expansion-based board games. Online shops often offer bundle pricing or bonus expansions with base games during Black Friday weekend.
Many publishers—like Hasbro, Asmodee, and Ravensburger—also host direct sales on their websites. Signing up for their email lists can unlock early access to limited inventory or free shipping deals.
Black Friday is the perfect time to refresh your game shelf or start new family traditions. Whether you’re hunting for nostalgic classics, intricate puzzles, or modern strategy titles, the discounts this season make it easy to stock up and keep everyone entertained all winter long. The best part? Board games never go out of style—they just get passed down, replayed, and remembered.
