We’re delighted to have our game table in the living room — it has quickly become a favorite spot for date nights, family meals and game nights.
Many readers have asked about our wooden Aggravation (also called Agitation) game board, so I wanted to share a few similar options and ideas for bringing games into your living space.
Our board is a treasured family piece with years of use, so newer versions may look slightly different, but the style and play experience are similar.
Ours is single-sided for four players, but many contemporary boards are double-sided and accommodate up to six players.
Aggravation / Agitation boards similar to our wooden one
If you enjoy the classic wooden look, look for solid wood or quality veneer boards with defined marbles and clear track markings. Many sellers offer both single- and double-sided options, plus varying sizes for tabletop display.
A holiday season challenge
Unplug, set devices aside, and spend time playing a board game or assembling puzzles with family and friends. Even a simple two-person game can create meaningful time together.
Christmas gift idea: Give the gift of shared experiences by choosing a family-friendly board game that’s attractive enough to display on a coffee table. Consider a curated game basket to keep favorites organized and accessible. There are also stylish boxed games designed to look like linen books that tuck neatly onto a shelf when not in use.
A few more games our family likes
Blokus
Quoridor
Dixit
Chickenfoot
My kids have been enjoying Betrayal at House on the Hill, including the Legacy version for an evolving play experience.
Shop more games: Curate a selection of quality, visually appealing games that you’ll want to leave out on the coffee table — family favorites and conversation starters make great additions.