Christmas gifts for a 4 year old
Christmas gift ideas for a 4 year old

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As a 4 year old, Munchkin loves to role play and is hard to keep inside in the colder months. Here is our Christmas gift ideas that we (and Santa!) got for our 4 year old this year.

Hulk smash hands

Since receiving a hand-me-down Hulk smash fist last year, which is slowly breaking down and leaving green sponge around the house, Munchkin has always wanted some more.

These were a cheaper alternative to Smyths on Amazon.

Batman dress up

If its not Hulk or black panther its batman and I cant wait to see Munchkin running around saving Gotham city in this.

This set was best value at £15 at Argos.

Octonaught’s above and beyond Gup-K

Until meeting Santa, one of Munchkin’s top requests were Octonaughts biggest vehicle the Gup-K (They will run out of letters soon enough!)

So this one would have come from Santa but its likely been downgraded to us now as we’ve moved on!

You can find this Gup-k on Amazon

Paw patrol

One thing Munchkin has been asking for ages is more paw patrol toys so Christmas shall deliver!

First we found the original marshall and rumble to add to his existing set on a fantastic tesco clubcard deal and then added the Mighty movie police car too.

Chad Valley wooden adventure play set

Given Munchkin loves a bit of dress up and role play, my wife found this cute, adventure set for only £8 at Argos!

Orchard toys dinosaur game

We love Orchard toys games. Fantastic for learning numbers and letters, turn taking and those first game mechanics.

Given Munchkin has excelled in maths and English since starting school we thought he deserved a fun game with Dino-snore-us.

Orchard toy games are often cheapest at Amazon

Plum playhouse

Finally we wanted one big purchase (because we love a bit of building late on Christmas Eve night), and we also wanted something to be enjoyed in the garden in early Spring.

This Plum playhouse was super reasonable at £115 at Argos. It may need a little decoration to brighten it up like some window flower boxes but itll be perfect when the weather changes.

And there’s no door to lock his brother out either!

and finally…

If you know us you’ll know we love Lego. (find our top Lego sets for Christmas here ➡️)

But we’ve tried to wait for his birthday for more (plus we know I’ll get some around Christmas and he will get more for his birthday).

But Munchkin new this and adjusted his requests according until, then visiting Santa Munchkin threw a curveball. With a last minute change of his request from paw patrol and Octonaughts to Ninjago Lego. We quickly had to find and buy this (plus Daddy would be disappointed without some Lego to build on boxing day!).

Ninjago Dragons rising lego set – as if we didnt have enough Lego vehicles…

Thanks for reading,

What did you get your 4 year old for Christmas. Let us know in the comments..

Daddy, Munchkin and Sprout

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Make Video Games a Positive Part of Family Life

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Video games are woven into the fabric of contemporary culture, serving not just as entertainment but often as social hubs. To make the most of this modern pastime, it’s crucial to foster a healthy, balanced, and engaging gaming environment for the entire family. This article shared courtesy of the Daddy and Munchkin Blog will lay down practical guidelines to help you strike that perfect balance between immersive gaming and overall well-being.

Set Boundaries, Not Just High Scores

While achieving high scores or conquering formidable bosses is thrilling, the Child Mind Institute notes that it’s equally crucial to set and adhere to time limits for gaming sessions. These limits ensure that real-world responsibilities like homework, chores, and family time are not neglected. And remember, taking breaks for your eyes and posture is essential for a healthy gaming experience! So, game responsibly and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Family Pow-Wow

Communication shouldn’t stop at the game’s chat function. Parents should engage in open conversations with their kids about the games they play and the people they meet online. These discussions are essential opportunities to share insights about online safety, cyberbullying, and appropriate in-game social behaviour.

Spice Up Your Virtual Worlds

Playing the same type of game can become monotonous and limiting. Encourage your family to explore diverse genres—from role-playing games to trivia. This varied experience can broaden skill sets and promote family bonding. Cooperative multiplayer games are a great way to promote teamwork and mutual respect.

Level Up Your Thinking Cap

Certain video games go beyond mere entertainment, offering brain-tickling puzzles and scenarios that require critical thinking. Introduce these games into family playtime to elevate your problem-solving skills collectively. These types of games are not just fun but also mentally enriching. They provide a fantastic opportunity for families to bond and challenge each other.

