travel mahjong set

NEXT BIG PRODUCT LAUNCHES: 5 New Tile Set Designs, Accessories and More!!!! Follow us on Instagram to stay up to date!

Item added to your cart

MINI TRADITIONAL SERIES | American Mahjong Set for Travel and Fun | Small Size (0.8"x0.5"x0.4") | Gift or On-the-Go Game.

Couldn't load pickup availability

Introducing the My Fair Mahjong Traditional Mini American Series, a delightful and compact Mahjong tile set that brings the joy of the game to your fingertips. This mini set is perfect for travel or for those who prefer a smaller, more portable option.

WHAT'S IN THE PACKAGE? The My Fair Mahjong Traditional Mini American Series includes everything you need to play and enjoy this beloved game on the go. Inside the package, you'll find:

• 1 My Fair Mahjong bright and colorful accessory bag with "Crack, Bam, Dot" graphic, ensuring that you can conveniently carry and store everything.
• 12 Dragons (4 Red Dragons, 4 Green Dragons, 4 White Dragons/Soaps)
• 16 Winds (4 North, 4 East, 4 South, 4 West)
• 16 Flowers (8 Flowers, 8 Seasons, all featuring numbers to accommodate differing types of play)
• 4 Clear Racks, 10" in length each  **IF INTERESTED IN OUR MINI, PAINTED, WOODEN MAHJONG RACKS,  you can add them in as an add-on when checking out, or you can view the separate listing here.   
• Add one of our matching TASSELs to give your mini mahj set some extra pizazz, add it in as an add-on when you check out, or view the Tassel listing here. 
• 2 colorful dice (note, the color selection of the dice is random in each package, so you will get the fun surprise of seeing what 2 colors your package receives)
• Infographic instruction card set of 3 front-and-back printed reference cards:

Descriptions and pictures of all tiles

Definitions and important tips/tricks, basic game instructions to get started with game play (note, you will still need the nmjl card, which can be found here ).

COLORFUL, INFOGRAPHIC INSTRUCTION CARD: To help you navigate the world of Mahjong, we've included a card with definitions and instructions. These visuals include definitions, tips and tricks and starter instructions making this a great starter kit when combined with the National Mah Jongg League Card! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this handy reference will guide you through the rules and terminology, making it easy to dive into the Mahjong experience.

HOW SMALL ARE THE TINY TRAVEL TILES? These Mini Travel Mahjongg Tiles are meticulously crafted out of bright white melamine and are sized at 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.4 inches, offering a perfect balance of functionality and compactness.

WHAT TYPES OF SYMBOLS ARE FEATURED ON THIS SET? Each tile has traditional Chinese Mahjongg symbols and includes English numbers, words and letters for easy identification while playing American Mahjongg.  The set includes a comprehensive range of 166 tiles, including 36 Dots, 36 Bams, 36 Cracks, 12 Dragons, 16 Winds, 16 Flowers, 10 Jokers, and 4 Blanks. With this diverse selection, you'll have everything you need to play a variety of Mahjong game variations.

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I USE THESE TILES? Whether you're enjoying a casual game night with friends or heading on a holiday, girls or friends weekend, family travel, work trip or journey, the My Fair Mahjong Traditional Mini American Series is the ideal companion. These tiles also make an incredible training and learning tool - when showing and teaching with a more creative/modern American Mahjong set, stack a Mini Travel Tile on top of the modern matching one to teach about the original, traditional Chinese symbols for new players! 

MFM Traditional American Mini Series Characteristics:

• Tile dimensions: 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.4 inches
• Includes 166 tiles, including 36 Dots, 36 Bams, 36 Cracks, 12 Dragons, 16 Winds, 16 Flowers, 10 Jokers, and 4 Blanks
• Includes 4 clear racks, 10 inches in length.   **IF INTERESTED IN OUR MINI, PAINTED, WOODEN MAHJONG RACKS,  you can add them in as an add-on when checking out, or you can  view the separate listing here.   
• Includes 2 colorful acrylic dice (color selection is random in each package, so be ready for a delightful surprise of which 2 colors you get)
• Includes a reference and 3 infographic instruction cards which include descriptions of all tiles, definitions and important tips for game play and basic instructions for playing American Mahjong.
• Includes a My Fair Mahjong "Crack Bam Dot" Large Accessory Bag to carry the set with you wherever you need to go. The bright colors are sure to have your friends asking where you got this adorable mini set!

