Board Game Gift Guide 2024

[@flowjan2335]

The only downside off Hitster. Your non gamer friends want to play it all the time and not the other 200 games in your kalax.

[@actualol]

Lol, that sucks

[@conan_der_barbar]

So true

[@jacksonmouldycliff9613]

I always look forward to all your videos, they're always exactly the kind of board game insight that I want to watch

[@jacksonmouldycliff9613]

I don't know why, but I really love the way he bangs his fist on the table when demonstrating the game Trio

[@maryoconnor2527]

I’m sure you’ve heard this several times, but seriously I LOVE that you suggest good games for all types of gamers, not just people who love board games. Spotlight looks like the perfect gift for my niece! She’s a little young but I think it’ll be good for her birthday next year!

[@ritahuman]

One thing I've noticed about your channel is that you are seriously a master communicator! I applaud board gamers in general for being detail-oriented and passionately nerdy, and producing many videos which explain game rules in depth, but your videos choose & arrange rules explanations and visual images so judiciously, by comparison. Your summaries of games are short, but so clear, and I'm always left with a clear understanding of what it feels like to play the game; in just a few minutes you've distilled it down. It's an impressive thing to pull off!

[@actualol]

Thank you so much for the compliment! I certainly put a lot of effort in scripting the video to get things across as easily and simply as possible. I'm delighted that you find them to hit the spot in that regard - I'm glad it's worth the effort.

[@ArcaneSpells]

💯

[@jamespurs]

Just picked up Hitster after this. Didn't expect such a mainstream game to be on my list this year! I already know Im going to play with my normal board game group as well as with the family on Christmas. Keep up the great work!

[@thinusconradie4297]

Damn, but I love your humour Jon. No other board game reviewer has this level of wit. Such a fine writer.

[@actualol]

Thank you ☺

[@robward8247]

legit why i make sure to watch videos about topics that arent really for me, theyre still entertaining and i may come across a game i never would have otherwise (ie, just one)

[@joelomax1311]

Great video, as usual more games I want to get. I’d love to see more content 😊

[@3cordguy]

I concur. This writing is so good.

[@austintehguy]

Just found this channel this past week and have been delighted by how charming the videos are.

[@Jarrodactor]

14:59 is exactly the type of joke that keeps me as a forever viewer of your videos. Glad to be a patron.

[@foxyladyoak]

Between that joke and the one at 17:37 I’m always gonna watch! 😂

[@devonfarrington7431]

Dear KZbin algorithm, I am commenting so that you push this video.

[@adriansolis5362]

I am replying so that there is engagement on this comment pushing this video

[@thinusconradie4297]

Dear KZbin algorithm, I am following suit. See there's a game-based joke you don't get because you are not human... unless you are even scarier than I imagined.

[@devonfarrington7431]

@thinusconradie4297 yeah I get the joke. A suit in a deck of cards. Sugar I am human, I just didn't have anything to add but wanted to comment something

[@thinusconradie4297]

@devonfarrington7431 I meant for that to land differently. I don't doubt that YOU are human. I was trying to get in on the joke of us communicating with the algorithm. As in, the algorithm won't get the joke.

[@devonfarrington7431]

@thinusconradie4297 ah right. Good joke though. Got a nice chuckle out of it.

[@DenisRyan]

Fab list! We adore TRIO in our house! My 9 and 6 year old taught it to grandma when she came to visit over the summer, and now she has a copy wrapped and waiting under the tree for her. I hadn't realized Survive Escape from Atlantis was getting a new edition with a new name! Love the new look.

[@pattyst2945]

I played so much Trio, and Sea salt and paper (never seen the 4 mermaids either) amazing choices

[@katwend3153]

I won with the 4 mermaids once. Felt great.

[@EmporerDragon]

Those recessed boards alone makes the mini versions of Azul so much more appealing compared to the regular versions, especially when the standalone recessed boards for the regular version cost the same as the mini version.

[@floraidh4097]

They are so nice to use and well worth the mild annoyance of having a bag that occasionally doesn’t keep every piece inside instead of a box.

