This year, in addition to asking for toys for her baby son, 27-year-old new mom and biologist Anne Davidson has added a few new board games to her personal Christmas list. That's because a couple of times each month, Davidson meets with several of her friends to catch up and enjoy some snacks and low-key tabletop competition.

Davidson and her friends are taking part in a new trend that's increasing across the country, says Christopher Byrne, known nationwide as The Toy Guy. "Board games provide social connection, a focus that's outside of one's immediate concerns, competition, diversion and fun," Byrne says. "Most board games can be played almost anywhere there's a table or flat surface."

In other words, board games provide simple, low-cost fun. For example, parents who can't quite swing a trip to Disney this Christmas might want to place the new game, It's a Small World, under the tree. Made for kids 4 and up, this affordable game ($25) is from Funko Games. "This classic Disney ride comes to life as kids sail around the 3D board," says Byrne. "We love this because it really does capture the feeling of the ride, and it's so relatable to kids."

Slightly older kids, especially those who have the performing bug, will love Be a Broadway Star, by the company with the same name. This game costs a little more, but at $49.95, it's bound to be fun for the whole family, Byrne says. "Developed by producer Ken Davenport, you'll sing, perform, answer trivia questions and much more as you try to make it," he says. "There's no room to be shy. We loved playing this with a bunch of theater geeks."

For parents and grandparents who want to play a new form of a now-classic game with the children in their family, Byrne suggests spending about $10 on Uno Flip from Mattel. "Believe it or not, Uno is 50 years old this year. And there are some really cool 50th anniversary sets. Over the past five decades, and especially in recent years, Mattel has been adding all kinds of innovations to the game. This one, though, is our favorite because it's so simple and insidious," he says. "Cards are printed on both sides, so at a certain point, you have to flip your hand over, creating a whole new hand and upending your strategies."

For baby boomers, Byrne says Boom Again is a great trivia game that takes players back to the '50s, '60s and '70s. "It's a pop culture flashback with more than 2,200 questions," he says. "It was developed by Brian Hersch, who was the mastermind behind such games as Out of Context and Outburst." It comes in a replica of a cigar box with tokens like a skate key and a spindle adapter for 45-rpm records. "So, yes, it takes you back," Byrne says. It costs $35.

Byrne also suggests Gridopolis, Break in Alcatraz, Pictionary Air, Classic Monopoly, Monopoly Builder, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Sorry, Clue and Trouble.

For Davidson, who meets with her slightly older friends in their mid-30s to late 40s, board games are a chance to relax for a few hours and spend time learning more about people who have lived a bit longer. Byrne understands that concept. "Games are great equalizers," he says. "The best board games are easy to learn, fast to get started and different every time they are played. Plus, they deliver experiences that people want to have again -- and share.

"That difference, by the way, comes from the individuals playing, their unique personalities and strategies in engaging," he concludes. "As you shop for games, think of the interests of people who will play and even if multiple generations can play together. With thousands of games on the market from brand-new ideas to classics, you're sure to find something to make an evening's entertainment."