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Game on: 

Our favourite boredom-busting toys

Words by Amy Newson

 

With rather a lot of extra home time on our hands and some kids in search of seriously engaging entertainment (OK, parents too), never has there been a better time to turn to a board game or retro toy. Providing comfort, fun and together moments, they can be a welcome tonic in these strange times. Here’s our pick of home entertainment, guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

The modern classic:
Selfridges Monopoly 

Bringing back a hint of nostalgia for some of us older kids and a sense of excitement at discovering a new game for little ones, our special edition Selfridges Monopoly is just what’s needed for an entertaining night in.

While you may not be able to visit our physical stores right now, you can go on a virtual shopping spree via the Monopoly board and discover the secrets of the extraordinary world of Selfridges from the comfort of your own home. You can even choose our iconic bag as your figurine, which is bound to boost your luck.

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Get ready to topple:
Jenga x Fortnite

An oldie but a goodie, Jenga is everyone’s favourite classic strategy game – and this one comes with a modern twist (courtesy of cult video game Fortnite). Get your whole household together for a fun evening of competitive spirit (let's keep it friendly now!) and beat your opponents to the top of the tower – enjoy!

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Parents are having to juggle a lot at the moment, with most trying to work and keep the kids entertained at home. But it also means everyone has some time to reconnect as a family and have fun together. From playing classic games such as Monopoly and Cluedo, to completing 1,000-piece jigsaws or starting new Lego challenges that are engaging but also have a sense of nostalgia for the parents – games are becoming essential in keeping some calm amongst all the crazy.
– Helen Attwood, Kids Buyer

The ultimate whodunnit:
Classic Cluedo

With my kids’ screen time currently off the scale while my husband and I juggle our work around childcare, I try to make sure we end the day with an old-fashioned board game. Our current favourite is Cluedo. At times, we’ve felt close to murdering each other (in a metaphorical sense, of course!), so it feels quite apt. It’s a great way to wind them down before bedtime and give us all some good-quality family time.
– Amy Sollitt, Associate Editor

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On the right track:
Discovery levitating train set

Set them (or yourself) a challenge with FAO Schwarz’s build-your-own train set – the perfect way to learn and play all in one. And once the hard work of constructing is complete, you can watch as it defies gravity and rides above its tracks using electromagnetic power – for hours on end. All aboard!

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I’m turning off the TV and rekindling my childhood love of Lego at the moment. I’ve already completed the FRIENDS set (with Phoebe and Rachel practising exemplary social distancing, of course) and I’m now going to tackle Yoda. Am I too old for this? Perhaps. Do I care? Not one bit!
– George Walker, Senior Editor

Hop on:
LEGO London bus set

Want to join in with the Legomania? Then get cracking on this 1680-piece iconic London double-decker bus set. Complete with a spiral staircase and an opening hood (for the perfect view while breezing through your living room), this will while away several hours of your evening (or keep little ones occupied for days). And let’s not forget to pick up the forgotten newspaper, empty drinks can and discarded chewing gum when we disembark (all in LEGO version of course).

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Tinkle toes:
FAO Schwarz dance mat

Looking to jazz up that living-room workout regime? Fed up with your run-round-the-garden playlist? Then why not add some literal jazz to your routine by hopping on this piano dance mat, complete with five classical songs as well as the option to record your own creation. Not only will it get you (and anyone else in your house) moving, but it might well out any budding Mozarts you’ve got lurking in your family. Win-win.

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