Happy Holidays, everyone! It’s been a long time since I rounded up a Shakespeare gift guide. I’ve been pleasantly surprised over the years to see just how many Shakespeare games are on the shelves these days. I’ve also noticed that when they come up, either on Facebook or Twitter, there’s always a slew of people saying, “I had no idea this existed, OMG!” So why not take the opportunity to get them all together? Some of these I have played, some I have not. In full disclosure these are affiliate links, so if you end up purchasing something that looks good, it helps support Shakespeare Geek.
Let’s get started!
The Ones I Have
The Ones I Want
If you think this one sounds familiar, you’re right – it’s a Shakespearean spin on the hugely popular “Cards Against Humanity.” If you’ve not heard of that one, maybe you’ve heard of the children’s version “Apples to Apples”? The idea is that you take turns throwing down a saying with some blanks to fill in, then the other players anonymously offer one of their cards to fill in the blank. The referee (whoever put down the initial card) then decides the winner of each round based on … whatever rules they choose, honestly. Often it descends into the most outrageous combinations available. For example, a starter card might be, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely ________.” You know the answer of course, but it’s not about that, it’s about what cards you have in your hand. Maybe you choose to play, “Cupid’s butt-shaft.” Getting the idea? Not your parents’ card game. Apples to Apples is completely safe, Cards Against Humanity is only to be played by the closest of friends, this one’s probably somewhere in the middle. Doesn’t have to be dirty and offensive…but it can be if you prefer it that way.
The One I Still Don’t Understand
When the topic comes up, inevitably somebody suggests, “Shakespeare The Board Game.” But …
which one??? Although the one on the right over there is technically called “The Bard Game”, get it? Even Amazon’s got the title listed as “The Board Game”. In both, you play an entrepreneur who is trying to run a theatre by putting on the best plays. Are these two different versions of the same game? It seems like it, but I honestly can’t tell. The images are different – the “bard” game works you around a path on a board, while the other one appears more card oriented. I wonder if there’s some sort of cool backstory here where it started out life as the same game and then two people went in different directions with it?
That’s All For Now
There you have it, the best of the “games” based on Shakespeare. Did I miss any? I hope to put out a couple of these guides in time for Christmas, and I’d like to do something for “toys” to encompass all the crazy bobble heads and finger puppets that are out there (many of which currently adorn my desk). If you’ve like to see a particular category let me know in the comments!
Obligatory Awkward Self-Promotion
I’m sure most of you know that I do have a line of Shakespeare Geek merchandise available on Amazon now, both short sleeves t-shirts and long sleeve.
I will not be doing a specific Shakespeare gift guide just for t-shirts, mostly because there’s over 100 designs available now.
Of course I’d love to sell many of them, those support the site more directly than the occasional affiliate link. Even if you’re not buying for yourself, maybe send a link to Grandma and Aunt Susan next time they ask you what you want? It’s all about getting more Shakespeare out there into the world. Thanks for your support!