Board Games Surge to Top of 2025 Gift Lists, Redefined as Designer Décor
PARIS - Forget fleeting tech trends: teh hottest gift of 2025 isn’t a gadget, but a game. Board games – particularly chess, checkers, tic-tac-toe, and especially backgammon – are experiencing a dramatic resurgence, not as dusty relics of family nights, but as coveted decorative objects, industry observers say.
The shift reflects a broader consumer desire for “living interiors,” spaces that invite interaction rather than static display. Decoration professionals note a move away from purely aesthetic pieces towards items that are “practical, useful, lovely and space-saving.” This year, board games are being prominently featured in Christmas selections alongside traditional décor like lamps and vases.
Brands are capitalizing on the trend with elegant redesigns. lasting materials like light wood, brass, leather, and acrylic are favored, with simple shapes, neutral colors, and meticulous finishes.The games are intentionally left open as statement pieces, fitting seamlessly into contemporary interiors. Boxes resemble bound books, trays are crafted from glass or acrylic, and playing pieces frequently enough feature brass detailing.
“These redesigned versions appeal to lovers of beatiful objects as well as those nostalgic for family games,” notes a recent analysis of the trend.In 2025, offering a backgammon set or revisited board game means offering an object with broad generational appeal.Social media and design magazines are fueling the momentum,showcasing the games as key elements in current interior design trends.