Games

Start with the format, because it determines everything else. Dice are immediate and very cheap, but their content is limited to a few words per face. Cards offer text and so nuance and progression. Conversation games come closer to a guided discussion and get brought back out for much longer.

The intensity level is the second filter and it’s the one people get wrong most often when giving a gift. A game organized in levels lets you choose where to stop; a game without structure imposes its register from the first card. For a gift, gradual escalation beats boldness.

Always check the language. A large part of the French market consists of English-language imports, sometimes loosely translated. On a game whose entire appeal rests on the wording, a sloppy translation ruins the experience.

Finally, look at the intended number of players. A game designed for a group works poorly for two and a couples’ game makes everyone uncomfortable at a get-together. It’s stated on the box, rarely highlighted.

By format: naughty card games, naughty dice and romantic games.