Interested in larger, creative, modern and colorful American Mahjong also? Check out our Destination Themed sets which feature tiles themed in special regions, states and places! www.myfairmahjong.com

Customer Reviews

MINI TRADITIONAL SERIES | American Mahjong Set for Travel and Fun | Small Size (0.8"x0.5"x0.4") | Gift or On-the-Go Game.

We got this as a beginner set to start playing before we committed to a larger set and this was perfect! We are loving this and will be great for travel!

Mini American Mahjong Set for Travel and Fun | Small Size (0.8"x0.5"x0.4") | Gift or On-the-Go Game.

Love everything about it but….the clear racks. I would add the wooden racks & up the price to $30 & get rid of the plastic clear ones. I understand the thought process but I would think most would want the sturdier wooden racks. I have placed an order for the pretty wooden racks. That’s the reason for the 4 rating. The bag is cute & large enough to hold everything including the wooden racks. The shipping was fast!! The packaging was so pretty! Thank you for offering travel sets.

The travel set is cute, and just what I wanted.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

You have disabled JavaScript. Enable JavaScript to enjoy all features of this site.

• Login/Sign Up
• Metro Mah Jongg
• pusher arms
• empty cases
• tile trays + lids
• league cards
• card pouches
• books + DVDs
• playing cards
• bumper stickers

American Mah Jong Set - Black Faux Lizard Travel Case

Customer reviews [ – ] [ + ].

The set does not weigh a lot. I like the fact that the numbers and characters are big to see. By  Worker Bee from Overseas

Description [ – ] [ + ]

Specifications [ – ] [ + ].

Reviews [ – ] [ + ]

Reviewed by XXX customers

Displaying reviews 1-5

First Previous | Next Last

Shipping Info [ – ] [ + ]

We offer FREE ground shipping to the contiguous USA and Canada (Hawaii and Alaska are excluded) for many products. Look for the "FREE SHIPPING" designation.

For all other items, and for Express Shipping options, we use an integrated online UPS shipping calculator. The shipping charges are calculated in real time by UPS. 1

Once you have finished shopping, you will be able to select Express Shipping options (Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air, 3-Day Select) on check-out. Only after you know the total charge, will you be asked to enter your payment information. 2

For same day shipping, where indicated, orders must be received before 2pm Eastern Time (New York) in order to ship same day. Orders received after 2pm will be sent out the following business day. Orders received on weekends and on holidays will be processed the next business day.

We offer shipping to over 190 countries with United States Postal Service using Express Mail International. Packages are insured and fully trackable.

International orders can take up to 5 business days to ship. Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number by email. Customers are responsible for any import charges (tax, duty, etc.)

Unfortunately, we cannot supply tracking numbers for shipments to APO/FPO addresses. The U.S. Government requires that we send all shipments to APO/FPO addresses using the U.S. Postal Service.

When completing your Shipping Address during checkout, please make note of the following.

* The Country must be "USA" * The City must be entered as either "APO" or "FPO" * The State must be selected as either "APO/FPO AA" "APO/FPO AE" or "APO/FPO AP" * You must enter the zip code for your shipping address * Always remember to enter your full name, grade, and PSC or unit number.

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] , or call us toll free in USA & Canada at 1- 866-260-2058.

1 Shipping charges at all times are based on weight and not on ticket price. There is a minimum 1-pound shipping charge on any item, including small items such as dice or checkers. In these cases, shipping charges can exceed the cost of the item.

2 We offer Express Shipping options on all items except Hillsdale game tables. All Hillsdale game tables ship ground freight.

Email a Friend

5 Best Mahjong Sets, Including Chinese and American Versions

There are beautiful tiles for every budget.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Mahjong is a game with a rich history and, some might say, complex rules. But whether you play for the social, mental or aesthetic benefits (those beautiful tiles!), the foundation of any good mahjong game is the set you're using. Our list of the best mahjong sets includes options for both Chinese and American gameplay.

