The Frugal Family: Stay Home and Save Money Playing Board Games

Fresh from spending over $55 at the movie theater to watch Toy Story 3 in 3D today, I am here to write this week's Frugal Family post. I could talk about how we saved money by opting for the matinee, but the reality is that spending $38 for movie tickets is not exactly frugality at its finest. The movie was excellent and the 3D effects were totally worth the extra money we paid to rent glasses, but the experience served as a reminder of why theater outings continue to be a rare treat for my family.

It's not surprising that staying close to home tends to cost less than going out. Gas prices are still high, not many entertainment options are free, and most activities offer no more than 2-3 hours of fun for your money. Perhaps this is part of the reason why digital forms of entertainment such as Facebook games and iPads seem more popular than ever. Thanks to the Kindle and the Nook, traditional book sales are continually decreasing, as well. This means that space is opening up in traditional bookstores for home-based entertainment options, and retailers are looking at filling the space with board games. Party games, card games, trivia games, and the increasingly popular Euro-style games are more widely available than ever and perfect for more interactive (and frugal) fun.

There are deals to be had on board games at many online retailers. My favorite places to find board game deals include the following sites:

Tanga features a new sale toy or game every day. BoardGameGeek.com has forums full of reviews and tips for all types of games. Check out the Buying and Selling Forum at the bottom of the page for hot deals on games. The site is also a great facilitator for game trades! Cardhaus Games has a great Clearance section and shipping prices on the site start at only $3. Amazon.com will offer games at discounted rates in the Quick Picks section of the Gold Box page if you have customized the site. Barnes & Noble has sales, coupons, and membership discounts all the time. They are continually expanding their selection of games inside their stores, as well.

For the relatively small price of initial investment, board games can offer hours of entertainment for your family and friends over a number of years. What a great way to get the most for your money! Our family has at least one night a week dedicated to board games and we've found our list of favorites to be ever-expanding. Some favorites in our circle include Apples to Apples (made even more affordable with some Mattel coupons), Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne.

Are board games among your family's entertainment options? Post your favorites in the comments!

Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig on her personal blog, Ewokmama.com.