The Carrot on the Stick

Consider using video game time as a treat for accomplishing real-world tasks. This can work like a charm in motivating children to complete homework or household chores. It’s a win-win situation where tasks get completed, and the gaming time becomes more rewarding. Plus, it encourages a healthy balance between responsibilities and leisure activities.

Your Family’s Entertainment Haven

The benefit of having a designated gaming and entertainment space extends beyond mere organization. Curating this space with comfortable seating, immersive audio, and optimal lighting can elevate the gaming experience. Plus, a specialized gaming room can add a unique charm and value to your home. Ultimately, having a dedicated space for gaming allows for uninterrupted enjoyment and immersion in your favourite games.

More than Just Fun and Games

While your primary reason to invest in a gaming setup may be to enhance your gaming experience, it’s worth noting that such investments can add to your home’s resale value. Just remember to log all the changes you’ve made and keep receipts for purchases. Features like high-quality surround sound, ergonomic furniture, and modular storage can be appealing to future buyers. So, not only will you enjoy your gaming sessions, but you may also see a return on your investment when it’s time to sell your home.

Beyond Joysticks and Scoreboards

Video games are not solely about hand-eye coordination and fast reflexes. Studies cited by Effectiviology have shown that regular, moderated gaming can improve cognitive abilities such as decision-making and strategic planning. Far from being a mindless activity, gaming can be both engaging and educational when approached responsibly. So why not embrace the benefits of gaming and unlock your full potential?

Gaming doesn’t have to be a solitary or mind-numbing activity. When approached with a balanced perspective, it can offer an array of benefits ranging from cognitive development to family bonding. The key to a fulfilling family gaming experience lies in responsible gaming habits, open conversations, and judicious choices. Implementing these customized tips can help families game together in a way that’s both fun and enriching.


The Daddy and Munchkin Blog promotes shared parental leave, documents the smiles, and shares some honest product reviews. Contact us today to learn more!

About the Author

Lydia Chan understands the life of caregiving for another. After her mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she found herself struggling to balance the responsibilities of caregiving and her own life. She is the co-creator of Alzheimer’s Caregiver, a website that aims to provide tips and resources to help caregivers.

My opinion

As an avid gamer myself I see the benefits of gaming when used with time limits.

Munchkin is yet to step into the world of console gaming, however I am eager to get him his first Nintendo Switch to start him off next year. My approach would be to keep any consoles downstairs to avoid my kids spending too many hours away from the rest of the family, keep time limits and use as a reward and make sure we have many multiplayer options so we can play together so one day beat me too????.

Thanks for reading,

Daddy, Munchkin and Sprout

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As its fast approaching…The Best Games for your Christmas Party!

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It’s that time of the year when, even though we don’t always want to start thinking of it, Christmas is around the corner. One thing we love at Christmas, is getting the family or our friends together and enjoying some games together. Here’s my list of the best games for your Christmas Party.

Don’t Get Got – Big Potato Board Games

It wouldn’t be a Christmas party without Don’t Get Got. In my opinion, this is the ultimate game for a party as you can play it alongside everything else. It can start when people arrive, continue through present giving and unwrapping, through Christmas dinner and into the evening.

Don’t get got example wallet mid game (left) and game box and wallet (right)

Each player gets a wallet with one mission everyone knows and 5 secret missions with the aim to complete 3 to win. The mission everyone knows is simply a ‘Guess what?’ which you succeed if someone replies with ‘What?’. This can often be the winning mission and can be attempted multiple times to help you succeed..

Then there’s 5 more secret tasks in your wallet to complete. These range from ‘Stick this card in a jam jar and get a player to open it’ to ‘call a player the incorrect name and get them to correct you’. These can only be attempted once, as if you are caught, you fail the task, so choose you have to choose your opportunity wisely!

The first to pass three tasks wins.

There’s also a christmas version! ?

