Best First Card Games of 2026

Name: University Games First 100 Words Animals Card Game
Brand: Briarpatch

Edward West

Last Updated: 10 Feb 2026

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First Card Games is a collection of classic card games suitable for children and beginners. The set includes instructions and all the necessary equipment to play popular games such as Go Fish, Old Maid, and Crazy Eights. These games are perfect for family game night or for introducing children to the world of card games. The colourful cards are easy to handle and the simple rules make it easy for everyone to join in the fun. First Card Games is a great way to spend quality time with loved ones while also improving memory, strategy, and social skills.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

#TOP 1

University Games First 100 Words Animals Card Game

9.9

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#TOP 2

University Games First 100 Words Card Game

9.8

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#TOP 3

More or Less: Fun Trivia Guessing Game

9.6

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Top 6 First Card Games

#TOP 1 Best Animals Card Game

University Games First 100 Words Animals Card Game

Briarpatch
01335
Multicolor

Briarpatch First 100 Words Animals Card Game, 01335

The First 100 Words Animals Game is an excellent introduction to card games for young children. It is based on the popular children's book, helping to encourage learning through play. You will find that it aids in developing crucial language and communication skills, allowing your child to express themselves more effectively. Additionally, it supports vocabulary growth, counting skills, and the recognition of different animals, making it both educational and entertaining. Perfect for on-the-go fun, this game is suitable for children aged two and above.

9.9

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What We Like

Encourages learning through play
Develops vocabulary and counting
Recognises different animals
Portable for on-the-go entertainment
Suitable for young children

#TOP 2 Best University Games Card Game

University Games First 100 Words Card Game

Briarpatch
01337
Multicolored
One Size

University Games First 100 Words Matching Card Game

The University Games Matching Card Game is a fantastic introduction to card games for toddlers. It is based on the popular book "First 100 Words," allowing your little ones to learn while they play. This game encourages the development of essential language and communication skills. As they engage with the game, they will also enhance their vocabulary, counting, and shape recognition. It's an ideal solution for keeping children entertained, whether at home or on the go, making learning fun and enjoyable.

9.8

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What We Like

Encourages learning through play
Develops vocabulary and counting skills
Portable for on-the-go entertainment
Suitable for ages 2 and up

#TOP 3 Best Travel Card Game

More or Less: Fun Trivia Guessing Game

More or Less
UKWDJ22UK2194
White
106mm x 74mm x 32mm

More or Less First Edition Card Game - How Good Is Your Judgement? 2 Players + | Secret Santa or Stocking Filler for Him or Her | For Kids, Teens & Adults | Play Anywhere | Age 12+

The More or Less Game is a delightful trivia card game designed for 2 or more players. It invites you to make guesses based on fun facts, such as whether sharks are older than trees. You’ll enjoy easy gameplay that suits everyone aged 12 and up, making it perfect for family gatherings or parties. Plus, you can learn something new while having a laugh, thanks to the educational aspect of the game. With expansion packs available in various categories, the fun never ends!

9.6

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What We Like

Easy to learn and play
Fun for all ages
Educational and entertaining
Perfect for gatherings and parties

#TOP 4 Best Orchard Toys Card Game

Orchard Toys Red Dog Blue Dog Lotto Game for Children

Orchard Toys
Blue

Orchard Toys Red Dog Blue Dog Lotto Game, A Fun First Matching and Memory Game, Perfect For Children Aged 2-5, Develops Memory Skills

The Orchard Toys Lotto Game is a delightful colour match game designed for young players aged 2 to 5. It aids in teaching children their colours, making learning both fun and engaging. As you play, your little ones will develop essential matching and memory skills, promoting cognitive growth. This educational game is perfect for 2 to 4 players, allowing friends or family to join in on the fun while enhancing social interaction.

9.4

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What We Like

Develops memory skills
Teaches colours effectively
Fun for small groups
Suitable for young children

#TOP 5

Orchard Toys Dress Up Nelly Colour Matching Game

Orchard Toys
Multicolor
One Size

Orchard Toys Dress Up Nelly Educational Kids Games for Sorting, Colour Matching and Memory Game, First Card Game for Learning Colours & Outfits, Baby Flash Cards for Boys & Girls and Toddlers Age 2+

Dress Up Nelly Game by Orchard Toys offers a fun learning experience that introduces colours and matching to young children. The simple gameplay is perfect for kids aged 2-5, featuring 30 chunky, wipe-clean cards that are easy for little hands to manage. You can play solo or with up to three friends, making it a versatile activity. Additionally, the game has different levels of difficulty, allowing younger players to learn while older ones can enjoy the challenge of competing against each other.

9.3

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What We Like

Engaging and educational
Durable, easy-to-clean cards
Suitable for individual or group play
Multiple difficulty levels available

#TOP 6

Ravensburger My First Memory Game for Kids

Ravensburger
20878
Multicolor
7,5 x 7,5 x 0,2 cm

Ravensburger My First Memory Game - Matching Picture Snap Pairs For Kids Age 3 Years Up - Educational Todder Toy

The Ravensburger Memory Game is a delightful introduction to matching games for children aged three and up. It features 24 beautifully illustrated cards showcasing various vehicles, perfect for engaging young minds. The large, extra-thick cards are designed for little hands, making it easy for you to play along and help your child develop concentration and memory skills. This game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, offering a fun group activity that can also be enjoyed while travelling.

9.3

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What We Like

Encourages memory and concentration
Ideal for young children
Portable and travel-friendly
Beautifully illustrated cards
Great for 2 to 4 players

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who invented the first card game?

Who invented playing cards and what is the origin of 'Hearts', 'Diamonds', 'Clubs' and 'Spades'? PLAYING cards were invented by the Chinese before AD1000. They reached Europe around 1360, not directly from China but from the Mameluke empire of Egypt.

2. When was the first deck of cards made?

Origin and spread Playing cards first appeared in Europe in the 1370s, probably in Italy or Spain and certainly as imports or possessions of merchants from the Islamic Mamlūk dynasty centred in Egypt. Like their originals, the first European cards were hand-painted, making them luxury goods for the rich.

3. What were the first playing cards made of?

Scrolls from China's Tang Dynasty mention a game of paper tiles (though these more closely resembled modern dominoes than cards), and experts consider this the first written documentation of card playing.

4. When was the standard 52 card deck created?

History. The English pattern pack originated in Britain which was importing French playing cards from Rouen and Antwerp by 1480. The earliest cards of the English pattern date to around 1516. But Britain only started manufacturing its own cards towards the end of the 16th century, when card production began in London.

Editor's Notes

During our first card game research, we found 306 first card game products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 62,575 customer reviews through our big data system to write the first card games list. We found that most customers choose first card games with an average price of £5.53.

The first card games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of first card games, including Briarpatch, More or Less, Orchard Toys, Ravensburger.

Written by

Edward West

Edward's family owns a retail store in Edinburgh for toys and games. He grew up taking a very active part in the family's business. Edward earned his first income from writing web content on a toy related gig for an online company. When he was 18, he took over from his father, and since then, he has been in charge and management of the store and several others around England.