If you want to switch between versions, get an American set, so you'll have enough tiles for both. However, many prefer to stick with the traditional Chinese mahjong. Regardless of which you choose, below you'll find a set at every price point and preference, from bargain friendly to splurge worthy.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Mahjong Set

Jumbo american silver glitter mah jongg.

Best Value Mahjong Set

Sumind mini travel mahjong set.

Best Traditional Chinese Set

Yellow mountain imports “double happiness” green tile professional chinese mahjong game set.

So dig in, and you'll soon be pushing tiles like a pro.

Topping our list is this American mahjong set, with its elegant wood case, perfectly oversized tiles and pleasing design. It includes 166 jumbo glitter-embellished tiles that are fun to handle and easy to read. The set also includes dice and a wind indicator, but does not include racks. If you like to play with racks, keep in mind that the jumbo tiles will not fit on standard game racks and will require 20-inch or larger racks, which are available to add on to your purchase.

Reviewers of the site rave that the oversized tiles are great for playing with children and people who have trouble reading small print. One reviewer wrote, “Bought this mahjong set for a dear friend with severe macular degeneration, and she is delighted that she can see the larger tile faces.” Another plus for this set? You can add custom text and a graphic to your joker tiles, adding a dose of fun flair. Easily convertible to play Chinese mahjong as well, this set is versatile and accessible for all ages.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, travel-friendly Chinese mahjong set, look no further than this mini one that even comes with its own foldable travel board . “Whenever the mood strikes you, you can play mahjong right on top of a stool," one Amazon reviewer wrote. But with such a compact set, reviewers report some downsides. Some people complain that the set is too small for everyday play, noting that the tiles can be hard to stack. Note that this is a Chinese mahjong set and contains 144 tiles and does not include pushers or trays.

This Chinese mahjong set comes in a decorative red and gold carrying case and features tiles with a gorgeous green bamboo-inspired stripe design. These tiles are reportedly taller, wider and thicker than the American sets, making it possible to play without the racks and pushers, which aren’t included.

However, when considering your purchase, don’t make this common mistake: Chinese mahjong sets contain only 146 tiles instead of the 166 tiles required to play American mahjong. So if you’re looking to switch between the two game types, opt for an American set, which can usually be converted with some substitutions.

Amazon Reviewers say this set is a good one for beginners, pointing out its simplicity, price point and a simple instruction manual that lays out the basics for Chinese mahjong.

Linda Li American Mahjong Set

If you’re an experienced or eager player that frequents multiple venues, you might want to choose a set with portability in mind.

What makes this American mahjong set special is its soft, quilted tote bag-style carrying case, which you can easily throw over your shoulder as you exit after yet another victory. Another plus for this carrying case: it zippers closed, and even has an extra inside zippered pocket, so you can stash some playing essentials.

The 166 fully engraved and hand-painted melamine tiles are neatly tucked away in two zippered pouches that match the navy blue paisley design of the tote. The set also comes with color-coordinated racks and pushers in translucent pink, green, yellow and blue, so your playmates can pick the color they are feeling that day.

Mark and Graham Acrylic Mahjong Game Set

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the mahjong enthusiast in your life, consider adding a personal touch to their favorite game with this customizable mahjong set. This set’s tagline is, “Fun to play. Beautiful to display,” and it could not be more accurate. T he elegant, compact acrylic box is topped with a cerulean or neon pink cover, which can be customized with a laser-etched monogram for an additional $12.50. With a variety of monogram designs and fonts to choose from, and a quick and easy preview function, you’re sure to find the right one for your mahjong lover.

The American mahjong set features standard tiles and also includes four racks, an instruction booklet for beginners or those looking to refresh their technique, and dice and colorful scoring coins. One downside is that the acrylic box only has enough room to store the tiles, so you’ll need to find another place to put the racks and other game pieces so you don’t lose them.

What is mahjong?

Played with four people seated around a table, mahjong, whether played with Chinese or American rules, is social and simple in nature – all you need is three fellow players, a mahjong set and somewhere to sit.

Through a process of rolling dice and shuffling, drawing and discarding tiles, players vie for matching sets and high scores that will secure a win when someone calls "mahjong!” and ends the game.

In 1937, a group of women in New York City formed the National Mah-jongg League , where they standardized and simplified some of the rules of Chinese mahjong and created a slightly different American version called "maahj" for short. The league, started with just a handful of players, now has more than 350,000 members.

