Murder mystery gifts for Christmas

Each case is a fictional crime to investigate at home. Choose by setting and the time they would like to spend, rather than assuming the newest case is the best starting point. All four can be played solo or together.

• Murder on the Mediterranean: a celebrity death aboard a luxury cruise ship. Allow around 2 to 3 hours, with 25+ pieces of evidence. A good fit for someone drawn to glamorous travel and a ship full of suspects.
• Murder at Maple Manor: a poisoning at a Gilded Age society ball. Allow around 4 hours, with 30+ pieces of evidence. Choose this for a fan of grand houses, social secrets and a longer investigation.
• Murder at the Museum: an art historian's death in a London gallery mirrors a painting. Allow around 3 hours, with 30+ pieces of evidence and a two-part investigation. An appealing setting for an art lover or someone fascinated by authenticity and hidden motives.
• Murder at the Ski Resort: a champion skier's death in a luxury chalet in Zermatt. Allow around 3 hours, with 30+ pieces of evidence. Its Alpine setting makes it a natural choice for a winter games night.

The recipient gets an activity as well as an object to unwrap. They can examine reports, photographs and statements, test theories and follow the evidence at their own pace. The cases suit players aged 14+ who enjoy reading closely and discussing possibilities. They contain fictional murder investigations, so consider the recipient's comfort with crime themes.

For couples, it is a reason to set aside an evening together. For a group, it creates a shared puzzle rather than a contest to answer fastest. For a solo player, it offers time to investigate without waiting for anyone else's schedule.

Is this a murder mystery dinner party kit?

No. You investigate evidence as detectives. You do not need to assign character roles, learn a script, act out scenes or arrange costumes. If your recipient wants a theatrical party, a scripted dinner party kit is a different type of game.

Do players need internet access?

Yes. These are physical case files with an online component, rather than entirely offline games or instant downloads. Plan to have a suitable internet-connected device available for the online clues and optional hints.

Can they pause the game?

Allow the approximate playing time above, with extra time for discussion. Keep the evidence together and note your current theories if you split an investigation across more than one evening. Once a case is solved, the solution will already be known, so choose a story the recipient has not played.

What should I check when ordering a Christmas gift?

Check the product page for current availability in your country and read our shipping policy before ordering. The cases use discreet packaging. This guide does not promise a Christmas arrival date or a particular delivery service.

Explore all murder mystery case files, or read our Christmas gifts for true crime lovers and Christmas games for adults guides for more ways to choose.