
When we visit my husband’s family, after the kids are in bed, we sit down for a good-natured but competitive game of Dominos. They taught me to play and I love it! As soon as my girls are old enough, I want to start a family game night. I know it’s a little corny, but I don’t care. I love a good game and I want to pass some old-fashioned pasttimes onto my children. The selection of games shown here are as decorative as they are entertaining, and can convert even the most avid video-gamer, if only for one night.
1. Domino Box, $39: Okay, this isn’t so much a game as a charming way to store game pieces. I love the folksy appeal of this box, and the Red Dice box too.
2. Stacking Dominos, $59: A sculptural take on the classic game, these solid wood dominoes stack easily for storage.
3. Classic Games Compendium, $28: I love this retro wooden box, which hold an assortment of old favorites: cards, dominos, pick up sticks, marbles, jacks and a wooden yo-yo.
4. Folk Art Game Boards, $249: This collection of four decorative game boards is a reproduction of authentic 19th century pieces, and is another take on the game-as-decoration theme. Unfortunately, this set is no longer available, but I love the options available at Etsy.
5. Chess Set, $65: For the modern chess lover, this striking set is made of cherry and maple wood pieces that fit together like a puzzle for easy storage. And the size and heft of each piece reflects their relative importance in the game.
6. Bone and Horn Game Sets, $59-99: These sets feature playing pieces made of natural bone and horn, which develop a patina over time. I think the playing cards are especially interesting.

7. Handcarved Mancala Game Set, $49: Mancala is an African game that dates back many centuries. This handmade set is as beautiful as it is fun to play.
8. Game Pens, $9.99: Portable fun! These ballpoint pens are also favorite old games, including Operation, Yahtzee, and Etch a Sketch. Great stocking stuffers.
9. Retro Stocking Stuffer Games (prices vary): Vermont Country Store is a great source for old-fashioned treasures, and these games will take you back. Their selection includes vintage tin pinball games, a Mini Simon (my old favorite!), Jacob’s Ladder, Click Clacks, Pick Up Sticks, a Classic 15 Puzzle, and Tiddledy Winks.
10. Nostalgic Games from NapaStyle (prices vary): NapaStyle has an enticing array of old-time favorites, including Tiddlywinks, Family Bingo, Dominos, and Pinball, and some you’ve probably never heard of, like Hopla, Snap, Animal Grab, Who?, and Flipping Fish. I also like their Compendium of Games, $44, which features 11 British favorites in one highly giftable box.
11. Classic Bookshelf Board Games, $59.50 each: I know this make it an odd number-ed list, but I couldn’t resist these! On your bookshelf, they appear to be just another set of attractive leather-bound books, but open them up and you’ll find all the components to one of four favorite games: Sorry, Yahtzee, Clue and Stratego.
Nada Manley says
I’m so sorry. This item is sold out and I can’t find an exact replacement, but I did see some lovely options on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/search/vintage?q=vintage+game+board&vintage_rewrite=vintage+game+board&original_query=2
I’ll let you know if I see them again. And thank you for the comment!
Sandi says
Hello! I am interested in the game boards, as well. However, clicking on the photo only enlarges the photo. It doesn’t send me to another link. Can you please post their link or company name? Thanks so much!
Nada Manley says
Gina thanks for the comment. You can just click on the pictures and it will take you to their site to order!
Gina Ciconte says
Do I order the folk art game boards on this site?