What board and/or card games would you suggest for holiday purchases, for older gamers?

Three recommendations. First, Settlers of Catan is a German-created 3-4 player game that has received wildly popular accolades from all over the world. It can expand to 6 players, and it has numerous add-ons if you choose to expand game play. Game play usually takes less than two hours. It has some reliance on dice, which may not be the most popular with serious gamers. Second, Carcassonne is a 2-5 player tile-laying game that takes less than hour, but is quickly addicting. It is simple to learn, but has quick game play and and advanced strategy elements. It too has a large number of add-ons. Third, Puerto Rico is a more complicated game that can take a couple of hours and is limited to 3-5 players. It has some excellent strategy components and complex game play, but can be quickly addicting to long-term gamers. I would recommend Carcassonne simply because it's the quickest game and allows the most flexibility for the number of game players (especially since it's well-tailored for two players). I've posted Board Game Geek links for each game, but feel free to browse the Internet for other reviews.

I recently bought a board game called "Ingenious". I highly recommend it.

I second Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne, but also look at Ticket to Ride. Its based on building and controlling train routes around the USA, or Europe if you buy the europe version. If you don't like trains still give it a go as its a really good game for the family. Days of wonder produce it so you can read more about it from there web site. Alternatively go to www.boardgamegeek.com for loads more suggestions.

I second Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne, but also look at Ticket to Ride. Its based on building and controlling train routes around the USA, or Europe if you buy the europe version. If you don't like trains still give it a go as its a really good game for the family. Days of wonder produce it so you can read more about it from there web site. Alternatively go to www.boardgamegeek.com for loads more suggestions.

I recently bought a board game called "Ingenious". I highly recommend it.