There are plenty of health benefits to reducing screen time. Reducing screen time benefits both mental and physical health. Finding screen time alternatives for your family and friends shows that you really care about their health and wellbeing. Here are some ideas for screen free gifts that inspire creativity.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
Gifts that Help Separate you from Screens
Alarm Clock – Many people keep their phone inside their room at night in order to use it as an alarm clock. If you have a separate alarm clock this will enable you to keep your phone away from your night stand. This helps reduce the urge to grab it first thing in the morning.
Hands free adapter – Of course newer cars have Bluetooth adapters for hands free calls. If you need a gift ides for someone driving an older car without a handsfree option a hands free Bluetooth adapter would be a great gift.
Wall Calendar – Stop your loved one from picking up their phone to check the date. Find a cute wall calendar for them to check instead.
Wall clock – A decorative wall clock can stop the urge to pick up a phone to check the time.
Activity books – Help your loved one find something else to reach for for entertainment.
Phone jail – A novelty gift for your phone addicted loved one.
Gifts that Encourage Reconnecting with Nature
Spending time outdoors is great for mental and physical health. Here are a few gifts that can encourage outdoor fun and can serve as great screentime alternatives.
Hiking or Camping Equipment
Even if you are not a camping enthusiast, some camping equipment can be used at home. A tent or hammock can be set up in your own backyard. For hours of fun!
Spending time together as a family is important for staying connected.
Family Games
Card games and board games encourage screen free family fun. Check out this link for a list of really fun board games listed by age of family members. If you need a small game that will fit in a stocking, Easter basket or care package, check out this list of small games.
Screen time is most engaging for the sense of sight, why not attempt to engage the other four senses in order to distract your loved one from their screen.
If you live in a small apartment or dorm room you may be in need of a small game. Maybe you need a small game for your home away from home: a camper, tent or cottage. Small games are also great for travel, and school. Don’t turn to your phone for entertainment in a waiting room or between classes. Do something interactive! Here are some tiny fun games for small spaces, listed by number of players.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.All measurements are approximate.
Small games for 2 players
Hive Pocket – Ages 9 and up, 2 players, duration 20-30 minutes. A fun strategy game. The object is to surround your opponent’s queen bee tile, before they surround yours. Each insect tile has a different power to move, similar to chess pieces. 6x6x2 inches, with a smaller travel bag.
Splendor Duel -Ages 10 and up, 2 players, duration 30 minutes. A challenging gem collecting game of strategy for 2 players. Players must gain the most points by collecting gems and pearls to buy cards. 7x5x2 inches
Jaipur – Ages 10 and up, 2 players, duration 20 minutes. A competitive trading game. It is a mix of strategy and luck. To win you must out trade your opponent during two rounds. 7x5x2inches
Tiny games for 2-4 players
Chomp – Ages 8 and up, 1-4 players, duration 20 minutes. A game that is easy to teach. Each player builds their own dinosaur land. They must fed their dinosaurs, or their carnivores will eat “chomp” their herbivores. 6x6x1 inches
The Mind – Ages 8 and up, 2-4 players, duration 20 minutes. In this game you must work as a team with the other players to beat the game. The rules are simple, you must read the minds of the other players by reading their expressions. You must collectively play your numbered cards in ascending order without a mistake. You are allowed a few mistakes, but too many and the game wins! 5x4x1 inch
Tiny Epic Crimes – Ages 14 and up, 1-4 players. Take on the role of detective an attempt to solve the murder, independently or with the other players. 7x5x1.5 inches
Small games for up to 5 players
Sushi-Go – Ages 8 and up, 2-5 players, duration 20 minutes. Players a delt a hand of different types of sushi cards. They must choose one to keep then pass their hand to the left. Hopefully you chose the correct sushi to collect! Now you have a new hand. Play continues this way until all cards have been collected. Total all of the points. 6x4x2inches
Sequoia -Ages 8 and up, 2-5 players, 10 minutes. An easy to learn, quick to play dice game. The object is to build the tallest tree in each forest. Score points for every forest you have the tallest tree in. 5x5x2 inches
Exploding Kittens – Ages 8 and up, 2-5 players, duration 15 minutes. Play is simple, yet explosive. Players simply draw cards until they draw and exploding kitten, if they do, they die and they are out of the game. Unless they have a defuse card, then they can bury the exploding kitten back into the deck, or on top. You can use all of the other cards in the deck to avoid the exploding kittens. 6.5×4.5×1.5 inches
The Crew – Ages 10 and up, 3-5 players, duration 20 minutes. This is a cooperative game where you must work together to complete each mission. Basic play is a trick taking card game, but how the trick is won is what matters most. 7x5x2 inches
Small games for up to 6 players
Ravensburger Push – Ages 8 and up, 2-6 players, duration 20 minutes. A fast paced easy to learn game. Try to push your luck by takings risks to attempt to gain the most points. More risk equals more possible gains or losses. 5.5×4.5×1 inch
Love Letter – Ages 10 and up, duration 20 minutes. A renaissance themed strategy and deduction game. You must use your players special skills to be the first to deliver your letter of intent to the princess. 7×4.5×1 inch package with a smaller travel bag.
Coup – Ages 13 and up, 2-6 players, duration 15 minutes. Only one player can survive. Last one standing is the winner. Use your special powers or bluff and use any power you desire, but don’t get caught. 6×4.5×1.25 inches
Tiny games for up to 8 players
Skyjo – Ages 8 and up, 2-8 players, duration 30 minutes. A fun family game, easy to learn. The goal is to gain the most points before any player uncovers all of their cards. You achieve this by uncovering, trading and collecting cards. 7x4x2 inches
Unstable Unicorns – Ages 8 and up, 2-8 players, duration 30-60 minutes. A strategy game where players must build a unicorn army. There will will be some magic, some betrayal and lots of fun! 6x4x2 inches
Small games for up to 10 players
Tiger Banana Pancake – Ages 7 and up, 2-10 players, duration 1-5 minutes. This is a super fast paced active game that makes you do silly things. It is simple to learn. For example when you flip a cat card you claw the table, last one to claw gains the card. If an imposter shows up you have to slap them. As you can probably imagine, this game gets very chaotic. 5.5×3.5×1
One night ultimate werewolf – Ages 14 and up, 3-10 players, duration 10 minutes. This is a role playing game that uses an app. Each player will need a phone to play. The goal is to determine who is a werewolf. Some players have special powers to assist other players, or throw them off. Lie or tell the truth, it’s all part of the fun. 6.8×5.2×1.6 inches.
Tiny games for many players
Spicy UNO – Ages 8 and up, 4 players/deck of UNO cards, duration variable. This game is played with a regular deck of UNO cards with a spin on the regular rules. For example players must be silent when a 7 is played until another 7 is played. If they speak between sevens, they must draw a card. 7x5x1 inch
Mao – Ages 14 and up, 3 players/deck of cards, duration variable. This game is part game, part prank. The rules must never be taught or discussed. Basic play is similar to UNO, but it is played with a regular deck of cards. Therefore, new players must learn the game by playing, they will be given another card every time they break a rule they didn’t know existed. In other words, eventually they will catch on, just in time for a new rule to be added by the winner of each round. 4.5×3.5×1 inch
As an amazon associate I earn from qualified purchases.
Mao (pronounced mow) is a fun card game I learned from my son. He didn’t teach me the game, because discussing the rules is forbidden. I had to learn like most new players, by playing and watching and learning. This is why the game is also a prank. Some people love it! Others will hate the game. If you love games and puzzles this is a great game for you! Here’s how to play Mao!
