Difficulty is worth checking before you buy. A puzzle that is too easy gets solved once and put away, while one that is far too hard can end up back in the box. Many puzzles carry a difficulty rating, and it helps to match that to how much time the person likes to spend. Someone who wants a ten-minute coffee-break challenge needs something different from a person happy to pick away at the same puzzle over several evenings.

These games are a good pick if you want screen-free play that travels well and does not need a long rulebook. You can compare the full Genius line-up and read how each version plays at games for children.

Slower, more thoughtful word games suit older children and adults who like to plan a high-scoring play. These reward a wider vocabulary and a bit of tactics, so they are better kept for players who enjoy taking their time. If you are buying for a mixed-age family, a fast game is usually the safer bet, since it keeps the youngest involved rather than left behind.

It is worth thinking about the setting too. Games with a drawstring bag or a tin survive being thrown in a rucksack better than a large flat box. For a caravan or a beach hut with limited space, pick a few small educational games for kids rather than one big one, so you can match the game to the mood without taking up a whole shelf.

For gift ideas sorted by age band, with the number of players and rough playing time listed for each, browse the games-by-age pages at outdoor garden games.

To see the traditional board alongside the 3D, giant and garden editions, have a look at the Snakes and Ladders range at outdoor garden games.