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Best game gifts for your nephew: whether he is nine or nineteen, a fast, funny game is a gift he will actually open again after the holidays. The best picks are easy to learn, a little chaotic and good for playing with friends or siblings. These six games cover card battles, bluffing, dodgeball and quick-reflex chaos, so you can match his age and energy.
Our top pick: Exploding Kittens
A card game of strategy and silliness for 2 to 5 players. Draw cards until someone pulls an Exploding Kitten. It costs about $20.
Price band: $10–$20 (about $20) · Check today’s price on Amazon
How to choose a game for your nephew
- Check the age: ages 7 to 10 love fast, silly games; teens enjoy bluffing.
- Think about friends: a game he can play with his friends gets more use.
- Go small: compact games travel to sleepovers and family trips.
- Add action: games with movement win over screen-loving kids.
1. Exploding Kittens — the nephew who loves silly humor
Players: 2 to 5 · Price band: $10–$20 (about $20) · Pick for: The nephew who loves silly humor · See Exploding Kittens on Amazon
You take turns drawing cards and playing action cards to skip, attack or peek at the deck. Pull an Exploding Kitten without a Defuse card and you are out.
The art and humor keep kids laughing, and games take about 15 minutes.
Skip it if: he dislikes player elimination.
2. Throw Throw Burrito — the nephew who cannot sit still
Players: 2 to 6 · Price band: $10–$20 (about $20) · Pick for: The nephew who cannot sit still · See Throw Throw Burrito on Amazon
It is a card game crossed with dodgeball. Collect matching sets, and when certain cards come up, players grab squishy burritos and throw them at each other.
It gets everyone up and laughing, which makes it a big hit with tweens.
Skip it if: it will be played near breakables.
3. Coup — the teen who loves bluffing
Players: 2 to 6 · Price band: $10–$20 (about $17) · Pick for: The teen who loves bluffing · See Coup on Amazon
Each player holds two hidden roles and can claim any action, true or not. Challenge a lie and the loser loses a card. Our how to play Coup guide explains every role.
It is short, tense and perfect for teens who like outsmarting friends.
Skip it if: he is under 10; the bluffing is subtle.
4. Machi Koro — the nephew who likes building things
Players: 2 to 4 · Price band: $20–$30 (about $30) · Pick for: The nephew who likes building things · See Machi Koro on Amazon
Players roll dice to earn coins from the buildings in their town, then buy new buildings and landmarks. Everyone can earn on other players’ rolls, so no one sits idle.
It is a great step up from classic family games into modern strategy.
Skip it if: he wants a fast-reflex game.
5. Ghost Blitz — the nephew with quick reflexes
Players: 2 to 8 · Price band: $10–$20 (about $18) · Pick for: The nephew with quick reflexes · See Ghost Blitz on Amazon
Five wooden objects sit on the table. Flip a card and race to grab the object shown in its correct color, or the one that is not pictured at all.
It is fast, small and great for mixed ages, including adults.
Skip it if: he gets frustrated by speed games.
6. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — the nephew who loves loud games
Players: 2 to 8 · Price band: Under $10 (about $10) · Pick for: The nephew who loves loud games · See Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza on Amazon
Players flip cards while saying taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza in order. When the card matches the word, everyone slaps the pile, and the last hand down takes the cards.
It costs little, fits in a stocking and gets the whole family shouting.
Skip it if: your family prefers quiet games.
Nephew gift ideas by age
| Age | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 9 | Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza or Ghost Blitz | Fast, simple and silly |
| 10 to 12 | Throw Throw Burrito or Exploding Kittens | Action and humor |
| 13 and up | Coup or Machi Koro | Bluffing and strategy |
Ways to make his gift memorable
- Play a round together when he opens it.
- Pair a card game with a gift card for snacks for game night.
- Add a note inviting him to a rematch at the next visit.
Shopping for more relatives? See our game gifts for kids and teen party games to gift.
Game gifts for nephews FAQ
What is a good game gift for a 10-year-old nephew?
Throw Throw Burrito or Exploding Kittens. Both are fast and funny.
What game can a teen nephew play with friends?
Coup is a quick bluffing game for up to six.
What is a good stocking stuffer for a nephew?
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza costs about $10 and fits in a stocking.