What do you need to play Mao?
Just one regular deck of cards for every 2-3 players. It does not matter if the decks are missing cards. This is a great game to play for any deck of cards that is missing a card or two. It also does not matter if the backs of all of the cards match. Jokers should be removed from the decks, but can be set aside for use when new ules are created. More on this later.
You also need at least one player that knows how to play the game. I will teach you most of the rules. The other rules will be posted in an alternate location. It would be most fun if you had a second person read those rules, so you will each get a feel for what a new player will experience, because that is part of the fun!
Mao can be played with 2 or more players, but it is best to have at least 3 players. If you are new to the game, recruit a good sport to be your third player. They will not read any of the rules and will have to learn from you and the second player who will read the other half of the rules. So Fun!!
What is it like to learn Mao?
My first experience with Mao was like this:
Son: “Mama, want to play a new card game?”
Me: “Sure, I’d love to”
Son: Deals out 7 cards to each player, and places the remaining deck in the center of the table. “Are you ready?”
Me: “No, I don’t know how to play.”
Son: “See, that’s the thing about Mao, you are not allowed to talk about the rules. Are you ready?”
Me: “yes” hesitantly
Son: Flips over the top card on the deck. States: “Mao begins”
Me: “Can I touch my cards now?”
Son: Throws a card from the top of the deck at me, says “talking”
Play began with no talking. I watched other players follow suit or play a card with the same number. E.g.: If a 3 of spades was played, the next player played another spade or a 3 of any suit.
Sometimes players drew cards. Sometimes they drew and said “thank you”. When I drew and said “thank you” a card from the top of the deck was handed to me for talking. Confusion began.
After a few rounds I was able to pick up on the basic rules, and some of the extra rules.
What are the basic rules of Mao?
No talking is allowed and the rules must never be discussed. Talking during play will result in receiving an extra card from the top of the deck. Any player can give this card to the person who is talking, stating “talking”.
The dealer deals 7 cards to each player. Players cannot touch the cards until the dealer sets the remaining deck in the center, flips over the top card and states “Mao begins”
The object of the game is to be the first person to get rid of all of your cards.
The player to the left of the dealer starts play by playing any card of the same suit or any card of the same number or face. E.g.: Jack on jack, 3 on 3 or spade on a spade.
If a player does not have a playable card, they have to draw a card from the top of the deck. If it is playable they can play it, if not they must add it to their hand. Once the card is added to their hand this should signal the next player’s turn.
Mao Special Card Rules:
Some cards have special requirements. Here I’ll give you half of the special cards. It would be more fun to have a second person read the other half of the rules. Find the other half here.
Note: These special card rules have some regional variability. If you are playing with someone from a different area, you might want to verify that you are playing with the same rules before play starts. This variation could really confuse new players.
Fives
When you play a five: play reverses, similar to a reverse in UNO. If a player plays out of turn because they do not know this rule, any other player can take a card off the top of the deck, give it to the player who played out of turn. If they do this they should say “playing out of turn”. (The card played out of turn should also be returned to the player) This is called carding. If the player who should play does not know this rule, they will not know it is now their turn. In this case, any player can take a card off the top of the deck give it to the player who should play and say “taking too long”. Hopefully they will catch on and play a card. Play then continues in reverse.
Queens
If you play a Queen, you must physically make a salute gesture. This is called saluting the queen. If a player fails to salute the queen, any player can take a card of the top of the deck, give it to that player and state “failure to salute the queen”.
Number of cards remaining
If a player is down to 2 cards in their hand, they must say “approaching Mao”. Failure to do so could result in any player giving them a card from the top of the deck and saying “failure to say approaching Mao”.
If a player is down to 1 card in their hand they must say “Mao”. Failure to do so could result in any player giving them a card from the top of the deck and saying “failure to say Mao”.
How conflict is resolved in Mao
In any game where talking is not allowed there is most certainly going to be confusion over rules. If a player believes another player has done something outside of the rules and needs to clarify, they can call a “Point of Order”. During a point of order rules may be clarified. Talking is allowed. The Point of order should be ended quickly once the dispute is resolved. It ends when someone states “Point resolved”. Play continues.
Ending the game of Mao
This is the most fun part of Mao. When someone wins, gets rid of their cards first. They get to make up a new rule. The only stipulations for the new rule is that the new rule cannot contradict an existing rule and it has to be explained in one sentence. The one sentence rule just keeps the new rule from being too complicated.
Here are some examples of new rules:
Play a Jack and you have to boogie, aka dance in your chair. Failure to due so will result in a card for “failure to boogie”.
A Joker is placed next to the discard pile. When you play a 2 you must discard another card on the joker, aka: feeding the joker. Failure to do so will result in a card for “failure to feed the joker”.
These new rules keep the game new and interesting for all players. This way the game is always changing and fun for everyone. It’s always a puzzle!
Are you ready for some Summer fun? Time to enjoy that pool! Are you tired of Marco polo? Here are some really fun toys, games and tips to make pool time even more fun!
Disclaimer: Always have a swimming buddy or parent supervision when playing in or around water. This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
Sharks and Minnows
Equipment required: none
How to play: Choose a player to be the shark. All other players are minnows. The minnows start at one end of the pool. The minnows must swim to the other side of the pool, without being tagged by the shark, to win. The shark must close his or her eyes and attempt to catch the minnows as they swim across the pool. If a minnow is tagged (caught by the shark) they are out. The minnows can climb out of the pool and walk to the other end, but they too can be caught by the shark. If the shark yells “fish out of water” when a minnow is out of the water, that minnow is out.
Variations: For younger kids, you can choose to have the shark keep his/her eyes open. You can also choose caught minnows to become additional sharks – last minnow wins.
How to play: This game is best for strong swimmers. Each player will don a mermaid tail and line up at one end of the pool. Then the players use the mermaid tails to propel them to the other end of the pool. First player to the other end wins.
Noodle Races
Big Joe Zzoodles
Equipment needed: One pool noodle per player. I suggest the Big Joe Pool Noodle or Zzoodle for kids. Our Big Joe Zzoodles have lasted 4 seasons already and they are still in good shape.
How to Play: Each player starts on one end of the pool with their noodle. Players must mount their noodle like a horse. They must keep the noodle between their legs while racing to the other side of the pool. First player to the other side of the pool wins!
The Category Game
Equipment needed: none
How to play: One player is “it.” All other players line up on deep end of the pool. The player who is “it” stands on the side of the deep end of the pool, with their back to the pool. The player who is “it” chooses a category. For example: Who is your favorite super hero? Each player chooses their favorite super hero, but keeps that information secret. The player who is “it”, starts listing super heroes. If they say Superman, and that was your hero, you must begin swimming to the other end of the pool. It’s difficult to swim quickly and quietly. If the player who is “it” hears someone swimming they can turn around and jump in to catch the other player before they reach the other end of the pool. The winner of this fun pool game is the first person to reach the other end of the pool without being caught.
Other Category Suggestions: Favorite color, favorite pizza topping, favorite ice cream flavor, favorite Taylor Swift song etc…
How to play: This fun pool game is best played while wearing goggles. Players go underwater and toss the torpedo back and forth underwater. The torpedo glides through the water up to 30 feet!
How to play: Two or more players toss the ball around without letting it touch the water. Count how many passes you can make before the ball hits the water. Try to improve your score each time you play.
Variations: To play with an odd number of people, throw the ball in a triangle, or one person can be the monkey in the middle. If the ball is dropped, the monkey takes the place of the person at fault.
