Short answer: if you want a safe bet, give an award winner. Azul (Spiel des Jahres 2018), Dixit Classic (Spiel des Jahres 2010), Ticket to Ride: Europe (the series won the Spiel des Jahres in 2004), 7 Wonders (Kennerspiel des Jahres 2011) and Harmonies (Swiss Gamers Award 2025) have been on tables all over the world for years.
What is the Spiel des Jahres and why does it matter?
The Spiel des Jahres ("game of the year") is one of the most influential board game awards in the world. A jury of German critics has given it every year since 1979, rewarding games that are accessible, well designed and fun for families and friends. Since 2011 there is also the Kennerspiel des Jahres for slightly more demanding games. The full list is on the official award website.
We don't have our own sales data for this campaign yet. This selection is based on public, verifiable awards and the Asmodee Spanish editions in our range.
The 5 award winners in our range
Azul
2–4 players · ages 8+ · 30–45 min · €44.90
Draft colourful tiles to decorate the walls of a Portuguese palace. Simple rules, gorgeous pieces and real strategy. Spiel des Jahres 2018.
Dixit Classic
3–8 players · ages 8+ · 30 min · €32.90
One storyteller gives a clue about an illustrated card and everyone else tries to guess it. No reading needed, just imagination. Spiel des Jahres 2010.
Ticket to Ride: Europe
2–5 players · ages 8+ · 30–60 min · €47.90
Claim train routes across Europe, with tunnels, ferries and stations. You can teach it in 15 minutes and it works for every age. The series won the Spiel des Jahres in 2004.
7 Wonders
3–7 players · ages 10+ · 30 min · €47.90
Build a civilisation over three ages by drafting cards; everyone plays at once, so seven players take as long as three. Kennerspiel des Jahres 2011.
Harmonies
1–4 players · ages 10+ · 30 min · €34.90
Build landscapes from coloured tokens so the animals on your cards can live there. Calm, beautiful and with a solo mode. Swiss Gamers Award 2025.
| Game | Players | Age | Minutes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azul | 2–4 | 8+ | 30–45 | €44.90 |
| Dixit Classic | 3–8 | 8+ | 30 | €32.90 |
| Ticket to Ride: Europe | 2–5 | 8+ | 30–60 | €47.90 |
| 7 Wonders | 3–7 | 10+ | 30 | €47.90 |
| Harmonies | 1–4 | 10+ | 30 | €34.90 |
Prices on our website in November 2026; the current price is always the one on each product page.
Fan favourites without a major award
Splendor Duel is the two-player take on Splendor by Marc André and Bruno Cathala. Jaipur has been a favourite card duel for over fifteen years. Dobble and The Werewolves of Millers Hollow are party classics. To browse by type, see our two-player and party games.
Which one for whom?
- Someone who rarely plays: Ticket to Ride: Europe or Dixit Classic.
- Loves puzzles and beautiful things: Azul or Harmonies.
- A group of friends who already play: 7 Wonders, for up to 7.
On a budget? See our gifts by budget.
These are Spanish editions, with Spanish rules. Games with little or no text on the components (Azul, Dobble, Splendor Duel, Jaipur, Harmonies, Jungle Speed, Happy Mochi) are easy to play in any language once you know the rules; word games such as Quick Stop need Spanish speakers.
Shipping for Christmas
Board games ship from Segovia, Spain, with tracking. We ship worldwide; outside the EU, import taxes are paid by the customer according to their country. For Christmas, order early: we confirm the delivery time when you place your order.
More gift guides
- Board game gift guide for Christmas
- Board games by type: family, two-player, party and kids
- Quick card games for Christmas Eve and family meals
- Board game gifts by budget: under €20, €20–40 and €40+
- All board games
FAQ
What is the Spiel des Jahres?
It is the German board game of the year award, one of the most influential in the hobby. It has been awarded since 1979 to accessible games for families and friends.
Which game won the Spiel des Jahres in 2018?
Azul, by Michael Kiesling.
Which award-winning board game is best for beginners?
Ticket to Ride: Europe or Dixit: you can teach them in 15 minutes or less and almost everyone enjoys them.
Is 7 Wonders hard to learn?
It takes about 10–15 minutes to explain; after that games last about 30 minutes, even with 7 players. It won the 2011 Kennerspiel des Jahres, the award for slightly more experienced players.
Are these Spanish editions?
Yes, they are all Spanish editions distributed in Spain by Asmodee; Dixit Classic is multilingual (Spanish, Catalan, Portuguese).
