The Power of Play: How Family Game Night Builds Stronger, Happier Families

In a world full of screens and packed schedules, Family Game Night is more than just a fun tradition—it's a powerful tool for building connection, communication, and confidence in kids (and adults, too!). At Treasure – The Gift Store, we believe in the simple joy of sitting around a table with a puzzle, a board game, or a stack of cards—and science backs us up.

📊 Why Family Game Night Matters According to Research

• Better Academics: Studies show that children who engage in regular family playtime perform better in school. According to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, family interactions like game night promote language development, cognitive skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Improved Mental Health: A 2020 Harvard study found that families who regularly engage in shared activities—like puzzles or board games—experience reduced stress and improved family cohesion.
• Less Screen Time, More Real Time: The National Institutes of Health recommends limiting screen time and replacing it with interactive play. Family game night is a natural, screen-free way to connect.
• Lifelong Social Skills: Cooperative games teach children teamwork, patience, and resilience, all of which are essential skills for healthy relationships and future success.

🎲 Treasure’s Picks: Favorite Games, Toys, and Puzzles

From colorful wooden toys for toddlers to challenging puzzles for teens and adults, our shelves are stocked with family favorites that spark joy and togetherness:

• Classic Board Games with a twist—perfect for multi-age play
• Themed Puzzles that double as wall art once completed
• STEM-Based Toys that combine learning with hands-on fun
• Whimsical Children's Books & Plush Pals for winding down after game time

💡 Creative Ways to Spice Up Family Game Night

1. “Build Your Own Trophy” Challenge
   Use kitchen gadgets, building blocks, or recyclables to create a family game night trophy. The weekly winner gets to display it in their room!
2. Puzzle & Pajama Party
   Everyone brings their favorite snack, slips into their coziest pajamas, and works together on a giant puzzle while listening to an audiobook or playlist.
3. Game Night Theme Rotation
   Have a “Throwback Night” with retro games, a “Wacky Rules Night” where kids make up new rules, or even “Candlelight Game Night” using our hand-poured candles for ambiance.
4. Storytime + Strategy Night
   Kick off the evening with a children’s book from our collection, then play a game that matches the theme of the story.

❤️ More Than a Game—It’s a Gift

At Treasure – The Gift Store, we believe that play is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. That’s why we carefully select toys, puzzles, and games that encourage creativity, connection, and old-fashioned fun. Whether it’s a rainy day puzzle or a Friday night competition, these moments build lasting bonds—and memories that outlast any toy shelf.

So grab a game, gather around, and make tonight a Treasure. Check out some of our Games, Puzzles, and Toys today, and come by the shop on State Street to view more options!