Ball Tag in the Pool
Equipment needed: A soft splash ball or beach ball. If you choose a beach ball, you can get one for whatever you party theme is. For example choose a patriotic beach ball for an Independence Day party.
How to play: Ball tag is similar to regular tag, but you must tag the other players with the ball. This is why it is important to choose a soft ball. Choose a player to be “it”. They must tag another player with the ball. Players can choose to swim away or duck underwater to avoid being hit. If a player is hit, then they are “it”. The game keeps going!
Find the “invisible” water bottle game
Equipment needed: An empty clear plastic 2 Liter bottle or water bottle
How to play: Remove the label, cap, and plastic ring from the empty clear plastic bottle. Fill the bottle with pool water and allow it to sink to the bottom of the pool. The bottle will be nearly “invisible” to swimmers in the pool. Try hiding the bottle before your friends arrive. Once everyone is in the water, ask them to find it. You can play this fun pool game play too since the bottle will move around, you will not know where it is either.
Note: If the pool water is still and you are looking down into the water from outside the pool, you can see the bottle. Make sure players are inside the pool before they start hunting for the bottle.
How to play: Toss the dive toys into the pool. Wait for them to sink. All players jump in and collect dive toys. The player with the most dive toys recovered wins!
How to play: All players stand in a circle in the shallow end. The first player tosses the ball straight up in the air claps once then catches the ball. If successful, they pass the ball to the player to their left. This player tosses the ball straight up in the air claps twice and catches the ball. If successful, they pass the ball to the player to their left. Continue passing and increasing the clap requirement until someone fails. That player is out. The next player starts over at one clap. The game continues until only one player remains. The winner!
How to play: Similar to the regular game of around the world. You choose 3 locations for players to shoot from. There is not a good way to mark the locations in a pool, instead use locations near the edge of the pool. Place a toy maker at each location. Dive sticks work well for this. Players line up and one by one they attempt to shoot a hoop from each location. If successful they move to the next location. If they fail, they go to the back of the line. The goal is to successfully make a basket form all three locations.
Rubber Ducky Race
Equipment needed: One rubber ducky per player. A random assortment is best so each player knows which duck is theirs. If they are all the same, use a sharpie to number them. This way there will be no fights.
How to play: All players and ducks start at one end of the pool. Players may not touch the ducks. They can only splash their duck to move it across the pool. Players may also choose to splash, but not touch other players ducks backwards. The winner is the first duck to reach the other end of the pool. Pure chaos and tons of fun!
Equipment needed: Various pool toys: Floats, Dive Toys, underwater rings, noodles and balls.
How to play: This is a really fun pool game that boosts creativity. Use the pool toys you have available to make your own obstacle course. For example: Start by jumping in the deep end and retrieve a dive toy from the bottom of the pool. Next swim up though a ring and kick to a noodle. Climb out of the ring and ride the noodle like a horse to the end of the pool. First player to the end wins!
Note: You can add plenty of other steps to your obstacle course. Another fun one is adding rings to swim though.
Remember adult supervision is recommended when children are playing in the water.
Other Fun Games
If you have a rainy day and are in need of an indoor game, check out this post for fun family games for all ages.
As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualified purchases.
So all of your friends are going away for Spring Break, and you are staying home. Don’t despair, you can have just as much fun in your home town. Here are some great ideas for how to make spring break fun at home.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
In order to make Spring Break at home feel more like a vacation, you first have to think about things you would do on vacation and do them at home. Make your break like a staycation.
Try a new restaurant
Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
When I go on vacation, part of the fun is trying new foods. There are many restaurants in my hometown that I have never tried. Some even have unique foods or interesting themes. Look around, maybe you have a restaurant in or near your hometown that you have not tried.
Try a new recipe for dinner
Probably not something I would normally do on vacation, but staycation is different. Challenge yourself. Get out of you culinary comfort zone. Try a new recipe. Here are a couple of suggestions that are a little more challenging, but worth the effort:
Flower pot cupcakes. Just put a chocolate cupcake covered with chocolate frosting and Oreo crumbs in a 2.5 inch terracotta pot. Top with berries, Oreo filling and mint leaves.
Rice Krispie Bird nests. Just make rice Krispie treats according to package directions (add one extra tablespoon of butter -total of 4 tablespoons). Instead of pressing the hot mixture in a pan, shape it into birds nests. Coat your hands with canola oil, shape into 2 inch balls then pinch into nests, just like making a pinch pot. (be carful the mix is hot!) Top with M&M eggs or robin eggs.
Bunny Pretzels are really easy to make. Start with pretzel snaps, top with a Hershey kiss, bake at 200 degrees for 5 min. Top with one flat and 2 sideways M&M candies.
Do a puzzle
Find this Michigan puzzle here. Or find another state here.
If you are tired of your current puzzle selection, you could exchange it at a local puzzle exchange. Or get a new puzzle. Try this cute mini figure puzzle.
Play a new family game
Spring break means it’s finally warm enough to play outdoor games. Try Throw Throw Burrito Extreme! Find it here.
For more great family games ranged by age from preschool to adult, check out this post:
Once your herbs have sprouted you can transplant them into pots with other vegetables.
Go to a Museum
Photo by Mihai Surdu on Unsplash
This is a popular vacation activity. Have you been to every museum within 50 miles (~1 hour) of your home? Even if you have, museums are constantly adding new exhibits. Give it a try!
Family pizza night
This is great fun! Make or buy some pizza dough. Provide a selection of toppings and give each person a piece of parchment paper to assemble their own pizza.
Enjoy your staycation like a kid in a candy store, literally! Have you ever noticed that touristy locations and hotel lobbies often have candy stores? Just like a vacation a candy store is a treat. Why not treat you kids to a visit to a local candy store?
Go to a Zoo or Aquarium
Are you tired of your local zoo? Could you make a day trip to another zoo? Try a new zoo or aquarium. You could even try a local petting zoo.
Go out for ice cream
What says vacation more than going out for ice cream. Better yet, try making your own ice cream. The Ninja Creami makes the best ice cream I’ve ever had.
Try a new activity
My home town and surrounding areas have plenty of interesting activities. Maybe your hometown does too. Try something new:
An escape room
A trampoline park
Amusement park
Water park
Arcade
Bowling
Curling
Ropes Course
Zip line
Rock climbing
Skating
indoor skydiving
Watch a Movie
Whether you choose to go to the theatre or watch a movie at home, this can be a fun activity. If you choose to stay home make it fun with a new popcorn maker or movie theater candy!
Visit your local Library
Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash
Pick up a new book at your local library to read over your break. If you don’t like to ready, maybe you can find another fun activity or event at the library.
Build a huge LEGO set
Your saving a lot of money by not going on trip, so maybe you could use some of your savings on a huge LEGO family project. It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal, but that set was really fun.
Try a New Park
Have you been to every park within 50 miles of your home? Maybe there is a park you have been wanting to try. If not, maybe you should. Sometimes these gems are found by accident, but you can also ask some friends for a suggestion. Maybe you will find a new favorite!
Have you driven by that new pickle ball court at your local park, thinking that looks fun? Pick up a couple paddles and some balls and find out!
Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash
Have a Big Breakfast
Weather you choose to go out for breakfast or make a big breakfast at home, it will feel more like a vacation. There is little time during a busy week to really enjoy breakfast. Why not use your break to make a fun breakfast. Here are some great breakfast ideas:
Crafts can be so much fun! Have you ever tried diamond painting? Find a kit here.
Diamond painting is really fun, but sticky mosaics would be a better craft for younger kids.
