The other night, toward the end of our cookie swap, 14-year-old Toby turned to me in horror…

Lots of our guests had left, but six friends, plus Toby and me, were talking on our giant sofa. I thought everything was cozy and convivial, until Toby pointed something out.

“Mom,” he lamented, his eyes widening. “This is turning into…a convo party.”

A convo party?! People chatting and not much else?!! What could be worse???!!! Something needed to happen — and fast.

“Let’s play a game,” Toby suggested, and we quickly decided on Categories. Have you ever played? The rules couldn’t be simpler: you choose a category — say, cars, fruits, veggies, sitcoms — and go around in a circle naming things in that category. You’re out if you repeat one or can’t think of one. Last one standing is the winner. That’s it!

We played three rounds:
Breakfast cereals (don’t forget European brands)
Airlines (“Qantas!” said our Australian friend. “Sun Country,” busted out Toby.)
U.S. states (this one was especially fun)

The game is always surprisingly entertaining for both kids and adults, so you could play it over the holidays if you want to mix things up, or if there is suddenly too much….convo. *shrieks*

Five more fun games that don’t need pieces:
* The Number Game
* Grandma’s Suitcase
* Would You Rather
* Celebrity
* Loaded Questions

Thoughts? Have you played any of these? What games would you add to the list?

P.S. Board games that are actually fun, and would you ever play Bitey?