[@VampguyN85]

My mother finds them too busy, and asked me to travel with the full sized Azul instead.

[@zp6182]

An actualol video is a gift in itself. Love from S.Korea!

[@PhaseRunner]

Perfect timing. That's my Christmas list sorted then😁Great vid👏🔥

[@rafaeljm3204]

I certainly hope things work out for this channel and it becomes one of the biggest. You are a really good reviewer, and I honestly feel you bring something fresh to the whole youtube bg review scene.

[@gadzooks2763]

I love your gift advice videos. Your channel is perfect for digestible, entertaining lists of accessible, fun games to fill every niche

[@RaidenFreeman]

I didn't know many of those games. Hitster seems right up the alley of some friends of mine and I can't believe I hadn't heard of medical mysteries. Thanks a ton for the recommendations! And an extra thanks for recommending more unique things than the BGG hotness!

[@vanessastoffer1874]

I love these Christmas list suggestions! The circus one sounds fun, but I rarely play with only one other person.

[@Jescribano1]

This channel has the best recommendations for fast and fun. I love how consistent you are with your opinions. Hope you go viral!

[@mirac1e_de]

Great selection of games, esp. Sea Salt and Paper, Azul and Nunatak.

[@JohnSilvavlogs]

Happy to see a sponsor on the video Jon! ♥ Thanks for the gift guide, will get straight onto shopping after this one!

[@zoboomaku]

I'm new to the hobby, and currently addicted to discovering new board games to try and buy. I just wanted to say I've watched a number of your videos now, and it occurred to me while watching your top 50-1 of all time series that you do board game "overviews" better than anyone else I've found. I'd prefer to hear an introduction to a board game I've never heard of before from you than any other source I've found so far, especially for just getting a sense of what the game is about, and why it's fun. Sometimes that's hard to figure out, but you make it very clear and make them sound compelling every time. I'd feature a two minute video of you talking about the game on each respective BGG page if it were up to me.

[@jnzinho22]

Yaaaaaaaay new actualol video :)))

[@Soadaa5656]

Loved the Medical Mysteries and Hitster recommanedations. Here's to hoping they are enjoyable (They should look it) and pushing Mr Al Gore Rythem

[@stephanieh-s2561]

PERFECT TIMING! I was just wondering what to buy. 🥰

[@ThyAsianMan]

Wow that LOTR re-theme of Seven Wonders looks incredible. I don’t even love Seven Wonders Duel, but I really want this version to replace the version I currently own.

[@LeeKenshin7]

It's amazing. Played it last night and gave away my copy of 7 Wonders: Duel with Pantheon exp this morning.

[@tomsterdaniels]

Just discovered your channel. As someone who loves games, but has a hard time knowing which are worth buying you’ve become my new game guru. Love the enthusiasm, humour and rigour you bring to each review. Keep it up! :)

[@agfa25]

The production value of these videos is amazing. Congrats on a great year and all the best for 2025. Great, and useful, video! 👍

[@CookieShank]

Yessssss was just looking through your videos for gift inspiration when this popped up

[@coolbrotherf127]

It's kind of hard to find at the moment, but for the deck building card game fans out there the Mistborn deck building game is really good. Highly recommend.

[@LightSpeedDriver]

Lamy pen spotted! Ah, another purveyor of fountain pens.

[@JocelyneHolmes]

Woohoo! I was hoping for a new Actualol video!

[@jameskirk4692]

Thank you very much for the highly entertaining video and great thought-through interesting board game suggestions. Witty entertainment and usefulness inteligently combined in perfect type of video I love. Well done!👏👏 And happy upcoming holidays!

[@timleegte9375]

Great video as always. Very intrigued by Spotlight’s gimmick

[@giorgiosoverchia3879]

Dude, you are the best at youtube boardgame reviews and reccomandations. Witty, charming and competent

[@DasGothTeilchen]

Jon, what a lovely collection of gift games! I am very happy I didn't get to watch it before Christmas as it would have lured me in buying most of them. But thank you anyway, I think I should finally try Sea Salt & Paper. Happy New Year and thanks again for the great video! So happy to be a patreon!

