Advent Calendar 2023

Hoyles & Thirsty Meeples

Chances are games featured in your childhood Christmas traditions in some way. Whether it’s besting siblings over a game of Monopoly or Cluedo, learning a classic card game from a grandparent, or playing charades after dinner, games have always been a great festive unifier.

As gifts, games are a happy medium between instant gratification and long-term value. Today, we're taking a look at two of Oxford’s beloved games shops, Hoyle’s on High Street and Thirsty Meeples in Gloucester Green.

Hoyle’s first opened its doors over 25 years ago, in 1997. Located in a stately red shop on the High Street, they carry a selection of vintage and antique board games, the sentimental value of which could make for very precious gifts for older relatives. One of their beautiful, ornately carved chess sets also doubles as a piece of art. Until fairly recently, Hoyles leaned fully into a retro, almost toy shop vibe, with a range of wooden and metal, minimalist designs. In the past year, however, they’ve branched out to include a wide array of modern games alongside their beloved classics, becoming a one-stop shop for both larger presents and delightful stocking fillers.

Thirsty Meeples, meanwhile, takes a thoroughly social approach to games. They are perhaps best known for their board game cafe aspect, wherein players book a table for a few hours and avail themselves of the cafe’s vast game library, as well as food and drink. As they offer gift cards, one surefire gift option is to simply prebook a game slot for your loved one and treat them to an afternoon or evening of fun. But Thirsty Meeples also carries an excellent range of popular games to purchase, from hefty strategy titles to pocket-sized card games. The staff are also knowledgeable and willing to order things in.

What games to go for

For further inspiration, we’ve included our top five gift recommendations below:

Best for crowdpleasing - Sushi Go: A card game with adorable artwork and a nifty tin, Sushi Go is a true crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike. The objective is to build the best sushi combinations as players pass cards back and forth each turn. It plays in about 15 minutes and has virtually no set-up time. Ages 8+, 2-5 players

Best competitive game - Villianous: while you might think a board game produced by Disney would be a cynical cash grab, Villianous is a pleasant surprise. The game, which has players compete against one another as Disney Villians, has a creative and thoughtful range of mechanics. It’s easy to learn and involves enough strategy to be highly addictive. Competitive but fast-paced enough to take the sting out of losing. Ages 10+, 2-6 players.

Best cooperative game - Pandemic: In the critically acclaimed Pandemic, released long before COVID became a reality, players work cooperatively as a team of doctors to fight outbreaks and gather resources for a cure. Pandemic proves that board games don’t need to be competitive to be engrossing. Ages 8+ 2-4 players.

Best for family fun - Camel Up: In Camel Up, up to eight players bet on five camels as they race around the board, trying to determine who will place first and second. A silly, speedy game with stackable camel figurines and dice rolls taking place in a big plastic pyramid. What’s not to love? Ages 8+ 2-8 players

Best for something different - Alice is Missing: The most unique game on this list, Alice is Missing is an unassuming card game that, thanks to modern technology, unfolds into a mesmerizing two-hour experience. During gameplay, each player assumes a character, and can only communicate with the other players via text message, individually and in a group chat. The objective of the game is to find the missing teenager Alice, and depending on the choices players make, several endings are possible. Potentially heavy themes, but an incredible journey. Ages 16+, 3-5 players

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