Outdoor Games

It depends on the game. Croquet suits ages seven and up, while boules and ring toss work well from around five. Giant stacking games like Jenga-style towers are enjoyable from age three with adult supervision. Each Jaques product carries a clear age guide, so check the individual listing before buying for younger children.

Wood handles knocks, UV exposure and general garden life far better than most plastics, which crack and fade within a season or two. Solid hardwood sets also feel substantial in play, which matters when children and adults are competing together. A well-made wooden set can pass between siblings, cousins and eventually the next generation, making the cost per year of use very low.

Store sets in a dry place, such as a shed or garage, when not in use, particularly over winter. If mallets, balls or hoops get wet, dry them thoroughly before storage. A light rub with linseed oil once a year keeps hardwood handles in good condition. Avoid leaving sets on wet grass overnight, as prolonged moisture can cause warping over time.

Croquet is the classic answer: it rewards strategy over physical strength, so grandparents and grandchildren genuinely compete on level terms. Boules works similarly well and needs no fixed space. If you want something faster and louder, a giant stacking tower gets everyone involved immediately, regardless of age or sporting ability, with no experience needed.

Garden games make generous, lasting gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings and housewarmings. Many Jaques sets come in sturdy wooden or canvas carry cases that present well without any extra wrapping needed. If you are buying for a milestone occasion, a croquet or boules set has a sense of occasion that a voucher or generic toy simply cannot match.

Less than most people expect. A full croquet lawn is large, but Jaques offers compact six-hoop sets that fit a typical suburban garden of around ten metres by six. Boules needs only a clear patch of ground. Giant tower games need almost no space at all. Check the product dimensions listed on each page and compare them against your garden before ordering.

The key factors are wood species, joint construction and finish quality. Sets made from dense hardwoods such as ash or beech resist splitting far better than softwood or composite alternatives. Metal hoops and solid rubber or wooden balls outlast hollow plastic equivalents easily. Jaques has been refining these details since 1795, which is why many families still own sets bought decades ago.