Try making your own soap. We made all of these cute soaps with a klutz kit.
Sleep in a different room
Photo by Kate Darmody on Unsplash
Part of being on vacation is sleeping in a new place. You can do this at home too. Let your kids sleepover in each others rooms for a night. You can even set up a tent in the living room and have a “campout” at home.
Make dinner over a fire
If your hometown allows bonfires, you can make dinner or at least some s’mores over the fire. If you cant have a regular firepit, try a patio firepit.
Have a Spa day or get a pedicure
Photo by Konstantin Shmatov on Unsplash
Go get your hair done or enjoy a pedicure. There are also may spa at home kits you can purchase.
Take a class or get a lesson
Sewing
Pottery
Golf
Archery
Dancing
Try a new trail
Hiking or biking are typical vacation activities. Why not try a new trail near your home?
Parties are a great way to enjoy your home. Food is always expected at a party. Awesome appetizers can help to bring people together for great conversations, or can help accent any planned activity. It is not always easy to find great recipes for tried and true appetizers that will be loved by everyone. These 14 Awesome Appetizers will be a great addition to your next home party.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission on sale at no extra cost to you.
Buffalo Chicken Dip Appetizer
This Buffalo Chicken dip is really easy to make, and it has relatively few easy to find ingredients. In other words, it is a simple appetizer. It is gluten free and keto friendly if served with celery instead of chips. The recipe includes 3 different cooking methods, slow cooker, baked and smoked. It is best for Big Game Day parties, New Year’s Celebrations, and Potlucks.
Jalapeno Poppers
These Jalapeno Poppers are quick and easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. These jalapeno poppers can be prepared ahead of time, then baked right before serving. They are gluten free and keto friendly. They are best for small gatherings, Big Game Day parties, backyard parties, and family get togethers.
Chicken Strips aka Boneless Wings
This chicken strip recipe is more difficult than your average appetizer, but it is worth the effort. Your guests will be pleased. These chicken strips would best be kept warm in a chafing dish. Pick up some great dipping options: Ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard and serve them in a cute tray. Chicken strips or boneless wings are perfect for small parties, game night, and football parties.
Easy Bean Dip
Easy Bean Dip
This bean dip recipe is so easy! The dip can take on the shape of any container, making it simple to match any party theme. Most of the ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe includes suggestions for alternative ingredients. It is gluten free. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. There are suggestions for how to make it work for different holidays, such as serving in a football shaped bowl for a super bowl party. Overall this is the most versatile appetizer on the list, it is really great for any occasion.
Chips and Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash
If you are looking for an easy appetizer, this one is for you. Just open a bag of chips, dump it in a bowl, open a can of salsa and dump it in a smaller bowl. If you want to get fancy about it, get a cute chip and dip set.
If you want to be even more fancy, make your own Pico de Gallo. Both Pico de Gallo and some canned salsas are gluten free, and keto friendly. This appetizer is also vegan and vegetarian.
Homemade Pico de Gallo recipe
5-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
1 onion minced
2 jalapenos minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup mince fresh cilantro
salt to taste
Mix all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips!
Pulled Pork Street Tacos
These street tacos are made with 4-inch street taco shells. Certainly small enough to be an appetizer. This recipe is easy to make, especially if you have leftover pulled pork. If you do not have leftover pulled pork you can buy pulled pork at the grocery store, or make your own. To use this recipe as an appetizer, the pulled pork could be kept warm in a crockpot. The other toppings are all cold, and could be set up like a taco bar. Your guests will enjoy putting together their own taco. They are so tasty, you better plan on your guests eating more than one! Best for small gatherings, perfect for summer.
Polish Roses
Polish roses, aka onion wraps are really easy to make. Just wrap a green onion and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese in your choice of lunchmeat. If you don’t like onions, use pickles instead. This is a very easy appetizer, gluten free and keto friendly. It can be made ahead of time and is perfect for any occasion.
Charcuterie Board
Photo by Ana Maltez on Unsplash
This is a very easy appetizer. You will need to start with a charcuterie board and it would help if you had some ramekins for jams and dips. Once you have the basics, all you need are a variety of meats, soft and hard cheeses, fruits, veggies, olives, jams and dips. Get creative, don’t worry your guests will be pleased. This appetizer is best for wine tastings, book clubs, and bible studies.
Meatballs
These Thai Inspired meatballs are an amazing appetizer. Find the video recipe here. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate until you are ready to bake for your party. They would be best kept warm with a chafing dish rather than a crockpot. These meatballs would be best for a small get together. They are great for any season. Don’t expect any leftovers.
Guacamole
Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash
Guacamole is very easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find. It is the healthiest appetizer on this list. It is gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and keto friendly. Guacamole is versatile. It is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a vegetable dip or spread on crackers. You can make it ahead of time, but it can brown a bit. To prevent browning, place a piece of plastic wrap right on top to protect the top from the air. Due to the versatility of this appetizer it would be a great addition to any gathering.
Cheese and Crackers
Photo by Raychan on Unsplash
This appetizer can be a simple as arranging a variety of crackers and cheese slices on a platter or you can make your own cheese spread.
Easy Homemade Cheese Spread recipe
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
dash of hot sauce, more if desired (optional)
Mix all ingredients with a hand mixer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving with crackers.
Pierogi
Pierogi served with sauteed onions and sour cream
This is a difficultrecipe, but it is worth the effort. It is also an awesome vegetarian option. Your guests will be amazed! Pierogi can be prepared ahead, they can even be frozen. To serve as an appetizer you will need to fry them up, then keep them warm in a chafing dish. Be sure to fry up plenty of onions to serve with the pierogi. If you are willing to put in the effort pierogi are a great appetizer for any event especially Christmas Eve parties, where they are a polish tradition.
Chips and Dip
Another easy appetizer. The key to great chip dip is to make it yourself. The best chip dip is A Spice Above – Oven Roasted Garlic. Just mix the packet with 1 cup full fat sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving. It is gluten free and keto friendly. This appetizer will be gone no matter where you bring it. It is a simple appetizer perfect for any event.
Easy Deviled Eggs for all Occasions
Deviled eggs are an easy and inexpensive appetizer for all occasions. They are gluten free and keto friendly. Make them cute or sophisticated. Find many recipes here:
Mix Olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt in a bowl to make the dressing. In another bowl mix all the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the other ingredients. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips.
Are you getting bored with your current selection of family games? Here is a perfect way to spice up an old favorite! Spicy Uno is a fun family or party game using a regular deck of Uno cards. It would be best to have 2 decks of UNO cards, especially if you are playing with more than 3 people. You can still play spicy UNO with only one deck, but you will have to pause to shuffle at least once. You can’t even shuffle the cards when it is not your turn, because in Spicy UNO, it is always your turn! If you don’t enjoy shuffling you might want to invest in a card shuffler! Read on to find out more.
This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
How to set up Spicy UNO:
Thoroughly shuffle the UNO deck or both decks and deal each player 7 cards then place one card face up on the discard pile. The basic play is the same as the standard UNO game, follow color or number. You must say “UNO” when you have one card left, or you will be required to pick up 2 cards. Decide who will play first. The object of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of your cards.
Rules for Spicy UNO:
0 – If you play a zero, you must trade hands with another player. This is not optional.
5 – If anyone plays a 5, all players must slap the table. Last player to slap the table must draw 2 cards. It pays to be loud and noticeable here!