What is the difference between American and Chinese mahjong sets?

There are a couple of key differences between the two versions:

• American mahjong sets have 166 tiles, which includes all the tiles included in 144-tile Chinese mahjong sets, but also has additional joker tiles and features Roman letters and Arabic numerals for those who can’t read Chinese characters.
• American mahjong also uses racks, which aren’t always used while playing Chinese mahjong, though different players and communities vary the rules based on preference.

How to choose a mahjong set

First, consider which type of mahjong you're playing — Chinese, American or another variant, such as Japanese. The set you buy will vary in the number of tiles and other game elements based on the rules of the particular version. When in doubt, buy an American mahjong set since they usually contain all the tiles used in Chinese mahjong and can be converted with some substitutions. Other considerations for choosing your mahjong set include:

• Aesthetic preferences, especially with regard to tile design
• Size and weight of the set
• Portability

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

After years of playing logic and strategy games, Minhae Shim Roth was introduced to mahjong by her grandmother-in-law. Interested in the history and cultural significance of the game, Roth looked to recent scholarship on mahjong, and researched written and visual reviews and other digital resources to compile this list of featured products.

She has contributed to Good Housekeeping since 2020, and has written on a variety of topics for many publications, including Glamour , History and Romper .

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Children's Items & Toys

The Best Baby Strollers

The Best Travel Strollers

There's Been a Massive Recall on Miniverse Sets

The Best Baby Monitors

The Best Kids Backpacks for the New School Year

The Best Water Tables

The Best Play Mats

The Best Baby Play Gyms

The Best Toddler Backpacks

The Best Nursing Pillows

The Best Headphones for Babies

Charleston Travel Set

Introducing aqua johng.

Upgrade your Game Night

Stunning New Mahjong Tiles & Mats

Immerse yourself in Luxury

Everything you need, all in one place

Mix and Match

Mahjong Tiles, Mats, and Accessories

American mahjong with a modern twist.

Embrace the Timeless Beauty of Mahjong with Our Colorful Designs - Perfectly Inspired by the Chinese Classic Game, Ideal for American Mahjong Fans, Traditionalists, and Newcomers Alike.

Shop By Tile

Dandy & La Fete

Blue & Lilac Soiree

Aqua Johng Pool Mat

• Share Opens in a new window.
• Tweet Opens in a new window.
• Pin it Opens in a new window.
• Email Opens in a new window.

Mahjong Accessories

Get Ready To

Host Game Night

Blanks in American Mahjong

To Blank or Not to Blank... that is the question  Whether you're a seasoned American Mahjong enthusiast with years of experience under your belt or a fresh face on the...

Don’t be a FAUX-jonger  Embarking on the intricate journey of mastering Mahjong unveils a challenging yet rewarding path, demanding patience, perseverance, and a fair share of trial and error. The...

Different Types of Mahjong Players

Mahjong Personalities Unveiled   Let's cut to the chase – we all have a distinct gaming personality, and when it comes to Mahjong, it's no different. Some folks stay true to...

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

Need Help? Call 281-578-7571

• All All Products Bettors, Dice, & Game Accessories Cases, Bags, & Accessories CLEARANCE Custom Imperfect Items Learn to Play Mah Jongg Mah Jongg Cards Mah Jongg Tables and Covers Mah Jongg Tiles Mah Jongg-Themed Gifts New Arrivals Pre-Designed Custom Tile Sets Preassembled Sets Racks and Pushers Vision Impaired Mah Jongg Tiles Search for:

No products in the cart.

