The 2017 Good Gift Games
Our resident board-game expert picks the best new games released this year.
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A collection of 75 issues
The 2016 Good Gift Games
Board games are always the answer. After a dinner party, when conversation dwindles. At family gatherings, when politics loom. When you want to give a good gift, but aren't sure where to start. Begin here, with 10 of the best from 2016.
The 2015 Good Gift Games
Give someone the right board game, and you're offering easy access to endless fun. Choose incorrectly, and you're giving misery in a box. Start here instead, with the best board games of 2015.
The 2014 Good Gift Games
Board games are a gift that keeps on giving—the best of the bunch provide hours of fun for years on end. But when a new crop of great games arrives every year, how can you choose? This is how.
2013 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
Grandma got run over by a reindeer. Which is just as well, because she wouldn't have liked the gift you bought for her at the last minute. Gift ideas for the ungifted.
The 2013 Good Gift Games
During holiday family get-togethers, don't risk bringing up a topic everyone's hoping to avoid. Instead, bring a board game and circumvent all conversation. Here are 10 of the best from 2013.
Put These on My Byline
In line at the grocery store, the economics of online writing.
The Internet of Actual Things
As we progress from smartphones to smart toasters, our things are becoming increasingly connected. Soon they'll be on Facebook alongside us. From there, it's only a few steps to tactful beds.
2012 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
'Twas the day before Christmas, when all through the house still no presents were purchased—again, you're a louse. Gift ideas for the ungifted.
The 2012 Good Gift Games
Oh look, it's the holidays and time to interact with humans again. Thankfully, there are board games to facilitate or replace conversation. Here are 10 of the year's best to get you started.
A Buyer’s Guide to American Colleges
Rare is the college graduate who’s attended more than one school. But when you’ve attended four very different types of university, it’s incumbent upon you to share what you’ve learned.
Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore
A grocery visit or dinner out in Israel can sometimes leave your stomach churning, but not for the reasons you might think.
The Ghost of Berserker Christmas
Don’t worry this Christmas if your grandfather shoots up the neighborhood—it’s all in keeping with 200 years of tradition that have been whitewashed by consumerism. How wild Christmas—night of carousing, gambling, and booze—became family-friendly.
The 2011 Good Gift Games
The problem with a trip down memory lane is that it might strand you in Candyland. Here are 10 new games well worth remembering.
The Hand That Feeds You
Though you can still count on it for antibiotic-free cheese, the farmers' market has become a macrocosm of first-world food neuroses. True stories from behind the rustic wax-paper-lined baskets.
Please Don’t Mflugah the Pn
When you are immigrating to a new country, it's not always clear which vowels you'll miss most. After six months of studying Hebrew in Tel Aviv, what it's like to discover you're illiterate.
Everyone Must Go
You've seen the billboards and the banner ads: Judgment Day is coming on May 21. But just because you're saved doesn't mean you're home-free. Brimstone Barney's Apocalypse Surplus has just the deal for you.
Modern Hospitality
Faced with a stranger at the door seeking shelter for the night, what do you do?
2010 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
You made your list, you checked it twice, then you waited until the last minute to do any of your shopping. Ideas for gifts for everyone on your list, whether they want them or not.
The 2010 Good Gift Games
Presenting the year's best board games, all of which must be easy to learn, quick to play, and exciting for non-gamers.
Eat Yr Veggiez
There’s nothing better than kicking back with your friends and tearing open a bag of Doritos Late Night: Cheeseburger Carrot Sticks—or so some farmers hope.
The Biggest Spinoff Product Failures of 2010
Every year, brands leverage themselves to monetize potential revenue streams—and this year was no different.
2009 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
It's that time of year again--actually, it's way past that time of year. And again, you still haven't done your holiday shopping.
The 2009 Good Gift Games
This holiday season, your loved ones could play Operation: "Death Panel" Edition, or you could give them a game where somebody besides the government wins.
Beer and Loathing
For agents and publishers, the Frankfurt Book Fair is publishing's biggest event: part conclave, mostly marathon, and all business. It is absolutely no place for an aspiring author, as we discover.
How to Buy a Car
Experts answer what they know. The Non-Expert answers anything. This week we demonstrate to a wary customer how best to maneuver the purchase of a new car, while keeping accidental singes to a minimum.
