Hobbies and Home covers board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles and construction sets for families, regular game groups and collectors. Leading names in our range include LEGO, Ravensburger, Pegasus, Kosmos and Schmidt Spiele.
Over 3,500 products sit in the games and construction sets subcategory, from small card games to large building kits.
How to choose a game or construction set
Players and age. Check the number of players and the recommended age on the box before anything else. A game for two to four players is awkward at a party of eight, and a set aimed at older builders can frustrate a young child.
Type and complexity. Card games and quick party games take a few minutes to explain and suit casual evenings. Strategy and card-driven board games from publishers such as FFG often need a rulebook read-through and one or two longer sessions before they click. Cooperative games, where everyone plays against the game, work well when competitive players mix with newcomers.
Language. Many publishers in our range are German, so confirm the language of the rules and cards before buying. For word, quiz and storytelling games the language matters a great deal, while for games built on symbols and numbers it matters less.
Piece count and building time. For jigsaw puzzles and LEGO sets, the number of pieces sets the time needed and the difficulty. Larger sets suit a long weekend project, and smaller ones can be finished in an evening. You also need a flat surface where a half-finished build or puzzle can stay for a few days.
Occasion. Gifts for children, family game nights and games for a regular adult group call for different things. Pick the setting first, then narrow down by theme and play time.
Brands we carry
- LEGO: the Danish maker of interlocking plastic bricks, known for themed sets that come with step-by-step building instructions.
- Ravensburger: a German publisher known for jigsaw puzzles and family board games.
- Kosmos: a German publisher known for Catan, the resource-trading board game, and for the Exit series of escape-room games.
- FFG: Fantasy Flight Games, known for larger strategy and themed board games such as Arkham Horror and Twilight Imperium.
- Piatnik: a Vienna-based company with a long history in playing cards, which also publishes board games.
- Winning Moves: known for Monopoly editions and Top Trumps card games.
Also in our range: DICE4FRIENDS, Pegasus, Moses Verlag, Schmidt Spiele, Abacusspiele and Denkriesen.
The games and construction sets subcategory holds board games, card games, puzzles and building kits in one place, so you can compare them side by side.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good board game for a family with children?
Choose a game with a recommended age that matches your youngest player and a play time under 45 minutes. Short rules and simple turns keep children engaged. Cooperative games are also a good choice, because nobody has to lose.
How many pieces should a jigsaw puzzle have?
It depends on age and experience. Beginners and children are usually happier with a few dozen to a few hundred pieces, while experienced puzzlers often move on to 1,000 pieces or more. Check the finished size as well, so you know it will fit on your table.
Are LEGO sets suitable for adults?
Yes, many LEGO sets are designed for adult builders, with higher piece counts and more detailed models. The age mark on the box tells you the intended level. Sets marked for older builders usually take several hours to finish.
Do I need to speak German to play these games?
Not always, but check the product details first. Many publishers in our range are German, and games with text-heavy cards need the right language to be playable. Games that rely on symbols, dice or numbers are often easier to play regardless of language.