Use code BBMUCHKIN at Big Potato Games to save 15%


  • Age 14+
  • ? As long as it takes
  • ? 2 – 8

Azul – Zatu games

Azul is a beautiful tile game where you aim to decorate a palace with tiles. You take turns to collect tiles from the plates and place them on your mosaic. You then score based on where tiles land, and which tiles you collect. A complicated one to explain, a fun one to play.

Azul is available on Amazon.

  • Age 8+
  • ? 30-45 min
  • ? 2 – 4

P for Pizza – Big Potato Games

P for Pizza, is a super simple party game for 2 – 4 players. Being suitable for smaller numbers it’s a good one to get out while the rest of the family do the Christmas clear up. Its fast, easy to get to grips with, and at Christmas, won’t make you hungry like it usually does!

To play, match a category with a corresponding letter and shout out an answer which connects the two before your teammates. Quickest correct answer wins a slice to build their own pizza pyramid. As the pyramid gets taller, the choice of categories lessens, increasing the difficulty to win.


For 15% off Big Potato use code BBMUNCHKIN and DM me on Instagram for any game talk.

  • Age 8+
  • ? 15 min
  • ? 2 – 4

The Chameleon

A social deduction game like no other. Everyone knows the answer but the imposter. Each give a word to either convince you know the category, or hide from detection. Its a game everyone wants to play again and again.


  • Age 14+
  • ? 15 min
  • ? 3 – 8

Use code BBMUCHKIN at Big Potato Games to save 15%

Catan

Catan is a longer game for later in the evening, where up to four players claim numbered hexagonal tiles and build a free settlement and road. Then as the dice is rolled, claim resources based on the tiles surrounding your settlements to build more settlements, cities and roads. Claim victory points and race to ten to succeed.


  • Age 7+
  • ? 60 min
  • ? 2 – 4

Sushi Go – Gamewright

Sushi Go is a deluxe, 2 – 8 player 20 minute sushi feast game – like you need another more influence to eat at christmas!

A game of Sushi Go last three rounds. In each round, each player is dealt a hand of cards. Simultaneously, each player chooses 1 card to play and places it face down. When all players have chosen the cards are turned and each player passes their hand to the left.

Sushi Go basic game set up

The round ends when all the cards have been placed, and then cards are scored depending on the type of sushi. The player with the highest points wins.

This is a good one for Christmas as it’s family friendly with a simple consept


  • Age 8+
  • ? 20 min
  • ? 2 – 8

Linkee

Linkee is a simple and fun trivia based team game which works best with three of more teams of two or more players. A question master then has four questions to ask one by one, then a clue if it’s still required to the teams. The first team to shout ‘Linkee!’ and guess the link between the answers then wins the card. Each card has a letter on the other side, and the first team to spell ‘Linkee’ wins.

Linkee set up (left) and example card (right)

There’s two extra little rules to use to stop the game going on forever when you get endless ‘E’s. You can ‘buy’ a letter from the bank in exchange for three cards, or delete one from another team at a cost of two cards.

Linkee is a favourite as its simple but highly competitive, with everyone ready to shout ‘Linkee!’


  • Age 12+
  • ? 30 min -1h
  • ? 2 – 30

So that’s my top games for this Christmas.

What’s game has to be at your Christmas party?

Thanks for reading,

Daddy and Munchkin

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Mutable Review – The ultimate multi-activity table.

When you buy something using the retail links in our blog posts, we may earn a small commission. This money goes towards fuelling further content. If you want to support us, you can also buy us a coffee

From the moment we started trying for a Munchkin, I had created a list of products I wanted for him or her when they were old enough. At the top of that list, a Mutable by Stokke (previously Mukako) (Visit Stokke.com). Its been a favourite product for years now, and it hasn’t disappointed, so here is our Mutable review.

Since being brought out by Stokke, the product line seems to have decreased. So while this review doesn’t match all the products sold by Stokke they are still stocked elsewhere. I will include links where possible for other UK stockists where appropriate.

Mutable Review
The Mutable

What is a Mutable?

The Mutable is an Italian designed multi activity table for kids up to the age of 8 as it grows with them. The table is made of a beautiful wooden design, with a modern shape and a splash of colour. It has screw on legs, with additional pieces to enable it to grow in height as your child grows. This gives the chairs two heights and the table four heights to grow with your child.

