A "Gift Trap" board game box displayed on a dark surface with the tagline "the perfect game to GET!" visible on the box lid and various images and texts on the side of the box.
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Gift Trap (2006)

ByMichail

Gift Trap

“Gift Trap” is a 2006 indie party board game designed by Nick Kellet, inspired by his eldest daughter in 2004. The game has gained popularity and recognition since its inception, winning various awards and being translated into multiple languages.

Why is Gift Trap Popular?

Gift Trap is a popular and significant board game because it:
– Relies on players’ personal knowledge of each other, making it a fun and engaging social experience.
– Has received numerous awards and recognition, including Party Game of the Year in France in 2008 and the Spiel Des Jahres: Special award in 2009.
– Has been translated into eight languages, showcasing its global appeal.

Game Components of Gift Trap

  • Game board that unfolds like a gift box
  • Eight brightly colored gift bags
  • Gift cards with various gift items, ranging from absurd to practical
  • Face-down tokens for marking gifts
  • Give and Get markers
  • Instruction manual
  • Cards with different gift items, each with a photograph and a name.

    How To Setup Gift Trap

    Setup is straightforward and takes approximately 5 minutes. The game comes in a creative gift box package. Open the lid to reveal the folded game board, the gift bags, and the tray filled with game pieces. Remove the tray to find the gift cards and other components. Players each choose a gift bag and receive the necessary tokens and markers.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Number of Players:** 3-8
  • Age Range:** 8 years and up
  • Setup Time:** Approximately 5 minutes
  • Playing Time:** 45-75 minutes
  • Skills Required:** Empathy, Intuition, Honesty, Memory, Social Intelligence & Emotional Intelligence
  • Objective:** To be the best at giving people what they want and matching your desires with what people give you.
  • Mechanics:** Players use face-down tokens to mark the gifts they would give to each other and which gifts they would like to receive. Tokens are then revealed, and players score according to the correlation of gifting and reception tokens. Points are awarded for giving gifts that others like and deducted for giving unwanted gifts. The goal is to get both Give and Get markers in the GIFTED zone to win the game.

    Player Experience

    Gift Trap is designed to be a fun and engaging way to learn more about the people you are playing with. It encourages great conversations and laughter, especially when played with friends or family members you know well. The game is easy to understand and does not require skills in drawing, acting, or trivia, making it accessible to a wide range of ages and skills. However, it is best enjoyed with people you have a good rapport with, as the game relies heavily on personal knowledge of each other’s preferences.

    Pros

  • Encourages social interaction and conversation
  • Suitable for a wide age range (8 years and up)
  • Easy to understand and play
  • High-quality game components and attractive packaging
  • Promotes empathy and social intelligence
  • Can be played with a mixed group of adults and children.

    Cons

  • May be tedious with cumbersome rules for scoring if not adapted
  • Not as enjoyable with players who do not know each other well
  • Some players found the game unimaginative and boring after a few rounds.

    Personal Thoughts on Gift Trap

    Gift Trap is an excellent choice for those looking for a party game that fosters social interaction and laughter. It is ideal for family gatherings, parties with friends, or any event where you want to get to know people better. While it may not be the best fit for every group, especially those who are not well-acquainted, it shines when played with people you have a good relationship with. The game’s unique blend of humor, empathy, and social engagement makes it a standout in the world of party games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl