5 vintage board games we still love

There’s something magical about cracking open an old board game box. The scent of aged cardboard, the feel of well-worn dice, the quiet clatter of little playing pieces — it’s a time machine straight back to rainy weekends, Sunday afternoons, and family gatherings around the kitchen table.

Before smartphones and streaming services, board games were the go-to for laughter, rivalry, and the occasional dramatic storm-off. And for many of us, they still hold a special place in our hearts (and maybe in the back of a linen cupboard).

Here’s a look at some of the vintage board games we loved — and still do — plus a few ideas for how to bring them back for a new generation of fun.

1. Monopoly

You knew it would be on the list. Whether you were the ruthless real estate mogul or the one who always ended up in jail, Monopoly was a test of strategy, patience, and how well your family handled financial tension.

Why we love it:

• Classic Aussie editions featured streets from Melbourne, Sydney or even your local town.
• The satisfaction of building a hotel empire on Mayfair was unmatched — a spot that could single-handedly render other players bankrupt in one visit.
• Family arguments were part of the charm (sort of).

2. Scrabble

A gentler game on the surface — but Scrabble was always more competitive than it looked. Whether you played with a strict dictionary or allowed a few “creative” spellings, this wordy wonder is still a favourite.

Why we love it:

• Good for the brain, great for the ego.
• Taught us words like “qi” and “za” that we’ve never used in real life.
• Perfect for one-on-one games over a cuppa.

3. Cluedo

It was always Colonel Mustard. Or was it? Cluedo turned us all into amateur detectives, working out whodunnit with a wrench in the study — and trying to bluff our way to victory.

Why we love it:

• Dramatic, mysterious, and a little bit silly.
• Brought out our inner Poirot.
• Great for playing with grandkids (with a little help!).

4. The Game of Life

You could end up a rock star or a goat farmer — it didn’t really matter. The Game of Life was all about the journey, not the destination.

Why we love it:

• The spinning wheel was just fun.
• Gave us a chuckle about the randomness of life.
• Nostalgic vibes from the old-school cars and little pink/blue pegs.

5. Trivial Pursuit

This one separated the casual players from the trivia tragics. If you knew who won the 1956 Olympic fencing final or how many bones are in the human foot — you were golden.

Why we love it:

• Brainy fun for groups.
• Sparked so many “I knew that!” moments.
• Great for testing how much random knowledge you’ve kept since school.