There is an insert in the top which houses the ‘multi activity’ components. These are wooden or cardboard discs which change the table from a simple table, to a lego or duplo table, a chalk board or white board, a round puzzle board or a city or world landscape. There is also further options such as multi level lego towers, playdough moulds and adaptable scenarios.

For older children, there are app enabled toys and games, such as numbers and letters and ‘around the world’ and ‘ring o stories’ . So what can be a snack table, is an art space, a pay space and also a learning space.

Daddy and Munchkin’s Mutable review.

As I said in my introduction, the Mutable does not disappoint. From the morning it was delivered and constructed, which was a simple process with hand screw legs. Munchkin was eager to play with his cars on the town landscape, scribble with giant chalk on the white board and take his wooden train or cuddly toys for a ride up high.

Daddy loves it as its self contained. Every activity is stored within the table. There’s an attached pen/chalk pot which is useful for easy storage and access to (you guessed it) pens and chalk, and a storage bag for tidying up, which is filled by simply removing the centre and pushing the toys through the hole. We used this from when Munchkin was just one to teach about tidying up, and it worked a charm.

Overall I cannot fault it, and can’t wait to buy extra toys and games and use it as a learning tool for numbers/letters and humanities in the future. The only drawback is the price, but when you consider the amount of time it can be used with its variety of uses, its was an easy equation for us and its been worth every penny since.

What Else is Available?

We originally opted for the moderately supplied Essential Plus bundle. In 2022 this includes two chairs, 7 inserts, extra puzzles, storage bag and pen holder, but there are many more options to add. It currently retails at Stokke for £434.90 but can be found cheaper elsewhere in the UK such as pram world who stock it for £345.90.

In terms of accessories and toys, there are extension sets to allow space for 6 children and silicone covers to protect the table.

In the toy department, there are 3-dimensional playhouses, wooden playhouses, and lego towers, play dough moulds and educational games. I already have my eye on a playhouse, playdough mould, and more games for Munchkin.


Interested in a tablet for your little one? Check out my Fire HD Kids tablet review ➡️


One year on…

It is still the best product we have invested in. It is a favourite place for a painting and drawing or scribbling on the chalk board. Munchkin has started to use the Mutable for imaginative play taking his dinosaurs to the town landscape and therefore we have expanded our Mutable collection.

We now have the two, two sided games, one teaches about fruit and vegetables and the other is a space themed game. These both come with multiple levels, allowing the game to change as your child grows, for example changing from counting to doing sums and multiplication.

The second is a superhero house. A multi-level wooden playhouse that sits it is own disc holder on top of the Mutable. It has multiple rooms, from fictional superhero to real life such as police and firemen. We spend many an hour playing with this now. Unfortunately this product is not sold by Stokke since their take over however even if they still sell the furniture and the heroes but can be found elsewhere on third party sellers like Pramworld.

Mutable Review – Those all important stars

Quality

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Price

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Useability

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Instructions

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Daddy reviewed, Munchkin approved.

Thanks for reading our Mutable Review,

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Daddy’s Top 6 Big Potato Party Games

As parents, there’s still times we need to put the kids to bed, get the beers out and enjoy a game or five…

Big Potato have always been a favourite of mine, even before I started to collaborate with them. They produce fantastic party and family games, and are also working to be more eco-friendly by reducing plastic, reducing box sizes and planting trees (double points from me!)

So here’s a run down of my top 6 big potato games. If you’re interested in my all time game favourites you can find that post here.

If any of these games, or any of their others, interest you, you can use the code BBMUNCHKIN for 15 percent off. So you can enjoy those games for a little less.

6. Day at the Festival/Night at the movies puzzles

First on the list is a new release from Big Potato Games. There’s two puzzles, one is all about movies and one about bands and music artists.

Each is a 1000 piece puzzle which when complete, becomes a second challenge to identify the hidden bands/movies from the picture clues.

big potato
A puzzle with a game twist
  • Age 12+
  • ? Variable, as its a puzzle
  • ? 1+

5. 20 Second Showdown

20 second showdown is instant, fast paced, addictive fun. Split into two teams, grab a baton and get prepared.