[@Lucas-Zouaven]

Great subject. I’ll watch it later. This might really help, especially with people who like board games but don’t know about all new mechanics

[@TomBombadil3791]

Great game presented in an interesting way. What could I ask for more.

[@danielpayne1597]

Buying a gift with a price equal to how much I like the recipient... what can I get for pocket lint? ;) Another banger Actualol vid per usual

[@danielkeeble753]

Hitster is perfect for my sister. Thanks John!

[@nephiguy7]

You have such awesome puns and jokes...i don't know how you deliver them so straight faced. 😂

[@Motif054]

Love your videos Jon! You have such a great voice and way with words, have a lovely evening! 💝💝

[@flowjan2335]

Really funny 😂 and maybe the KZbinrs with the most similari taste. Most tend to overcomplex games.

[@sarahwatts7152]

Now that I think about it, there was a pit of loneliness inside myself which can only be healed by pushing my relatives into the sea and certain doom

[@chicomtl]

Great video. Great choice of games and really well explained. I blame you now for busting my Christmas budget ! They ALL seem fun !

[@bones983]

There’s a series of little kids books that uses that spotlight thingy. Our kids loooooved it before they were reading age. I therefore bought Spotlight the second I heard about it.

[@connordeyoung6108]

Youre writing is so good, the jokes are written in very very well. Impressive!

[@delaneywade9190]

I always appreciate your recommendations, and not surprised, Hitster has been a hit with everyone I’ve played it with, no matter their age! Happy new year!

[@arttunieminen4583]

I gotta say the background looks very good 🙌

[@actualol]

Thank you, I was very pleased with it!

[@HahahaSoFunny]

The best board game guy around! Your videos are so fun! 👍

[@whitestuffgbh]

A return to form, very nice.

[@AndreasBolor]

I think you are back to your old, better self. Perfect length, less desperation, costumes are back. I hope all works well for you.

[@actualol]

"Less desperation". Jeez, thanks for the backhanded compliment.

[@ratolina]

@@actualol😂

[@folx2733]

It's so funny because I really don't even understand what you mean by implying that he's usually desperate

[@brandonhouston7575]

I like this level of desperation. It says I like having you all around but I can live without you. It’s nice.

[@gadzooks2763]

What the hell?!

[@FamilyTuber]

I hope you're doing well! Excited to see this video

[@pedrobianchi2412]

Congrats on the MtG sponsorship. Longtime Magic player.

[@AhJong0]

Classic high quality ActualLol list. Really appreciate how affordable youve lent with all these recommendations 😊

[@multimarker]

Spotlight seems perfect to play with my nephews. Thanks!

[@JeroenJanseStage]

Gosh that version of survive is so much prettier than the old version I had

[@BardoLevi]

Thanks for the great list! I am definitely tempted by more than one :D

[@laurahensel9086]

Wow some great recommendations! I am super into board games, love complicated ones too, but my boyfriend hates them. This feels like there were quite a few that we could both enjoy

[@rebekahwilliams823]

For people who enjoy hitster, there’s a game called chronology with the exact same timeline play, but with historical events. They’re written on the cards instead of requiring a phone.

[@shannimarmen8201]

I love your suggestions! Thank you for the early Christmas gift!

[@MarekEffendowicz]

Many Thanks...Merry Chrysanthemum

[@actualol]

Thank you!

[@Adam-pt3cb]

The stroke joke made me give you an immediate like

[@lootnscoot50]

Medical mysteries is on sale on Amazon rn for 8$. I grabbed a copy. The wife loves escape rooms, and any show focused on medicine. Any truly you are a funny guy, I loled several times. I’ve watched stand up comedian’s deliver for an hour and land less belly laughs. Hats off to you sir!

