Which of these five kids' games are worth buying?

While expensive gadgets seem to get all the attention at Christmastime, there are plenty of kids' gifts that not only offer plenty of fun (for the whole family, in some cases), they won't break the bank. We took a look at five different (non-video) games to see whether they'd be hits or duds under the tree. Read on to find out which ones are worth grabbing, and which you should leave on the store shelf.

Hedbandz, *Est. $25

While  it's geared for kids ages 7 and up, we actually bought and played with Hedbandz here in the office, and can report that it's easy, fun, and hilarious.  The premise is simple: Everyone puts on a supplied headband that holds a card that everyone but you can see. When it's your turn, you spit out 20-questions-style inquiries to try and determine what it is on your card before time runs out. It gets silly in a hurry, and there are plenty of laughs. User reviews say kids love it just as much, and that it's a great family game. There are also Disney and Adult versions of Hedbandz, and some reviewers say they actually create their own cards to keep the game entertaining and fresh.

Verdict: Anything this entertaining for people across age ranges is a must-buy

Angry Birds: Knock On Wood, *Est. $20

We're surprised it took so long for a physical spin-off of Angry Birds to hit store shelves. We bought a copy and played it in the office and weren't impressed. The concept is great, but the inaccurate bird launchers are frustrating. Building the pig structures is time-consuming, too. Since there are only two launchers, it's not really a family game, and we thought it was best suited to solo play. As down on Angry Birds as we were, user reviews show that young kids really love it, even if they blow off the game rules and are just independently setting up structures and knocking them down. Us? We'll stick with the app. But if you're buying for little kids, they'll probably be into it.

Verdict: It's a buy, but only for younger kids

Connect 4 Launchers, *Est. $20

It's exactly what it sounds like: The classic concept of the original Connect 4 gets a makeover, where instead of taking turns and dropping your colored checkers in a bid to get four in a row while blocking your opponent from doing likewise, you fire your checkers into a pair of trays using the enclosed catapults. Connect 4 Launchers supports a few different game modes, but we stuck with the classic formula in the office. It's fast-paced and fun, but the strategy element is largely replaced with luck, since your checkers may not land where you want them to. User reviews are uniformly positive, and parents point out that even kids younger than the recommended age of 5 pick right up on it. Just make sure you have plenty of space to play (you want to put some distance between your launcher and the game trays), and avoid deep carpeting, since any checkers that fly off the table can easily get lost.

Verdict: Lots of fun, so gift this with confidence

Simon Flash, *Est. $25

Simon Flash is a revamp of the 80s classic, downsized into four highly portable cubes that can "talk" to each other, allowing for three new game modes on top of a Simon Flash variation on the original basic game. The new games make players use their memory skills to rearrange the cubes to accomplish specific goals. Reviews are middle-of-the-road, overall. Parents say that younger children enjoy the game, and Simon Flash's easy portability (all four cubes store in a compact case) is touted as a plus, since it's easy to bring in the car on trips without taking a lot of space. Two recurring gripes are apparent, and should make you think twice before buying, however. First, the game eats batteries. Each of the four cubes uses two AAAs, so you need to have a healthy stock of them on hand, or as some owners recommend, invest in rechargeables. Second, older kids master the games quickly and lose interest, so long-term replay value is questionable.

Verdict: Dig your classic Simon out of the attic and spend the $25 on a different game that may keep kids interested longer

Bop It! XT, *Est. $25

A better variation on the "Simon Says" formula than even Simon Flash, Bop It! XT draws rave reviews from owners who say that adults are as wild about the game as their kids are. The formula's simple: the Bop It! Barks out commands that the player must then replicate in order by using the knobs, buttons, and handles on the device itself. A new feature for the XT is a headphone jack, which parents say is a tremendous benefit, as it lets kids play in silence without driving mom and dad nuts. Also, the jack makes the Bop It! XT a car-friendly game. Some owners say that the Bop It doesn't always respond to a given command, and others take issue with the smartypants jibes it tosses your way when you lose. Overall, however, it's a hit with kids and adults alike.

Verdict: A clear winner that offers legit family fun.