2008 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
It's a holiday tradition: You're giftless mere hours until Christmas, and it's printouts and January ETAs for the unlucky few on your list. Gift ideas for the eternally belated.
The 2008 Good Gift Games
This holiday season, rather than hock what's left of your 401(k) for Starbucks gift cards, gather friends and family around a cozy, non-energy-dependent board game.
Stimulating
The government says your stimulus check will soon be in the mail, but when you finally receive it, should you invest it--or instead blow it on something the economy won't ever forget?
2007 Holiday—uh—Christmas Survival Guide for Slackers—uh—Cultural Warriors
Talented gift-givers put time and thought into selecting presents for their loved ones. Gift ideas for the ungifted.
Shop Till You Drop
The weeks prior to Black Friday were spent preparing for it: learning which gifts could drop your kid into a coma, and which you'd need to beat a fellow shopper senseless to buy.
The 2007 Good Gift Games
As long as you've got two to four friends, that's all you need for a fun afternoon of playing board games. Oh, except for a board game that's actually fun. Presenting this year's crop of games even sore losers will enjoy.
Online Merchants
'Tis the season of Amazon and Zappos, but what about those web merchants with more rare offerings, or services you didn't know were available online? The writers offer a few of their current favorites.
2006 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
It's always better to give than to receive--at least that's what your loved ones say, just as they're about to open another present from you.
The 2006 Good Gift Games
Around the holidays there are always two to four players within earshot. Every year dozens of board games are marketed into existence, but some are so fun they stand alone.
The Five Stages of Black Friday
The road from denial to Christmas is an arduous one, and begins the day after Thanksgiving. Abandon all hope, and brave the throngs.
Songs of Herself
Hearing old songs is a great way to get in touch with your past, but what happens when every song points to a different ex-boyfriend?
Townie or Country?
City or country? Weekends of restoration or weeks of relaxation? With one renovated country house behind him, can our food writer take the plunge and finally open a preserves shop in the woods?
It
United we stand. In line. At the cash register... If there’s one issue Americans can rally around, it’s consumption. We all want stuff. Lots of stuff. As much as our wallets and purses will allow, and usually more.
I Am Not Your Average Family
When cleaning out your refrigerator, you may encounter a number of unexpected items at the back. But please note: It would be wise to leave unopened the jar labeled “catharsis.”
Bra Mitzvah: Becoming a Man Through Lingerie
Those afraid of flying get on a plane to somewhere, while acrophobes take elevators to the tops of skyscrapers. Confronting your deepest fear with a journey through a Parisian lingerie shop.
2005 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
You made your list, checked it twice, and still haven't bought a single gift. With just over 48 hours to go, it's gift cards or IOUs--or these suggestions for the presents nobody will forget, no matter how much holiday cheer they down.
Twelve Calendar Gifts for a Happy New Year
In 2006 you will remember every birthday, every tooth cleaning, every oil change and tune-up. Your mother will get flowers; you will turn your mattress; you will schedule your vacation months in advance. Our writer picks the calendars that will help.
The 2005 Good Gift Games
Being with friends and loved ones is what makes the holidays special--and once you're fed up with that, it's time to humiliate them over a board game. Here are this year's best tabletop entertainments.
Fifteen Prudent Gifts for the Budget-Minded
You enjoy the lights, you're fond of the cocktails; you loathe the stores. Our shopping expert offers her online picks for under $30, so you can focus on making merry.
Fifteen Luxury Gifts Worth the Splurge
Maybe you're feeling especially generous, maybe you did something unforgivable, maybe you're just loaded. Our shopping expert suggests gifts they'll remember for years.
To Blunt the Razor’s Edge
November is National Beard Month—but before you stop shaving you’d better have a close look at your options. An explanation of common facial hairstyles, including notes on those best avoided.
Mr. Ugli Fruit or: How I Stopped Being Nice and Learned to Hate Fairway
The Grocery Wars have made Manhattan a battlefield strewn with fallen asparagus, and no turf is more contested than the Upper West Side, where battered heavyweight Fairway fends off competitors.
For Spring 2005
The stuff we're into right now--including what we're reading, hearing, watching, finding, eating, using, installing, applying, and, yes, even scratching this season.