[@LeeKenshin7]

Good find. The deal must be over now. I'll wait til it drops below $10 again

[@mattgreenwood776]

Just great to see you back

[@andrewclifton185]

Boom great timing

[@ras105]

Well I’ve just shoved a load of those into my Amazon basket - and this is on top of the ones I have already asked for! We are doing 8 new board games for the 8 nights of Hannukah - which is very appropriate as Hannukah is all about games (see the dreidel game)

[@thomasyorath]

Great list - love this channel. Merry xmas to you and the family!

[@actualol]

And to you!

[@benh715]

I wish I had more friends.

[@adriansolis5362]

Excellent recommendations. I think there could have been an even higher price point, but really, when we get to that point you're better off just asking what the person wants. I especially think the compact version of Azul is the way to go. A beautiful game, but ultimately it's just such a big box.

[@GenXMoose]

Boom. Got two games off the links below. Medical Mysteries (for the wife) and Searchlight (for the kids on Christmas Day!!). Thank you.

[@sastarman]

Love your content, mate. I hope you continue to make videos.

[@erickok]

Now I want Azul Mini. ❤

[@jasonsmen5533]

Another great video. Found 3 more games I’ll be looking to add to my holiday wishlist.

[@xenomorphman3380]

Survive the Island looks like a repackaged Escape from Atlantis, which was a fun game back in the dark 80's

[@BarnstormNZ]

That's exactly what it is

[@mtthwdicken]

The jokes are great in this video, Jon. Thanks for the great content! I'll be picking up Trio soon.

[@toogoodplays69]

Why are his jokes so clever

[@jonathanrosborough1008]

This guy is the best. I just have to comment. Like I don't even care to buy anymore games right now, but I just have to watch the video because this dude is the man.

[@actualol]

🙂🙂🙂

[@kailomonkey]

Awesome. Didn't think you'd know about the octopus fetish shop.

[@actualol]

I don't know what you're on about.

[@kailomonkey]

Me neither. I don't know who wrote this it wasn't me. (see you at the next meeting)

[@chetmanly900]

Just a great video, thanks for solving my Christmas!!!

[@thinusconradie4297]

Hey! Fun-density returns!

[@thetable7660]

Merry Christmas John. Already planning to get my nephew Monkey Palace but will consider your other suggestions.

[@superspecky4eyes]

Some great looking suggestions in there, most of which I hadn't heard of. I like the refresh of Escape from Atlantis too.

[@DerekFoote1985]

"It spans 100 years of music" sounds epic and then it's 1922 to 2022 and somehow I feel old.

[@CoraMas2010]

THANK YOU. You are my favorite board game creator 💕

[@actualol]

🥰

[@ras105]

Absolutely smashing list! Love it!

[@amyjudy33]

I love your channel, thank you so much for all your hard work!! ♡

[@actualol]

You are very welcome! 🙂

[@Zeppelinschaffner22]

PSA: While you CAN play Hitster with a free Spotify account, it will be incredibly hard because every track will only play the first 40 seconds.- and for some songs, that's like nothing but ambient noise intros 😅

[@papareece]

I’d definitely add Things in Rings to that first category. It’s a really fun party game from AllPlay.

[@heathercarter9741]

I think I may get Foundations for my teens. I played MTG in high school in the 90s but wouldn't know where to begin these days. This may get us into MTG together. I just scooped Medical Mysteries, and Survive the Island here on sale after watching this. These are right up my alley.

[@calpauly21]

Good video, as always. I tried to buy Sea Salt and Paper through your link but they were out of stock and not offering a date of restock. Nice job selling them out!

[@colinmorton8074]

Great idea to have different prices! Means you can maybe buy something as a gift... and a little one for yourself! 😆

[@adeckerbuck]

I spit out my coffee at the Post Malone joke. Thank you

[@flocopter]

Lovely video! Thanks for the recommendations and nice to see you doing well

[@minecraft8846]

It’s a good day when actualol uploads

[@LuckyChatt]

Great video as always!

[@thedragonblader6875]

What a great and engaging KZbin video

[@anagsom376]

Great and funny reviews, some of them I didn't know.

[@willbutler4636]

Great video! Happy Xmas

[@Sodogyunjukse]

Timmy is back!