• New Arrivals & Back-In-Stock
• Mah Jongg Tiles
• Special Value Complete Sets
• Imperfect Items
• Pre-Designed Custom Tiles
• Do-It-Yourself Custom Sets
• Asian Mahjong Tiles
• Racks & Pushers
• Cases, Bags, & Purses
• Mah Jongg Cards
• Dice and Game Accessories
• Mah Jongg Table Covers
• Mah Jongg Books
• Mah Jongg Themed Housewares
• Mah Jongg Themed Jewelry
• Mah Jongg Themed Apparel
• Mah Jongg Themed Stationery
• Mah Jongg-Themed Gifts
• Pre Designed Custom Tiles
• Do It Yourself Custom Sets
• Blank Mah Jongg Sets
• Idea Gallery
• Graphics Library
• Digital Proof Gallery
• Mah Jongg Books & Subscriptions
• Mah Jongg Teachers
• Mah Jongg Learning Games
• Mah Jongg Groups
• Mah Jongg Tournaments
• Return Policy

Showing 1–12 of 29 results

Special Value Sets

NEW Rainbow Display Special Value Set

NEW Black Chevron Display Special Value Set

NEW Green Chevron Display Special Value Set

Liberty Special Value Set

Japanese Bird Special Value Set

Happy Spring Special Value Set

Shamrock Special Value Set

NEW Sky Blue Mermaid Display Special Value Set

IMPERFECT Lucky Charm Special Value Set

WTWB EXCLUSIVE Tiger Princess Premium Special Value Set

Up Up and Away Special Value Set

WTWB EXCLUSIVE Tiger Love Premium Special Value Set

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Email address  *

• Toys & Games
• Games & Accessories

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

drizzle Travel Mini American Mahjong Set - 166 White Tiles includes Jokers 0.8" White Melamine Material - with Racks Instructions and Cat Bag 2.20 Pounds

Purchase options and add-ons.

• ♠️【Instruction Manual】We will give you an instruction manual with pictures and words for beginners. Even if you don't know how to do it at all, you can learn it quickly.
• ♠️【Small Size】 -Size suitable for playing at home , the size of a single mahjong is 20*14*11.5mm（0.8*0.5*0.4in）, 0.95KG, suitable for home use.easy to travel and play on, or a gathering of friends. It's a party artifact.
• ♠️【Set Include]】166 premium tiles: 36 Dots, 36 Bams, 36 Cracks, 12 Dragons, 16 Winds, 16 Flowers, 10 Jokers, and 4 Blank Spares,.As well as 3 dice, 1 instruction manual, and 4 card rulers.
• ♠️【Quality Material】 -Made of super quality melamine material, lightweight and smooth. Clear word won't fade, with long lasting durability.
• ♠️【American Mahjong】This is the American version of mahjong, more suitable for American play, we will give a manual, even a beginner can learn quickly. Very suitable as a gift ~

Frequently bought together

Similar items that may deliver to you quickly

Product information

Important information, safety information, product description.

• American mahjong, Mini size
• White shape.
• The dense amine material has long-term usability.
• English color printing instructions included
• There are 166 tiles in a set.
• 36 Dots， 36 Bams， 36 Cracks， 16 Winds， 16 Flowers
• 12 Dragons， 10 Jokers
• 4 Blank Spares
• Gift：3 dice, 1 wind banker, 100 chips, 1 instruction manual, and 4 card rulers.

• We will give you a color printed manual in full English
• Suitable for year-round beginners
• Come and experience the charm of mahjong
• You'll love it !

What's in the box

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

OMG This is So Cute and Perfect for Family Game Night!

20 America Mahjong bright colors hard and drop resistant

Drizzle Store

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, size and readability of the tabletop game. They mention that it comes with a playing mat and is perfect for travel. They appreciate the clear engraved numbers and characters. However, some customers have reported that the set smells really bad.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the size of the tabletop game. They mention that it's perfect for travel or space conscious folks, and that it is easy to lug around.

"This is a great quality, tiny , travel size mah jongg set...." Read more

"I love playing National Mahjongg.This set is easy to lug around and just right for smaller playing venues." Read more

"This is a great price for a cute set. A great travel set ." Read more

" Love the mini size for travel ! But I’m missing 2 jokers and 4 blanks. I will throw out the bag-It smells awful!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the tabletop game. They mention it's a cute set with clear engraved numbers and characters. Some say the set is excellent and perfect.

"...Full American mah jongg set. Nice little table mat included . This will be a great set to play on the go." Read more

"...The price is more reasonable. Everything looks good for a travel set except that I wish the tiles were just a little larger...." Read more

"The set is great but the matt smells like fish. REALLY BAD. I have tried airing it out but it is most offensive!!! Not happy!..." Read more

"It’s a darling set , but the tiles are too small to play with for an older person like me!" Read more

Customers find the tabletop game easy to read. They say the 4-color tiles are bright, and the printing is pretty clear. They also appreciate the clear engraved numbers and characters.