Valentine's Gift Guide
The heart-shaped box of chocolates was sweet and the bouquet of roses was lovely, but your Valentine deserves a surprise this year.
Your Books and Neighbors
A used-book store stocks its customers' tastes and perversions, and then sells them to their neighbors. A Brooklyn shop find life after New York's Book Row heyday by providing a service computers can't beat.
2004 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
Every year you show up with a stack of giftcards from Rite-Aid. And every year your family roasts your chestnuts for waiting until the last minute to do your shopping. This year will be different.
Twenty Gifts That Go Easy on Your Budget
You're a generous sort, but you don't have much time (or cash). Ideas for gifts that won't leave you paying off your credit cards through July.
The 2004 Good Gift Games Guide
The last time you played a board game you got the Adam's apple caught in the funny-bone slot and then you couldn't pass GO or collect $200. These days, however, board games are a lot more enticing and fun.
Couples Showers and Late Wedding Gifts
You're asked to buy an expensive, ugly bridesmaid's dress, but aren't invited to the shower. You bought the wedding presents years ago; they're just in your closet.
For Fall 2004
Books, movies, shows, albums, artists, clothing, writing instruments, online "services," ways to cook, things to eat, and more things to digest.
RSVPs and "Best Persons"
A wedding invitation arrives without an RSVP card, and a bride wonders what to call a female "best man."
For Summer 2004
Of interest lately are special books, catchy songs, lovely clothes, and a slew of other wonderful items we've collectively enjoyed the last few weeks, and now wish to pass along for your very own summer pleasure.
Unexplained Snacks of America
“Grits” only sound edible if you know what they are; and even then you could argue otherwise. An Australian guesses what’s in the boxes of our popular foods.
2003 Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
Last year you did all your shopping on the drive to grandmother's house, but this year you've got a chance to make good.
Branded for Life
Teenagers: They've got cell phones, credit cards, and brand identities. A review of Alissa Quart's Branded: The Buying and Selling of Teenagers finds a shared past not too dissimilar, and a terrifying prospect that may lie ahead of us all.
Spring
Hail spring! May flowers are just around the corner, bringing new occasions to look dashing. Advice on lightweight suits (nice), scuba gear (when underwater), and seersucker (not yet).
Part V, Releasing Your Inner Slut
If you look like you just got some, it's sexy. If you're dressed like you're out to get some, it's slutty. Ignore the distinction.
Part IV, Accessories
Forget about your butt; consider your jewelry. (You can change it a hell of a lot faster.) A look at the history of accessories.
Holiday Survival Guide for Slackers
Don't know what to get your (sorta) loved ones for the holidays? Well, there's always powdered urine.
Part III, Hats
Why have hats fallen out of favor? After all, if you choose your headgear well, no one will notice what else you're wearing.
Holiday Gift Guide
Thanksgiving's over, Chanukah's in full swing, and Christmas is right around the corner. Our recommendations for what to get that special someone, i.e., yourself.
Part II, Color
Black is slimming, but orange is fun. To hell with neutrals, we want to see more cha-cha in your wardrobe.
Part I, Classics
Forget about trends for a moment and focus on good taste. Here’s what you need: the A-line skirt, the peacoat, the little black dress.
The Opposite of Sex and the City
There is a city that belongs to Sarah Jessica Parker. Rather than let it slowly creep into your head, it's sometimes nicer to imagine HBO's hit series as a Beckett play.
Weddings
Why you can’t ask your wedding guests to pay for your mortgage, or their own drinks.
Part 4, Conclusion
A few tips of advice to how to wear a tie, hold an umbrella, and arrange your wallet to win when your lover goes a-spyin'.
Part 3, Pants
They decorate your legs. They accentuate your form. They define your character. And the correct choice between wearing them or not can keep you out of jail.
Part 2, Dress Shirts
They can match any outfit, be worn in planes and malls alike, dress Miles Davis and Bill Gates in the same colors, and still say different things.
Part 1, Suits
It's the one thing every man should own: a suit. We salute the suit's ability to withstand expiration, bask in its enduring appeal, and offer advice on what to look for when you're off to buy your own. If only we could be there to say, "Suits you, sir!"