Flip the timer and start the 20 second countdown, complete a task then flip the time back to start the time running for the other team. Complete simple, and often hilarious tasks and try to stay in the game by completing the task within the time. The first team to run out of time loses.

Fast paced, tense, team fun
  • Age 10+
  • ? 15 min
  • ? 5 – 20

4. P for Pizza

P for pizza was a lockdown savior as it only requires a minimum of two players.

The lockdown savior. A simple, quick, addictive pizza themed game

Reveal three categories, match to a letter and shout an answer before another player. If you are first, win a pizza slice and add it to build your mega pizza slice to win. Though as you build, the categories you can answer reduce, making it harder the game progresses. A game so good you always play it twice.

  • Age 10+
  • ? 15 min
  • ? 2 – 4

3. Don’t get Got

Don’t get got is the ultimate party game as you can play it alongside something else, like dinner, a party or other games.

The ultimate play anytime task game.

Get five secret tasks and one ‘guess what?’. Be the first to fool three other players and complete your tasks, but don’t get caught, or rather, Don’t Get Got!

  • Age 10+
  • ? 30 min – 30 y
  • ? 2 – 10

2. Snakesss

Watch out, there’s snakesss about!

Find out who’s the best liar!

In snakesss, players get points by answering questions correctly after a brief team discussion. But beware, some players are actually snakes who try to charm you to choose the wrong answer. Snakes score points by distracting you from the correct answer.

One player gets the wooden ‘Mongoose of Truth’ token which shows they definitely aren’t a snake!

  • Age 12+
  • ? 40 min
  • ? 4 – 8

1. The Chameleon

And finally, number one! My favourite Big Potato game is The Chameleon.

Blend into the crowd and remain undetected.

In this game, one player is The Chameleon who needs to blend in with the crowd. Every one else tries to uncover their disguise.

Turn over a new topic card and roll the dice. This will show the topic to all players but the Chameleon. Take turns giving a word related to the topic in order to detect the Chameleon – but watch out, they can escape if they can guess the topic so be wise when you choose your word.

  • Age 14+
  • ? 15 min
  • ? 3 – 8

Which of these do you think would be your favourite? Let us know in the comments. And if you’re tempted, use code BBMUNCHKIN for 15% off!

Thanks for reading,

Daddy and Munchkin

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Daddy’s Top Board and Party games

If you know this Daddy, you’ll know he thinks most social situations need snacks, a flow of good beers (gin or wine also suit) and a plethora of good board or party games to play. So Here are my seven, top board and party games in no particular order.

When you buy something using the retail links in our blog posts, we may earn a small commission. This money goes towards making further content and buying more games to review.

P for Pizza – Big Potato Games

P for Pizza, whose box isn’t edible like the photo suggests, is a super simple party game for 2 – 4 players. Being suitable for two players, it was the perfect lockdown companion for evenings when we officially ‘ran out of Netflix‘.

The rules could not be simpler. Match a category with a corresponding letter and shout out an appropriate answer before your teammates. Quickest correct answer wins a slice to build their own pizza pyramid. As the pyramid gets taller, the choice of categories lessens, increasing the difficulty towards the win.


P for Pizza is on the list for is simplicity to explain and get into and how everyone asks for another game.

  • Age 8+
  • ? 20 min
  • ? 2 – 4

For 15% off Big Potato use code BBMUNCHKIN and DM me on Instagram for any game talk.

Game of Thrones Board Game

The GOT board game is a fantastic board game I haven’t had the pleasure of playing since University, yet it still makes the top list because of some very fond memories.

top board & party games

Imagine a Risk style board game, but set in Westeros. You compete as one of the six great houses aiming for domination of Westeros to claim the Iron Throne.

In each battle the tides can be turned by using characters alongside dice roles and players should always be aware of the risk of the Wildlings attacking from north of the wall! So in essence, its Risk, but with many, many more layers of complexity.

At 2+ hours gameplay (though it took us 6 hours the first play), this certainly isn’t one for a quick evening game and you’ll need a team as it requires 3 to 6 players.


Game of Thrones board game is on the list as it is totally immersive, bringing you into the battle and the feel of fighting for the iron throne.