"...The printing is pretty clear considering the tiles are so small." Read more

"...The 4-color tiles are bright and easy to read . I love that the green dragons are actually green and not black like in many other travel sets...." Read more

"Still, a cute set that has clear engraved numbers and characters . One problem-smelled really bad! Like pee...." Read more

"...The cubes are small but still able to play with then and clearly read them . The only criticism of this product would be the case it is in...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the tabletop game. They mention that it comes with a folded play mat that has slightly raised edges all around.

"...The set comes with a playing mat , too. Very happy with this purchase." Read more

"...The see through trays help you not drop your tiles. And it comes with a pad to play on that has slightly raised edges all around so the tiles do..." Read more

"...The 4 clear racks hold 17 tiles across and comes with a folded play matt as well.,..." Read more

Customers are happy that the game includes racks that hold 17 tiles across. They also appreciate the bag that comes with the game.

"...It comes with a bag so you could use that to carry on a trip rather than the Panda case if you want...." Read more

"...I really like the fact that it includes racks ." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the smell of the tabletop game. They mention that it smells like pee.

"The set is great but the matt smells like fish . REALLY BAD. I have tried airing it out but it is most offensive!!! Not happy!..." Read more

"...But I’m missing 2 jokers and 4 blanks. I will throw out the bag-It smells awful !" Read more

"...One problem- smelled really bad ! Like pee. I’m airing out the set and Febreezed the cute panda bag. Glad I got this with a gift card!..." Read more

"Came dirty , also strong chemical smell " Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

In a Florida retiree stronghold, anger and hope for Biden

Democrats staying active in their golden years think the president can stage a comeback — perhaps with some extra B12.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Eighty-five-year-old Lucille Grabinski steered clear of discussing politics as she worked on a set of bejeweled cat coasters at her community’s arts and crafts workshop on a recent afternoon.

Neighbors in the gated RiverWalk neighborhood in West Palm Beach abide by an unwritten code not to talk about the upcoming election. But these days, in between aquatic exercise classes and pickleball matches, the presidential contest is almost all anyone can think about.

“He had a bad night,” Grabinski said as she cleaned up her leftover beads. “I think he got better toward the end. We’re all rooting him on.”

Perhaps nowhere are President Biden ’s senior moments hitting closer to home than in places like RiverWalk, a community that skews older in snowbird-friendly Palm Beach County. The neighborhood is built around the idea that getting old doesn’t mean staying still. Many of the residents keep a busy calendar well into their 80s. And they reject the idea that there should be an age limit for running the country.

As they watched Biden struggle recently on the debate stage, some saw a man wrestling with many of the same issues they battle with each day. Fatigue. Forgetfulness. A mind that switches gears a little less easily than before.

“As an older person, I can watch another older person and say, ‘Okay, that’s understandable, he lost his train of thought, but then he got back on track.’ That happens to all of us,” said Fran Shay, 72, a retired paralegal who is active in RiverWalk’s online yoga class and book club. “But from younger people’s point of view, we’re all just too old, and we’re all losing it.”

But some also fear Biden’s stumbles might be a sign of something more. They notice the occasional confused stare and his shuffling gait. They have seen friends and relatives suddenly decline — seemingly fine one day, not the next. They fear the politician who has been a constant throughout their adult lives might be taking a turn for the worse, and they are angry at how his minders are handling it.

“I don’t blame Biden for this,” said Arlene Senzer, who at 81 is the same age as Biden. “I blame the people around him for letting it get this far.”

Democrats outnumber Republicans in the precinct that encompasses RiverWalk, though GOP voters and those with no party affiliation trail not far behind. Palm Beach County is traditionally blue, but like other parts of Florida, party loyalty is proving tenuous. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis won the county in 2022.

As is the case nationwide, older adults in Florida are key to winning an election. They turn up more reliably at the polls, and in the Sunshine State, their numbers are sizable. There are nearly 4.4 million voters age 65 or older here, according to political data firm L2, or roughly 30 percent of registered voters.