7 – If someone plays a 7, all players must remain silent (except for laughing, because laughter is fun) until another 7 is played. If you talk after someone plays a 7 you must draw a card. If you go down to one card during silence you must hold up one finger to indicate UNO instead of saying “UNO”. To choose a color if you play a wild during silence you must point to your desired color. If during silence, rules must be clarified, you must raise your hand before speaking.
Draw 2 – If you play a draw 2, the next player must draw 2 (if they draw 2 their turn is over), unless they can also play a draw 2, then the next player has to draw 4, unless they can play a draw 2, then the next player must draw 6. This continues until someone has to draw the accumulated number of cards.
Draw 4 – Same rules as the draw 2.
If you cannot play a card, you must draw cards until you are able to play.
If a player has to draw because they cannot play, any player can offer them a playable card face down. The player who cannot play can choose to accept the offered card or decline and draw instead.
If you have a card that is the exact same as a card played (examples: someone plays a red 3 and you have a red 3, or someone plays a yellow skip and you have a yellow skip) you can play it at any time even if it is not your turn. You have to play the identical card before the next player plays their card. If you are able to play your identical card first then you will have effectively changed the turn to your turn and the player after you will go next. You can play 2 cards at the same time if you have 2 identical cards in your hand. If both cards are fives, everyone must slap the table twice.
If possible, don’t play a zero when your hand is the smallest.
Hold onto your draw 2 and draw 4 cards until they are the only playable cards in your hand. These cards will defend you incase someone else plays one.
Offer a playable zero to someone who cannot play because they will have to trade their hand. If the player after the player who has to draw has UNO, offer the player who has to draw a playable draw 2 or draw 4 card.
Always pay attention, even when it is not your turn so you do not miss a 5 or 7 card.
If you like Spicy Uno, You might like:
Here are some fast paced paced games, where its always your turn, try these:
Are you getting bored with you family game selection? It is difficult to find fun family games to play with young children. As the children grow their interests change and so must the games. The goal is to find games that are fun for both kids and adults. The main goal for family games is to keep play simple to learn, but complex enough to entertain all ages. There are many fun games to play with all age groups. Here are some great suggestions for all age groups.
Best family games for preschool aged kids-Ages 3-5 years
This is a difficult age group to find fun games to play with. Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, or Hi Ho Cheery O are mind numbingly boring. I also can’t tolerate the simple card game war. After much research, I did end up finding a few fun games to play with preschool aged kids. My babysitters also gave some good suggestions.
Hullabaloo
Hullabaloo is actually a fun game to play with kids aged 3 and up. It was honestly my favorite for this age group. Families can hop, skip, crawl, jump and dance! The game comes with a bunch of different shaped pads with pictures on them, to place on the floor. The “announcer” will tell the players to “hop like a frog to a triangle”. Eventually the “announcer” will declare a winning pad, if anyone is on that pad they win and get to do a dance. It’s really fun!
Spot It Jr.
Spot it Jr is a fast paced card game with simple rules for kids 4 and up. It’s quick for their short attention spans. All you have to do is spot the picture that is the same on two cards. This is a great game for babysitters. Our best babysitter had it in her bag of fun that she always brought over.
Memory
Memory This game is pretty simple. You just place all of the cards face down. Then you take turns flipping 2 cards at a time, if they match you keep the match. If they don’t match, you flip them back over and try to remember what they were so you can make a match on your next turn. Kids are surprisingly good at this game.
Go Fish
Go Fish This is a very simple card game that can be played with a regular deck of cards, but it also comes in many different themes, sure to delight any preschooler.
The rules are simple: deal out 7 cards per player, then spread out the rest of the cards in the middle to make the fishing pond. The player to the left of the dealer starts by asking another player for all of their “kings” if the player succeeds in obtaining kings, they keep going until they ask for something another player can’t give them. That player will say “go fish” and the player draws a card from the “pond”. The object is to get 4 of a kind. Once a player has 4 of a kind they lay those cards face up in front of them. Once all of the cards have been laid down the winner is the player with the most cards in front of them.
Old Maid
Old Maid This game can be played with a regular deck of cards, but also comes in old maid decks with fun themes. If using a regular deck you just deal out all of the cards except one (usually a queen). Each player removes all of the pairs from their hand and places them down in front of them. Then the dealer offers their hand face down for the player to their left to choose from. If that player makes a match, they lay it down in front of them, then they offer their hand to the next player. The next player draws a card and play continues until all cards are matched except the old maid. The player left with that card is the old maid.
Best Family games for early elementary aged kids – Ages 6-8
There are a lot more really fun games to play as a family once your children are all over 6. Mostly because many fun games require reading to some extent. A few games from the preschool age are still appropriate for this age group.
Uno Roboto
Uno Roboto is a really fun spin on regular Uno. It comes with a robot that helps with game play. Each player records their name into the robot. Throughout play the robot calls players by name asking them to do things like discard 2 cards, or give all their yellow cards to another player. Sometimes the robot even instructs players to give each other different names.
SkipBo or Uno
Skip Bo or Uno These classic games have simple rules and are still fun even for adults. They are small and inexpensive. Easy to take on trips. Always a good time.
Throw Throw Burrito
Throw Throw Burrito is a crazy family card/dodgeball game. It is very competitive and fast paced. Play is similar to spoons because the cards are passed from one player to the next with each player attempting to make a matched set of 3 cards. Some of the sets cause players to grab the soft burritos and attempt to hit one another with them. It is a very active game, great for kids with lots of energy!
Best Family Games for late elementary aged kids-Ages 8-10
Finally your children are ready for fun games to play with a little more complexity. A little more math and reading will be required. More complex games can also be much more fun! Here are some of my family go to favorites.
Squirrels
Squirrels is a card game that is simple to learn and very fun to play. We stumbled upon this game because my daughter likes squirrels. It was a small and inexpensive game that made a cute stocking stuffer. It ended up being a family favorite. The object of the game is to collect nuts of the same color. There are also wild cards and attack cards that make play fun! You may end up stealing, hoarding, or dumpster diving during your quest to collect your nuts.
Slapzi
Slapzi is a fast paced game. There are several ways to play. Basically you are delt cards with pictures on them. When a clue card is flipped you have to be the first player to match one of your picture cards to the clue card. The faster and more creative you are the more likely you will match all of your cards first. Just be ready to defend some of your creative matches.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a great family board game of strategy. There are several versions of the game including maps from all over the world. Each board includes a map with train routes. Players are delt routes that they have to complete by obtaining the correct amount of train cards to complete each section of the route. Points are earned for each section and for each completed route. Watch out for your opponents stealing the route you need.
Rummikub
Rummikub is a classic game of strategy. It is similar to the card game Rummy but played with tiles instead of cards. Deal out 14 tiles to each player, then you have to match 3 different colored numbers or 3 same colored numbers in order before you can lay them down in the center. Each player can play on other sets of three or use numbers from other sets to make new sets. The object is to get rid of all of your tiles first. Simple but classic family fun.
Poetry for Neanderthals
Poetry for Neanderthals is a fun game where you have to give clues in only single syllable words to get your team to guess the word. If you say a word with more than one syllable someone from the other team can hit you with an inflatable caveman club and you have to choose a new word.
Butts in Space
Butts in Space is a slightly inappropriate butt totally fitting game for this age group. You get to play as a Classy, Hairy, Bow or Butt Butt. You try to collect the most toilet paper before the spaceship is repaired.
Mexican Train
Mexican Train is a classic game played with dominos. It gets it’s name from the name of the train that all players can play on. Each player tries to get rid of their dominos first by placing them on their own train or the Mexican train by matching up the numbers. It’s easy to learn and fun to play. For full rules check out this site.
