DIY and Crafts
Ways To Repurpose Old Board Games
Tensed with the mess around? The extra board games you have been purchasing for ages, just to follow the trends or sometimes for genuine entertainment, where are they now? Somewhere in some corner of some shelf or locked in the storeroom? Bring them out, and let’s get into some creativity.
What’s the use of keeping all those boards locked up in the dark rooms covered with dust when we can actually have fun with them!! Here are a few ideas for recreating your old board games into something new, that too by your own toddler. Let’s keep them busy plus entertained with the creation of something new and bidding adieu to something old.
From making shelves to creating serving trays or decorating your walls with the old board games, there’s a lot more to this. You can also turn your Jenga set into a keychain or a set of old dice into a set of new key chains. This article deals with a lot of creativity and fun. Something you have been reading – best out of waste to something worth trying. Let’s hope this article feels interesting to you, and let’s hope for creating beauty from old, damaged stuff.
Age Preferred –
3 – 5 years of age, that is, the age of a kindergarten toddler (under adult supervision so that they do not harm themselves with the small objects of the game)
Materials Required –
- Glue or any sort of adhesive
- Rings to make key chains
- Sketch pens and markers for extra creativity
So here’s a list of ideas to enhance creativity and recreate anything wasted in a board game into something new and useful.
Ways To Repurpose Old Board Games
Read More: DIY Games & Activities for Kids
DIY Scrabble Mug Name Decoration Craft
Image Source/Tutorial: brit
Materials Required:
Plain mugs, Scrabble tiles, strong glue, ribbon, sealant.
Procedure:
Glue Scrabble tiles vertically onto mugs to spell names or words. Let dry completely and seal gently for long-lasting personalized mug décor.
DIY Board Game Wall Shelf Decoration
Image Source/Tutorial: Vanessa Alvarado
Materials Required:
Old board game boxes, wall brackets, screws, drill, and paint.
Procedure:
Attach sturdy brackets securely to the wall. Mount board game boxes or lids onto brackets to create decorative storage shelves.
Vintage Board Game Wall Art Craft
Materials Required:
Old board games, wooden frames, glue, and hanging hooks.
Procedure:
Place vintage board game boards inside decorative wooden frames. Secure backing and hang the framed game art on the walls for display.
Candy Land Board Game Framed Wall Décor
Image Source/Tutorial: Infarrantly Creative
Materials Required:
Candy Land board, picture frame, glue, and hanging hardware.
Procedure:
Trim the game board to fit inside the frame perfectly. Secure the board in place and hang it as playful game-themed wall art.
DIY Cat Door Wall Sticker Decoration
Image Source/Tutorial: Eslamoda
Materials Required:
Black vinyl stickers, scissors, adhesive tape, and a marker template.
Procedure:
Cut cat face, paws, and tail shapes from vinyl sheets. Stick the pieces carefully around the door to create a playful cat design.
Read More: Games To Create For Kids with PVC Pipes
DIY Chinese Checkers Game Storage Tray
Image Source/Tutorial: Light & Spoon
Materials Required:
Metal tray, Chinese Checkers board, paint, glue, and sealant.
Procedure:
Fit the game board neatly inside the round tray base. Secure edges and decorate the tray for stylish board game storage.
DIY Wooden Jewelry Organizer Wall Rack
Materials Required:
Wooden blocks, paint, hooks, screws, drill.
Procedure:
Paint wooden blocks in colorful patterns and attach hooks underneath. Mount the organizer securely onto the wall for jewelry storage.
DIY Decorative Key Cover Craft
Image Source/Tutorial: Sarah Ortega
Materials Required:
Wooden key covers, scrapbook paper, glue, scissors, and sealant.
Procedure:
Cut decorative paper to fit around the wooden key covers. Glue paper onto covers and seal for durable personalized key accessories.
DIY Clue Board Game Storage Box
Image Source/Tutorial: Zieak
Materials Required:
Wooden box, printed game board, glue, paint, and ruler.
Procedure:
Cover the box interior and exterior with Clue-themed printed designs. Add compartments inside to organize cards, dice, and game pieces neatly.
