Top 10 Ways to Unplug this Summer

Simple to learn, impossible to predict, and responsible for more family rivalries than Monopoly, UNO is the card game equivalent of a roller coaster—except it fits in your backpack. One second you’re winning, the next you’ve been hit with a “Draw Four” and your cousin’s cackling like a Disney villain. Whether you're playing with your best friend or your 80-year-old grandma who doesn't play games (but always wins), UNO brings the chaos—and the laughs. Toss it in your bag, hit the road, and get ready for the phrase that always precedes three more rounds: “Okay, last game for real this time.”

Rainy day? Airplane mode? Existential crisis hitting early? This activity book is here to rescue your brain from the dark depths of doomscrolling. Packed with over 100 delightfully weird puzzles, word games, trivia tidbits, and drawing prompts, it’s like recess for grown-ups—minus the dodgeballs. Use it to kill time on a road trip, kickstart your creativity, or win the unspoken competition of “who’s the most fun person on this camping trip.” Zero pressure, zero screens, 100% “wait, that was actually kind of brilliant.”

This isn’t your grandma’s cozy cottage jigsaw. With 500 bizarrely shaped pieces, zero borders, and a psychedelic gradient that laughs in the face of logic, this puzzle is a full-blown mental obstacle course. You will question your eyesight, your life choices, and possibly reality itself. But oh, the satisfaction when it finally comes together. Perfect for solo deep-focus mode or group bonding (read: collective frustration), this is the Everest of puzzles—for people who like their fun with a side of mild suffering.

Puzzles are great for the brain. Losing that one corner piece to the abyss under your furniture? Less so. Enter: this rotating puzzle storage tower, which looks like it belongs in a spy movie but is actually a brilliant five-drawer system for keeping your jigsaw life in order. Each tier spins 360°, so you can sort by color, edge pieces, or level of frustration. Bonus: the clear lids keep everything visible and contained, so your progress doesn’t get mistaken for a snack by the family dog.

No judgment here—sometimes adulting means putting everything on hold and coloring like you’re in third grade again (but with better markers). This book is loaded with 100 hypnotic, mandala-style patterns designed to soothe your brain and satisfy your inner perfectionist. Bonus: the pages are single-sided, so your magenta masterpiece won’t bleed onto your next session. No skills required—just a desire to chill, zone out, and make something quietly beautiful.

Equal parts party game and social experiment, Cards Against Humanity is like Mad Libs—if Mad Libs had a dark sense of humor and zero filter. With 600 cards and endless ways to shock, amuse, or mildly horrify your friends, it's the go-to game for those who think “offensive” is just another word for “fun.” Ideal for 4 or more players who don’t mind awkward eye contact after someone plays that card. (And yes, there are expansions if you somehow run out of terrible things to say.)

If you've ever shouted "Enhance!" at your TV during a crime drama, this one’s for you. Brain Games: Criminal Mind Puzzles hands you dozens of mystery-inspired challenges—from logic grids to riddles—that’ll have you thinking like a detective minus the trench coat. Whether you’re cracking codes solo or teaming up with a fellow sleuth, it’s like CSI for your brain cells. Warning: May cause sudden boosts in observational skills (and smug satisfaction).

Think of this as a gym membership for your neurons—except it’s way cheaper and doesn’t require spandex. With 500 Sudoku puzzles ranging from “coffee’s still kicking in” to “full brainpower engaged,” this book is perfect for number nerds, logic lovers, or anyone who enjoys a little daily mental tune-up. The large print won’t strain your eyes, and the puzzles travel well—whether you’re commuting, relaxing, or avoiding that one group chat.

The Original 1v1—No Wi-Fi Required Before there were screens to scroll and endless streaming options, there was Backgammon—a game that somehow manages to be both chill and cutthroat at the same time. This travel-friendly set brings the timeless board game into your modern unplugged moments, with a durable design, classic look, and secure storage that won’t leave pieces rolling around in your bag. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just learning the ropes, it’s the perfect excuse to put the phone down and throw the dice (figuratively and literally).

Because Not All Cubes Are Created Equal This isn't that clunky cube from your childhood toy bin. The GAN 356 M is what happens when engineers and speedcubers join forces to shave seconds off solve times. With a magnetic core for silky-smooth spins and a tension system you can fine-tune like a race car, it’s built for both curious beginners and world-record hopefuls. Stickerless, lightweight, and ridiculously fast—this cube doesn’t mess around.