  • Age 14+
  • ? 2 h +
  • ? 3 – 6

Carcarsonne

Carcarsonne was another lockdown favourite, as not only a physical board game, but also digitised on the site Board Game Arena; a online board game website with a plethora of games to play.

top board and party games

Carcassonne on Board Game Arena

Take turns placing tiles to build cities, monasteries and roads to link them together. Score points by placing a ‘meeple’ on the feature and completing it, or setting them in a field to be scored at game end. Use the large meeple (which counts as two) to compete for ownership and steal points from other players.


Carcarsonne is on my list and I have been so addicted since playing it for the first time. Simple as that.

  • Age 7+
  • ? 35 min
  • ? 2 – 5

Carcarsonne is available to play for free at board game arena and buy at Amazon.co.uk.

Sushi Go – Gamewright

Sushi Go is a deluxe, 2 – 8 player 20 minute sushi feast game!

A game of Sushi Go last three rounds. In each round, each player is dealt a hand of cards. Simultaneously, each player chooses 1 card to play and places it face down. When all players have chosen the cards are turned and each player passes their hand to the left.

Sushi Go basic game set up (left) and hand during gameplay (right)

The round ends when all the cards have been placed, and then cards are scored depending on the type of sushi. For example, Nigiri are scored individually for 1, 2 or 3 points, however you need a group of three Sashimi to score 10 points. If pudding is collected, these are scored at the end of the three rounds. The player with the highest points wins.


Its on the top games list as its so accessible to all and enjoyed by most.

  • Age 8+
  • ? 20 min
  • ? 2 – 8

Linkee – Linkee Ltd

Linkee is a fun team game which works best with three of more teams of two or more players. A question master reads four questions one by one, then a clue if required, out loud to the teams. The first team to shout ‘Linkee!’ and guess the link wins the card. Each card has a letter on the other side, and the first team to spell ‘Linkee’ wins.

Linkee example card (left) and winning collection (right)

There’s two extra little rules to use when you collect spare cards you don’t need. You can ‘buy’ a letter from the bank in exchange for three cards, or delete one from another team at a cost of two cards.

Linkee is a favourite as its simple but highly competitive, getting everyone poised to shout ‘Linkee!’


  • Age 12+
  • ? 30 min – 1 h
  • ? 2 – 30

Munchkin – Steve Jackson Games

Munchkin is another game with a lot of rules. In simple terms, its a 3 – 6 player game which can last anything from 40 minutes to several hours.

Munchkin Zombie starting set up (left) and example monster (right)

The object of the game is to get to level 10. This can be done using special cards, but, most importantly, defeating monsters. As you play, you get the opportunity to level up your character as you go, adding items to power up your Munchkin.

At any time, you can attack other players with cards too, making it a constant game of battle to reach level 10 and win. Like I said though, that’s it in very basic terms, there’s quite a few more rules!

Munchkin comes in a variety of themes. Each can be played individually or merged together. So Munchkin Zombies could become Munchkin Zombie Superheroes by combining two decks.


Munchkin made the list as its always in my bag for a games night. It’s geeky whilst enjoyable.

  • Age 10+
  • ? 40 min – 2 h
  • ? 3 – 6

Don’t Get Got – Big Potato Board Games

Don’t Get Got is the ultimate party game as it can be played simultaneously with other games, alongside a meal or, to be honest, any get together.

Don’t get got example wallet mid game (left) and game contents (right)

Each player gets a mission wallet with 6 tasks. The first is simply a ‘Guess what?’ which you succeed if someone replies with ‘What?’. This one can be attempted multiple times.

Then there’s 5 more secret tasks such as ‘Hide this card on a player without them noticing’ or ‘stick this card under a table and get a player to notice it’. These can only be attempted once, as if you are caught, you fail the task, so choose your opportunity wisely!

The first to pass three tasks wins.


Don’t get got is on the list as its one of a kind. I’ve never seen anything like it in that it can go alongside any social gathering.

  • Age 14+
  • ? As long as it takes
  • ? 2 – 8

For 20% off Big Potato contact me below or via Instagram;


So that was Daddy’s top board and party games. What’s your board/party game of choice?

Thanks for reading,

Daddy and Munchkin

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