At a glance
Best for
teens, couples, coworkers
Occasion
Christmas, Birthday, Housewarming
Price range
Budget (under $50)
Gift score
Codenames (2nd Edition) is an award-winning word-association party game for 4-8+ players. Two teams compete to identify their secret agents on a 5x5 grid using one-word clues from their spymaster. The tension of choosing the right word, the thrill of a multi-card connection, and the agony of accidentally picking the assassin create unforgettable group moments. Updated components and streamlined rules make this the definitive version. As a gift, Codenames is a modern classic that anchors game nights for years. At $17, it's an incredible value for a Spiel des Jahres winner. It thrives at dinner parties, holidays, and double dates — anywhere you have a group that enjoys clever wordplay, strategic thinking, and friendly competition.
Why the Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) makes a great gift
The game that makes everyone feel clever
Codenames splits players into two teams competing to identify their agents using one-word clues. The beauty is that every clue sparks debate, laughter, and those electric moments when someone makes a brilliant connection. It's social, cerebral, and endlessly replayable with different word grids every game.
Perfect for four to eight players at gatherings
Most games max out at four or five players. Codenames thrives with larger groups, making it ideal for dinner parties, holidays, and double dates. The team format means even shy players participate without the spotlight pressure of individual-turn games. Everyone stays engaged throughout.
Award-winning design proves it's not just hype
Codenames won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award and consistently ranks among the top party games worldwide. The 2nd Edition includes updated components and streamlined rules. At $17, you're giving them a modern classic that'll anchor game nights for years to come.
Who will love this
For couples
The ultimate double-date or dinner-party game. Teams compete with word clues, creating hilarious debates and brilliant moments.
For coworkers
An excellent team-building game that rewards communication. At $17, it's ideal for office game nights or Secret Santa.
For teens
A social deduction game that makes them feel clever. Perfect for sleepovers and hangouts with four or more friends.
Best occasions for this gift
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) a good gift?
Yes, the Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) scores 84/100 on our gift rating scale. It is perfect for for teens, for couples, for coworkers and works well for christmas, birthday, housewarming. With 4.8 stars from 48,000 reviews, it is a proven crowd-pleaser.
How much does the Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) cost?
The Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) is currently $25 on Amazon. Budget (under $50) option in its category. Prices update every 6 hours via the Amazon API.
Who is the Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) best for?
The Codenames Board Game (2nd Edition) is an excellent choice for for teens — one of our top-rated picks in this category, for couples, for coworkers. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just-because moment, it delivers a memorable gifting experience.