Camel Up
Camel up is a betting board game for up to 8 players. The object is to gain the most money from betting on racing camels. These camels don’t run at a steady pace however. Sometimes they end up stacking on top of one another and are carried along. Only the roll of the dice will tell you which camel will move next. Bet early to score more points!
Best Family Games for Middle School Kids-Ages 10-13
Now for the real fun. Once you have middle school aged kids you can add more strategy and a little more offence. More fun games to play indeed.
Telestrations
Telestrations is a very fun spin on the classic telephone game. Instead of whispering something into the ear of the next player, you start by drawing a picture. The next player flips the page and writes down what they think the drawing is, the next player draws a picture and so on. The result is often something that is not at all what the original clue was, and lots of laughs!
Splendor
Splendor is a fun family game that is simple to learn. The object of the game is to be the first player to reach 15 points. On each turn you have 3 choices: buy a card, collect chips, or reserve a card. It’s so simple, yet so much fun. Your strategy must change from game to game depending on the cards offered or your opponent’s strategy. This keeps the game interesting. Try to play it just once, I dare you.
Catan
Catan is an intense strategy game. The object is to gain the most points by building roads, settlements and cities. It’s best suited for people who love strategy games.
Photo by Aksel Fristrup on Unsplash
Codenames
Codenames is a game of clues, quiet and calculating. 25 cards with single words are laid out on the table. Players take turns giving single word clues to try to get their teammates to guess the correct words. Be careful not to guess the wrong word, it could mean points for the other team or an instant loss.
Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is a crazy game of comparisons. Each player is delt cards with words on them. A main category card is flipped over. All players except the judge chooses a card from their hand that relates to the main category card. The judge chooses which card they think best relates to the main card. The round winner keeps the card. The judge changes each round. It’s fun to see the crazy comparisons other people choose.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a cut throat card game. It’s fun to play, but you do have to be a little bit mean to other players. In order to win all of the other players must draw an exploding kitten card with no way to prevent the explosion from happening. Once a player draws an exploding kitten they are out. Last player wins!
Dutch Blitz
Dutch Blitz is a fast paced card game. the rules are simple, but in order to win you have to be fast. Or at least faster than everyone else. The object is to be the first player to get rid of all of the cards in your blitz pile.
Scattergories
Scattergories is a category game. There are several lists that come with the game. You choose a list, them roll for a letter. Start the timer and everyone must come up with a word starting with the selected letter for each item on the list. Double words like “Peter Pan” are worth extra points. Be careful not to choose the same word as another player, or there will be no points for either of you.
Happy Little Dinosaurs
Happy Little Dinosaurs is a disaster avoiding game. You try to avoid disasters by getting other players to take the hit. You can also gain points for being the best disaster avoider. The cards are really cute, each one with adorable descriptions, yes even the disasters are creative and humorous. A really fun game to play with family or friends.
Spicy Uno
Spicy Uno is a game played with regular Uno cards with spiced up rules. It is a little crazier than the traditional game and helps make it fun again for a family that needs something new to play.
Best Family Games for High School aged Kids-Ages 14-18 to Adult
Beyond Balderdash
Beyond Balderdash is is a game of fibbing. What can be more fun than making up definitions, weird laws, Acronyms, movie plots or reasons for fame? Give it a try and you will not be disappointed. You will probably get a few laughs too.
Coup
Coup is a game of strategy, lies and influence. The object is to be the last player with a character card, your influence. In order to win you may have to use another character’s influence, which is perfectly legal if you get away with it. Who is the best liar in the family? Find out by playing Coup.
Here to Slay
Here to Slay is a competitive strategy game that involves slaying monsters and collecting heroes. There are two ways to win, slaying 3 monsters or collecting all 6 types of heroes. Watch out for your opponents who are all out to stop you!
The Resistance
The Resistance is a game of deception. Sometimes you have to lie to get others to trust you. Each player is secretly assigned a role, either an operative or a spy. Good guy or bad guy. Either way you try to convince the group that you are indeed good and trustworthy. Lots of accusations and pleas for trust ensue each round as players attempt to work together or secretly against each other to win!
Taboo
Taboo is a word guessing game with certain words that are taboo and cannot be used to describe the word you want your team to guess. If a player uses a taboo word an player from the other team will buzz them and they must move on to the next word. The team with the most guess words wins.
Dominion
Dominion is a deck building game with plenty of expansions to keep the game interesting. What I love about this game is the endless changes that keep the strategy changing every time you play. The base game set comes with 25 different cards that can be swapped in and out for each game. Each game will use only 10 of the base cards. There are 3 different victory card types and 3 types of treasure, that are used in all games. Additional base cards, victory cards and treasures are available in expansion packs. The fun never ends.
Fun games to play with a standard deck of cards
Spoons
Spoons is a easy card game to play with young kids. The rules are simple, it’s fast paced and lots of fun! All you need is a regular deck of cards, at least 3 people, and one less spoon than the number of players you have. For example: if you have 5 people, you will need 4 spoons.
How to play spoons
Deal out 4 cards to each player. The object of the game is to get 4 of a kind. The dealer starts by drawing a card, they can choose to keep it or discard it or another card to the person to their left. The next person picks up the card and discards to their left. The cards continue to round the circle until someone gets 4 of a kind. When they do, they grab a spoon. Once a player takes a spoon, all of the other players can grab a spoon. The player who does not get a spoon, gets an S. Each time a player does not get a spoon they get another letter until they have spelled SPOON. Once they spell SPOON, they are out.
Trash
Trash is a game that can be played with a regular deck of cards. If you have more than 2 players use 1 deck for every 2 players.
How to play Trash
Each player is delt 10 cards (2 rows of 5) face down cards in front of them. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile in the middle.
The object of the game is to get all 10 cards in front of you flipped over in order Ace-10. Jacks are wild. Kings and Queens end your turn. The dealer starts by drawing a card from the top of the deck. If it is an Ace or 2-10, they replace the corresponding card in front of them, with the correct number face up. If the card they replaced can be used for another card in front of them, they can continue to use them until they end up with a King, Queen, or a number they don’t need. They then discard face up. The next player can draw from the discard pile or the draw pile. Continue until one player has A-10 face up in from of them.
Collect all of the cards and re-deal. The player who won the previous round gets 1 less card. Each time a player wins a round they get 1 less card until one player only has 1 card and replaces it with an Ace or Jack.
Euchre
Euchre is my favorite card game. I do understand that it is a midwestern game, but I think anyone could enjoy it if you try. In Michigan learning to play Euchre is a rite of passage.
How to set up for Euchre
Start by removing all cards less than 9 from the deck, leave the aces. The object of the game is to be the first team to gain 10 points. Euchre is played with only 4 players, 2 teams. Your partner sits across from you. It is a trick taking game.
How to deal in Euchre
The dealer deals 5 cards to each player going around only twice: dealing 1-4 cards at a time to each player each round. For example deal 2-3-2-3 then 3-2-3-2. Then the dealer sets down the remaining cards and turns over the top card.
How to play Euchre
After the deal, the player to the left is the first to choose weather or not he/she wants the suit of the flipped up card to be trump. If he/she wants it to be trump, they tell the dealer to pick it up. If they do not want that suit they say pass. All player in turn choose this way. If the dealer is told to pick it up, or chooses to pick it up, they must discard a card so they only have 5 cards. If nobody wants that suit to be trump the dealer passes by turning over that card. Now the person to the left is the first to choose any other suit to be trump, or pass. Each player is given this option until trump is selected. If nobody chooses the dealer must choose trump.
