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TableTopics vs We’re Not Really Strangers: both are conversation card decks, and both make thoughtful gifts for hosts, couples and friends. They aim at very different moments, though. TableTopics Dinner Party is a cube of light, open questions designed to keep a dinner table chatting. We’re Not Really Strangers is a three-level card game built to take conversations deeper, fast. Here is how to pick the right deck for the evening you have in mind.
Our pick for holiday dinners and hosts: TableTopics Dinner Party
For a mixed table of relatives, coworkers or neighbors, TableTopics keeps things friendly and easy. It costs about $25.
Price band: $20–$30 (about $25) · Check today’s price on Amazon
TableTopics vs We’re Not Really Strangers at a glance
Two conversation decks for two kinds of night.
- Best for dinner tables: TableTopics Dinner Party — 135 light, open-ended questions in a cube (about $25)
- Best for deep talks: We’re Not Really Strangers — three levels of questions plus wildcards (about $25)
What TableTopics Dinner Party is like
TableTopics is not really a game with rules. You set the cube on the table, someone pulls a card, and everyone who wants to answers. The questions are open and upbeat, the kind that lead to stories about travel, food, childhood and plans. There are no points and no turns, so guests can drift in and out of the conversation.
That low pressure is the point. It works for a holiday table where the host wants to spark conversation without putting anyone on the spot.
What We’re Not Really Strangers is like
We’re Not Really Strangers is structured. Players move through three levels, Perception, Connection and Reflection, answering questions that get more personal as you go, with wildcards that ask you to do something together. The final card invites players to write each other a note. Our We’re Not Really Strangers guide explains the levels.
TableTopics vs We’re Not Really Strangers: comparison table
| Feature | TableTopics Dinner Party | We’re Not Really Strangers |
|---|---|---|
| Best group | Dinner guests, families, coworkers | Couples, close friends, small groups |
| Tone | Light and curious | Personal and emotional |
| Structure | Pull a card, anyone answers | Three levels plus wildcards |
| Cards | 135 questions | 150 cards |
| Price on Amazon | About $25 | About $25 |
Choosing a deck by the room you are in
Picture the guests. A holiday dinner with in-laws and kids needs questions anyone can answer comfortably, so TableTopics is the safer pick. A night with a partner or two close friends, where you actually want to go deep, is where We’re Not Really Strangers earns its reputation.
Which conversation deck makes the better gift
TableTopics is the better hostess gift, since it is useful at the next dinner party and looks good on the table. We’re Not Really Strangers is the better gift for a partner, a best friend or someone in their twenties. If you are buying for a couple, our guide to which We’re Not Really Strangers deck to buy compares the editions.
Tips for using a conversation deck at a holiday table
- Let people pass. A question no one is in the mood for can simply go back in the box.
- Read the card aloud and answer it yourself first, so guests hear what kind of answer fits.
- Keep the deck on the table between courses rather than forcing it during the meal.
- With a mixed-age group, pre-sort a stack of questions that suit everyone before guests arrive.
- Save the more personal cards for later in the evening, when the group has warmed up.
These habits work for either deck, whether you are hosting six relatives or sitting down with one close friend. They make TableTopics feel even more relaxed, and they keep We’re Not Really Strangers from feeling like an interview.
Our verdict on TableTopics vs We’re Not Really Strangers
- Choose TableTopics for friendly, low-stakes conversation at family dinners and parties.
- Choose We’re Not Really Strangers for deeper conversations with people you trust.
- Want more decks? Browse our best conversation card games.
TableTopics vs We’re Not Really Strangers FAQ
Is TableTopics good for a family dinner?
Yes. The questions are friendly and open, so kids, parents and grandparents can all join in.
Is We’re Not Really Strangers good for a first date?
It can be, but the later levels get personal. Many people stick to the first level on a first date.
Do these games have winners?
No. Both are conversation decks with no score.
Can you use both decks in one evening?
Yes. Many hosts start with TableTopics over dinner and bring out We’re Not Really Strangers later, once a smaller group of close friends is still around the table.
How many people can play?
Either deck works for a small group. TableTopics also stretches to a full dinner table, while We’re Not Really Strangers is at its best with a partner or a few close friends.