At RiverWalk, older adults dominate, though younger families are also moving in. Spacious homes on tree-lined streets border canals and lakes. There is line dancing on Tuesday evenings, a film and book club, and mah-jongg games twice a month. The median home price is about $635,000 and many residents are transplants from northern states like New York.

Overt displays of party loyalty like flags and campaign signs are discouraged. But the nation’s political divisions are still palpable. At the gym, the TV sets are invariably tuned to either CNN or Fox, the first person to arrive planting a flag with the push of a button.

Senzer is in the pool each morning, taking advantage of Florida’s warm weather and the community’s aqua fitness class. But the retired high school chemistry teacher also recognizes her limitations.

“We can’t fight old age,” she said. “There are times when I’m sitting with four of my friends and we’re trying to think of the name of an actor we saw in a movie the night before, and if we’re lucky, maybe one out of four of us will even be able to remember the name of the movie, let alone the actor. That’s just what happens when you’re older.”

But Senzer said what she saw on the debate stage felt different.

She’s noticed the president’s voice has grown softer. And as she gets into her 80s, she’s all too aware older folks can sometimes decline quickly. She’d prefer Biden bow out so that someone “younger and more dynamic” can jump in.

“I’ll vote for whatever Democrat is on the top of that ticket,” she said.

On Friday afternoon, she gathered with a group of politically like-minded friends at her home, where they felt free to vent about Biden and rail against former president Donald Trump without offending any of the Republican acquaintances they see at the clubhouse and the community center.

From their point of view, Trump was no spring chicken either, and they have noticed his occasional incoherent ramblings as well. More concerning, they said, was Trump’s strongman rhetoric and criminal record, all signs of a faulty moral compass that no amount of rest could remedy.

The octogenarians all had advice for how Biden might win weary voters back. For one thing, he needs to speak more assertively, they said. They also had some thoughts on what his staff might do differently.

“They need to give him a shot of B12,” said Janice Rosenberg, 83, a retired high school home economics teacher. “And some chicken soup.”

A week after the debate, she said she still couldn’t shake the image of a flailing Biden from her mind: “It was heartbreaking, it really was.”

The friends say they want to see the Biden they voted for four years ago. He was elderly even then, they acknowledge, but — much like themselves — he didn’t act his age, at least not the way much of American society expects people in their late 70s to act. They recalled his confident stride, and the videos of him riding a bicycle and delivering off-the-cuff quips while speaking without a teleprompter.

They don’t fault him for napping — the entire friend group said they enjoy an afternoon snooze. They also don’t blame him for looking and acting tired after returning from a trip to Europe or after a week of negotiating with Congress.

“Is one of the jobs of the president to be a good debater, or is it to be aware of the needs of the country and to take care of those needs?” asked Berniece Allison, 88, who swims laps daily in her backyard pool. “He doesn’t need to run up four flights of stairs or jump around to prove anything.”

Thomas Jennings, 80, is a precinct captain for the Palm Beach County Democratic Party and said Biden needs to come out with ads that feature him speaking forcefully about his administration’s accomplishments.

“They’re not talking enough about what Joe Biden has done for this country,” said Jennings as he and the others nibbled on Triscuits and sipped glasses of ice water. “The conversation is all about his age. Instead it should be about the Biden infrastructure program, it should be about protecting Social Security, and it should be about Trump.”

Jennings, Senzer and their friends all agreed on one thing: They will vote for whoever the Democratic nominee is. But they said that if Biden stays in the race, he owes supporters a more detailed explanation of his health. Ultimately, they want to know which Biden they are supporting — the Biden of 2020, the frail shadow of a man they saw at the debate, or something in between?

After Biden’s interview Friday with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, Senzer said the answer seemed somewhat clearer.

“It was much better than the debate, but I don’t think he could have gone lower,” she said. “It wasn’t good enough to allay my concerns, but I’m willing to wait.”

Her friend Shay agreed that Biden looked better in the one-on-one with Stephanopoulos — he was “energetic and lucid” and showed he could handle the job of president for the next four years.

Now, however, she’s worried about something else.

“I’m concerned about more than his being an old man,” she said, “but about his being a stubborn old man.”

A previous version of this story stated that Fran Shay teaches a yoga class at RiverWalk. She helps to coordinate the online class but does not instruct it.