During the trump selection phase any player can choose trump and choose to go alone. In this case their partner does not play and they must win at least 3 tricks to score a point, but if they win all 5 they can score 4 points.
The player to the left of the dealer leads a card. All other players must follow suit, unless they do not have that suit, then they can play any card including trump. The trick is won by the highest card played
Rank of cards in Euchre
The highest card is the Jack of trump also called the right bower. The second highest card is the jack of the same color as trump also called the left bower. For example if spades is trump the jack of spades is the highest card followed by the jack of clubs, then the Ace, king, queen, 10 and 9 of spades. For non-trump suits Ace is the highest followed by King, Queen, Jack, 10 and 9. But Trump always beats non-trump.
How to score in Euchre
Team get 3-4 tricks = 1 point
Team gets 5 tricks = 2 points
Team gets 3 or more tricks when the other team called trump (a Euchre) = 2 points
Lone hand wins 3-4 tricks = 1 point
Lone hand wins 5 tricks = 5 points
Spades
Spades is another trick taking card game. There are 4 players (2 teams) partners sit across from each other. Use a full deck with or without the jokers. If you choose to use the jokers remove the two red 2’s. The jokers are high, make sure you determine which joker is the highest before you start (usually the colored one).
How to play Spades
The object of the game is to be the first team to score 300 points.
Start by dealing out all of the cards equally to all 4 players. Spades are always trump, jokers highest (if used) then Ace, king, queen, jack and all the numbers in descending order. The player to the left of the dealer leads and all others must follow suit unless they don’t have that suit. Highest card wins the trick. Play until all cards are used. During the first round each trick won is worth 10 points.
After the first round the deal moves to the left and after the cards a delt the team that did not deal has to bid how many tricks they think they can win. The minimum bid is 4. Then the other team bids. Once all bids are in play starts. At the end of each round the count up the tricks and score.
How to score in Spades
If you did not get at least as many tricks as you bid: loose 10X the number bid. For example bid 4 win 3 -loose 40 points
Score 10 points for every trick you bid and won and 1 point for every trick you win but did not bid. For example bid 5 win 6 – score 51 points
Mao
Mao is a fun card game I learned from my son. He didn’t teach me the game, because discussing the rules is forbidden. I had to learn like most new players, by playing and watching and learning. This is why the game is also a prank. Some people love it! Others will hate the game. If you love games and puzzles this is a great game for you!
What do you need to play Mao?
Just one regular deck of cards for every 2-3 players. It does not matter if the decks are missing cards. This is a great game to play for any deck of cards that is missing a card or two. It also does not matter if the backs of all of the cards match. Jokers should be removed from the decks, but can be set aside for use when new rules are created. More on this later.
You also need at least one player that knows how to play the game. I will teach you most of the rules. The other rules will be posted in an alternate location. It would be most fun if you had a second person read those rules, so you will each get a feel for what a new player will experience, because that is part of the fun!
Mao can be played with 2 or more players, but it is best to have at least 3 players. If you are new to the game, recruit a good sport to be your third player. They will not read any of the rules and will have to learn from you and the second player who will read the other half of the rules. So Fun!!
What are the basic rules of Mao?
No talking is allowed and the rules must never be discussed. Talking during play will result in receiving an extra card from the top of the deck. Any player can give this card to the person who is talking, stating “talking”.
The dealer deals 7 cards to each player. Players cannot touch the cards until the dealer sets the remaining deck in the center, flips over the top card and states “Mao begins”
The object of the game is to be the first person to get rid of all of your cards.
The player to the left of the dealer starts play by playing any card of the same suit or any card of the same number or face. E.g.: Jack on jack, 3 on 3 or spade a spade.
If a player does not have a playable card, they have to draw a card from the top of the deck. If it is playable they can play it, if not they must add it to their hand. Once the card is added to their hand this should signal the next player’s turn.
Mao special card rules
Some cards have special requirements. Here I’ll give you half of the special cards. Find the other half here. It would be more fun to have a second person read the other half of the rules.
Note: These special card rules have some regional variability. If you are playing with someone from a different area, you might want to verify that you are playing with the same rules before play starts. This variation could really confuse new players.
Eights
If you play an eight: The next player’s turn is skipped. Similar to a skip in UNO. If a player plays out of turn because they do not know this rule, any other player can take a card off the top of the deck, give it to the player who played out of turn. If they do this they should say “playing out of turn”. (The card played out of turn should also be returned to the player) This is called carding. If the player who should play does not know this rule, they will not know it is now their turn. In this case, any player can take a card off the top of the deck, give it to the player who should play and say “taking too long”. Hopefully they will catch on and play a card. Play then continues.
Sevens
If a seven is played the player must also say “have a nice day”. The next player must either play another seven and say “have a very nice day” or pick up a card and say “thank you”. If a card is picked up, that player’s turn ends they do not get to play a card. If the player plays a seven on a seven and says “have a very nice day” the next player must either play a seven and say “have a very very nice day” or pick up 2 cards and say “thank you very much”. Keep adding verys and adding up cards that must be picked up with each seven played. Once card(s) are picked up from a seven, that ends that player’s turn. If another seven is played you must start over with “have a nice day”. Don’t forget to card players that fail to comply with these rules.
Winner requirement
If someone runs out of cards first, they must say “thank you for your time”. Failure to do so will result in being carded with “failure to say thank you for your time”. Play continues.
How conflict is resolved in Mao
In any game where talking is not allowed there is most certainly going to be confusion over rules. If a player believes another player has done something outside of the rules and needs to clarify, they can call a “Point of Order”. During a point of order rules may be clarified. Talking is allowed. The Point of order should be ended quickly once the dispute is resolved. It ends when someone states “Point resolved”. Play continues.
Ending the game of Mao
This is the most fun part of Mao. When someone wins, gets rid of their cards first. They get to make up a new rule. The only stipulations for the new rule is that the new rule cannot contradict an existing rule and it has to be explained in one sentence. The one sentence rule just keeps the new rule from being too complicated.
Here are some examples of new rules:
Play a Jack and you have to boogie, aka dance in your chair. Failure to due so will result in a card for “failure to boogie”.
A Joker is placed next to the discard pile. When you play a 2 you must discard another card on the joker, aka: feeding the joker. Failure to do so will result in a card for “failure to feed the joker”.
These new rules keep the game new and interesting for all players. This way the game is always changing and fun for everyone. It’s always a puzzle!
Up and Down the River (aka: Oh Hell)
Up and Down the River is another trick taking game. You need between 3 and 7 people.
How to play Up and Down the River
The dealer deals 1 card to each player in round one then places the next card face up, the suit of the turned u card is trump. For each subsequent round deal moves to the left and 1 additional card is delt up to 7 cards then back down to 1 card.
Each round players must bid how many tricks they think they will win from zero to the number of cards delt, starting with the player to the left of the dealer. The dealer bids last and his/her bid cannot make the number of tricks bid = the number of cards delt. For example if 1 card is delt to 3 people and the first two players both bid zero, the dealer cannot bid 1, because only one card was delt. In this case the dealer must bid zero.
The player to the left of the dealer leads, other players must follow suit if they have that suit, otherwise they can play any card. Highest card wins. Trump beats other suits, aces are high.
