These two authentic ancient games, back-to-back on the same deluxe wood board, are the ancestors of all modern boardgames: "Labyrinth" from Minoan Crete, "Goose" from the Renaissance. Both are a race to the center. "Goose" is purely chance, while "Labyrinth" allows for backgammon-like strategies. The two-sided, 24" octagonal framed wood gameboard is handcrafted, with brass reinforcing brackets and a brass-finish carry handle. The superb quality carries through to 16 handpainted wood pawns, lively wood dice and a velvet cover. Suitable for 2 to 8 players, all ages.
$195 (plus $10 oversize shipping surcharge)

This delightful rainbow set, all hand-inlaid acrylic, was an instant hit and never ceases to surprise us with its variations and versatility. The 21 double tiles ("dihexes") comprise all the ways 6 colors can be paired. Here's a sample tile. Add the 6 single hexes, one of each color, and a landscape of color matches, color patches, non-matches and non-duplications invites exploration. The hardest are solutions with no two of the same color in any row (the "Latin" arrays, like Sudoku with colors). Some things even 5-year-olds can handle, with relish. Build with 4, 5 and all 6 colors, and solve "Hexmate" patterns that challenge you to replicate them on the grids provided. Outside the 11" tray 89 other exquisite figures await, and you can create countless more. Three competitive games are included. For 1 to 5 players, ages 8 to adult.$95