Play· Plan B Games
A Mosaic With a Mean Streak
Azul, the original English tile game from Plan B, model NMG-600010EN: 2–4 players, ages 8 and up, about 30–45 minutes, and under $50.
Closest we can get
Game gifts for a friend worth a splurge
That budget is thinner than three picks, so these skip the dollar filter. We did not invent a price to force a match.
Picks
Play· Alderac Entertainment GroupPine, Elk, and a Polite Argument
Cascadia, the Alderac board game: a tile-laying habitat puzzle for 1 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, and a gift that stays under $40.
Play· CATANSheep, Brick, and a Friendly Robbery
CATAN 6th Edition, the English base game from Catan Studio: a strategy board game for 3 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, usually under $50.
Play· LEGOA Bouquet That Refuses to Wilt
LEGO Botanicals Flower Bouquet, set 10280: 756 pieces, 15 stems, and a gift that stays under about $50 because it never needs water.
Play· Cards Against HumanityThe Box You Only Open with the Right Crowd
Cards Against Humanity, the main game: 500 white cards and 100 black cards, for adults 17 and up, usually under $30.
Play· Days of WonderThe Map That Starts a Grudge
Ticket to Ride Europe from Days of Wonder: a train game for 2 to 5 players, ages 8 and up, with tunnels, ferries, and stations. A complete game. It does not need the original.
Read the longer under-$50 guide