There are many reasons why people choose to get collectible versions of board games.
Anniversary and collector editions of popular board games tend to cost more than the regular version. However, collector editions often include expansions and upgraded components. So it can be a great deal compared to buying everything separately. The unique game pieces and other little extras in an anniversary edition of your favorite board game can bring added joy while you play.
I have games I enjoy so much that I get every new expansion released and spend money to upgrade game pieces. For example, I am getting better organizers, wooden animal shapes instead of plain cubes, and metal coins to replace cardboard ones.
Below are a few exciting collectible board games to consider adding to your collection.
Monopoly The Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Edition (The OP)
Monopoly is the king of special editions. There are various Monopoly-themed games and collectible versions. My favorite is The Nightmare Before Christmas 25th anniversary edition of Monopoly by The OP (formerly USAopoly). The collector set includes metal game pieces featuring Sally, Jack Skellington’s skull, and Oogie Boogie. This collectors’ edition is an excellent option for fans of Monopoly and The Nightmare Before Christmas!
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $79.99 (You can get this version of the game without the “25 Years” on the box cover for a lesser price point.)
Buy It Now: Amazon
Pandemic 10th Anniversary Edition (Z-Man Games)
In 2018, Z-Man Games celebrated the 10th anniversary of Pandemic, a popular cooperative board game for 2-4 players. This particular limited-edition game comes in a unique metal box that looks like a vintage medic kit. It also features new art, Petri dishes to store the disease cubes, and plastic figures for each role instead of the simple plastic pawns in the other games.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $99.99
Buy It Now: Amazon
CATAN 25th Anniversary Edition (CATAN Studio)
CATAN, previously known as Settlers of Catan, is a fun modern strategy game. In 2020, they released their 25th-anniversary edition of the base game, including the 5-6 player extension, Helpers of CATAN scenario, unique game pieces, resource card sorting tray, and card sleeves. A previous anniversary collector’s edition featured 3D terrain tiles and came inside a box that looked like a treasure chest!
Ages: 10+
MSRP: $80.00
Buy It Now: Amazon
Risk 60th Anniversary Edition (Hasbro)
The 60th Anniversary Edition of Risk from Hasbro Gaming is a classic area control war game and has several anniversaries and special editions published over the years. Hasbro Gaming released this 60th-anniversary edition in 2019. This version features a beautiful board, unique artwork, and premium game components.
Ages: 10+
MSRP: $39.99
Buy It Now: Amazon
Rummikub Onyx Edition (Pressman)
Rummikub from Pressman is a popular Rummy-style game for 2-4 players and has been around for years. The Rummikub Onyx Edition features black tiles with brightly colored engraved numbers and all-black tile racks. If you don’t currently have this classic game, consider grabbing this sleek-looking version.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $29.99
Buy It Now: Amazon
Ticket to Ride 10th Anniversary Edition (Days of Wonder)
Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder is a widely popular train game. In 2014, it celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special edition of of the game that featured an oversized U.S. map and all-new illustrations. It also has custom sculpted trains reminiscent of vintage toy trains. You can still find this version at times on Amazon. It is the perfect example of a good anniversary edition of a board game.
Ages: 8+
MSRP: $99.99
Buy It Now: Amazon
UNO 50th Anniversary Edition (Mattel)
This year the classic game of UNO celebrates its 50th anniversary with the 50th Anniversary Premium Card Set. The slick black cards have a deluxe look and feel, but play just like the classic UNO game. The exclusive 50/50 card and commemorative gold coin are incorporated into the game, too. It is a classic play game, but with a commemorative feel — and a great size for travel gaming.
Ages: 7+
MSRP: $5.99
Buy It Now: Mattel.com
There are also a wide variety of games with special editions, such as the linen book series from Winning Moves. These are classic games of Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Yahtzee, and more in boxes that look like books on your shelf.
We hope this list of collectible board game editions inspired you for your next family game night! For even more game night ideas, check out our family’s favorite board games.