How to Score Up and Down the River
1 point for each trick taken + 10 extra points if you bid correctly. Highest score wins
The definition of Frugal is: sparing or economical with regard to money or food. Is it possible to have fun without spending a bundle? If you are on social networks, I’m sure you have seen your share of fancy trips, elegant dinners out, and expensive events your “friends” have shared. When I was a kid there was no such thing as social networking. It was, in my opinion a better life. My parents were full of frugal family fun ides. We used to go to a roadside park with a picnic lunch, where the big draw was climbing up and down a big sand hill. My siblings and I were so excited about the outing we could hardly sleep the night before. As an adult, I asked my dad “how did you make that outing sound so fun?”
His response “It’s all in the hype! You just have to make it sound super great and kids will believe you.” The truth is it was actually really fun and we always looked forward to it. Kids don’t need expensive vacations, fancy meals, and extravagant events. They just want to play and enjoy time with their families. It’s adults who need to spend a bundle to impress their social network “friends”.
International Frugal Fun Day is the first Saturday in October. The idea is to do something fun that costs less than five dollars. I’m assuming this is five dollars per person. It is a great day to get started with a frugal fun home life.
Frugal Fun Ideas at home:
Dinner and a movie
At my house we usually eat dinner at the table, but as a special event we allow the kids to eat in front of the TV. For little ones we set up a table, but older kids can manage with a tray. We make a big deal about how much fun it will be to enjoy dinner and a movie. We ask the kids for movie suggestions, dinner suggestions, and dessert suggestions. Our kids always get so excited, even help set up for the big event!
Make your own pizza night
This is a family favorite at my house. In the summer we grill the pizza, in cooler seasons we just bake them either way it is fun. We make our own pizza crust and prepare a bunch of topping options. Everyone makes their own creation. We bake or grill them in shifts and eat on the deck in good weather or at the dining room table in cooler weather. The kids love it!
Family game night-best games by age
Family game night is a frugal family fun idea. In my opinion the fun increases for the parents as the kids get older. I can’t stand playing mind numbing games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders. What are the best family games for each age?
A Family craft can be excellent frugal fun. It can be a simple as making slime or playdoh or as complicated as building a birdhouse. Or anything in between. Make candles, soap, birdfeeders, decorations, jewelry, or anything fun!
Bake Something as a Family
Nothing could be more frugal fun than baking together as a Family. Pick out a seasonal favorite and get to work. Maybe a pie would be a nice choice. Try my best pie crust with your favorite filling. Or choose something that will be fun to decorate like cookies or cupcakes.
Enjoy the great outdoors as a family
Playing outside is usually free of charge. There are plenty of ways to have fun in your backyard or neighborhood.
Go for a walk, with or without a scavenger hunt
Play catch or frisbee
Go for a bike ride
Do something seasonally appropriate: run through a sprinkler, jump in the leaves, build a snowman
Draw with chalk, play hopscotch
Build a fort
Climb a tree
Climb a tree
As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualified purchases.
Are you the proud owner of a Traeger Silverton 620 because of all of the features? Do you want to be able to Grill, Smoke, Braise, Bake and Roast live a pro? I have used all of the features, and would like to share them with you.
This post may contain affiliate links, I earn commission on qualified purchases at no additional cost to you.
How to Smoke on a Pellet Grill
My experience is with the Traeger Silverton 620, but any pellet grill should be able to use the smoke feature. Smoking is a way of slow cooking with smoke. It’s best for meats, it will give your meat a delicious smoked flavor. The Traeger Silverton 620 does not have a smoke setting, but you can smoke using low heat 180-225 degrees F. I’ve used it for pork tenderloin, brisket, pork butt, ribs, and I even use it for starting out steaks and burgers. Here is my fabulous fall off the bone ribs recipe.
Any pellet grill should be able to braise. By definition braising is slow cooking with liquid. Often, after smoking a meat on the pellet grill, the meat can be wrapped with foil or butcher paper along with a liquid. The liquid used will vary depending on the recipe. For pork I usually use apple juice because pork works well with sweet ingredients, for beef I usually choose beef broth. Braising on the pellet grill is done at 225-275 degrees F.
Some pellet grill models may not be able to get a high enough temperatures to Grill. This is not a problem for the Traeger Silverton 620. You can use it just like any other normal gas powered or charcoal grill and just heat it up to the high temperature required for grilling by definition 450-500 degrees F. Then add your burgers or steaks, flip at desired interval and grill the other side to desired doneness. But what is the fun in that? You have a multitasker pellet grill. Use the features!
How to grill burgers on a Traeger
I love to grill burgers on my pellet grill. I usually start by smoking the patties at 180 degrees F for 30-60 min. This is wonderful because it gives me time to enjoy spending time with my guests or family. When my guests or family start to get hungry, I simply turn up the heat to 350 degrees F. I know I said grilling needs a higher temperature, but during the heating process the burgers will become overdone. Check on the burgers during the heating process, flip them and periodically check the temp of the meat. You will still get the desired grill lines, and you will end up will delicious smoked flavor!
How to grill steak on a Traeger
For grilling steak I start with the same process I did with the burgers. Obviously you will want to add some smoky flavor, so start by smoking the steaks at 180 degrees F for 30-60 min. Remove the steaks, and turn the temperature up to 450 degrees F. Return the steaks to the grill and flip after the desired time depending on how done you want your steaks. Check the meat temperature and grill the other side to desired doneness.
How to Bake/Roast on a Traeger
I will discuss baking and roasting together because by definition they are very similar and seem to have a lot of exceptions. This feature should only be used if your pellet grill has a bake/roast feature.
What is the difference between baking and roasting?
Baking and roasting differ in two ways: by the dry heat temperature or by what is being baked/roasted. Baking requires the grill to be able to self maintain a desired temperature in the range of 325-375 degrees F depending on the recipe. Whereas roasting requires a grill temperature >400 degrees. Baking generally refers to dry heat cooking something that will change and become more firm during the cooking process, for example: cakes, pies and casseroles. Roasting is generally the term used for foods that have a firm texture prior to cooking, such as large cuts of meat or vegetables. Cakes, pies and casseroles are baked. Turkeys, and vegetables are roasted. Pizza seems to be an exception, since it is baked at 425-450 degrees F.
You can also bake pizzas on the Traeger. For pizza I preheat my Traeger Silverton 620 with pizza stones to 425 degrees F. A pizza chef once told me that the best pizza dough recipe is from King Arthur Flour, if you have sourdough discard this sourdough discard pizza crust recipe is even better! So that’s the recipe I always use. If we make pizza on the Traeger it is an event. We load the table up with pizza toppings and each person creates their own pizza on a piece of parchment paper. Before placing the pizza on the stone, I trim the parchment paper and slide it onto the warm stone on the grill. Check the crust after 6 min, and continue checking every 2-3 min until desired crispiness. Usually small personal pizzas bake for 6-10 min.
What can you roast on a Traeger Silverton 620?
Once again the options are endless. I usually roast vegetables. It’s easy to roast broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes and more. Roast veggies at 400 degrees F. Whole potatoes and sweet potatoes for about 60 min. Other veggies or cubed potatoes I roast on a metal tray or pan with oil and seasonings for 35 min, periodically mixing or flipping.
I also attempted roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving. I say attempted, because although I was able to start the cooking process by smoking my turkey, I ended up having to finish in the oven, just as this author described, due to the cold Michigan temperatures in November. This is the only drawback to the Traeger Silverton 620. Due to it’s rear venting system the company has not made a heat blanket for use in cold temperatures. I really don’t mind because the main reason I like to bake/roast on my grill is because I don’t like to heat up the kitchen in the Summer. I don’t mind using my oven in the cold winter months and my grill is still useful for smoking in the winter, even if I have to finish in the oven, it still adds the smoky flavor.