DIY Dice Keychain Craft for Game Lovers
Image Source/Tutorial: Instructables
Materials Required:
Acrylic dice, key rings, drill, and strong adhesive cord.
Procedure:
Carefully drill a small hole through the dice corner. Attach a key ring or cord to create a unique dice keychain.
Read More: Cardboard Christmas Crafts for Home Decoration
DIY Scrabble Tile Notebook Craft for Word Lovers
Image Source/Tutorial: Instructables
Materials Required:
Spiral notebook, Scrabble tiles, scrapbook paper, glue, scissors.
Procedure:
Cover the notebook with printed Scrabble board paper. Glue Scrabble tiles to spell names or words for personalized notebook décor.
DIY Monopoly Card Mini Notebook Craft
Image Source/Tutorial: One Charming Party
Materials Required:
Monopoly cards, blank paper, spiral rings, a hole puncher, and glue.
Procedure:
Stack blank papers between Monopoly cards for covers. Punch holes and bind together using spiral rings or binder clips.
DIY Ouija Board Side Table Makeover
Image Source/Tutorial: Myre Purposed Life
Materials Required:
Old side table, Ouija print, paint, Mod Podge, glass top.
Procedure:
Paint the table black and attach the Ouija board design on top. Seal with Mod Podge or glass covering for a polished finish.
DIY Clue Board Game Wine Charms
Image Source/Tutorial: Instructables
Materials Required:
Wine charm rings, mini charms, beads, pliers, and glue.
Procedure:
Attach miniature themed charms onto wine charm rings. Secure tightly and place around glasses for decorative party accessories.
DIY Scrabble Tile Drink Coasters
Image Source/Tutorial: Mod Podge Rocks
Materials Required:
Scrabble tiles, cork squares, glue, and sealant.
Procedure:
Arrange Scrabble tiles into square coaster shapes with decorative words. Glue onto cork backing and seal for waterproof tabletop protection.
Read More: Library Bulletin Boards and Display Ideas
3D Playing Card Sculpture Craft
Image Source/Tutorial: Math Craft
Materials Required:
Decks of playing cards, glue dots, a ruler, and patience.
Procedure:
Fold playing cards into modular geometric shapes carefully. Connect folded cards to form decorative 3D sculptures.
DIY Monopoly Board Game Diary Notebook
Image Source/Tutorial: Instructables
Materials Required:
Notebook, Monopoly board printouts, glue, scissors, spiral binding.
Procedure:
Cover the notebook using Monopoly-themed printed paper designs. Secure edges neatly and decorate with additional game-inspired stickers or labels.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Repurpose Old Board Games
Learn how to repurpose old board games with our step‑by‑step tutorial! This DIY video tutorial shows easy and creative recycling, upcycling crafts, and practical ideas to transform unused game boards and pieces into fun home decor, gifts, and useful items. Perfect beginner guide for eco DIY and craft projects.
Why Repurposing Old Board Games Is a Great Activity for Kids
Repurposing old board games is a creative way to teach children about recycling while encouraging imagination and hands-on learning. Instead of throwing away damaged or unused games, kids can transform them into exciting crafts, decorations, gifts, and educational projects using simple household materials.
These upcycling activities promote environmental responsibility and help children discover that everyday objects can have a second life. They are ideal for classrooms, homeschool lessons, rainy-day crafts, and family DIY projects. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Educational Benefits of Upcycling Board Games
Creating crafts from old board games supports important developmental skills, including:
- Creative thinking and imagination
- Fine motor skills through cutting and assembling
- Problem-solving and design skills
- Environmental awareness and recycling habits
- Patience and attention to detail
- Decision-making and resourcefulness
- Confidence through DIY project completion
Materials You May Need
Most board game upcycling projects use inexpensive craft supplies that are easy to find.
- Old board games or game pieces
- Glue or hot glue (adult supervision required)
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Scissors
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Markers or colored pencils
- Ribbon or string
- Craft sticks
- Magnets
- Recycled cardboard
- Decorative stickers
FAQs
Q1. At what age is it suitable for repurposing old board games?
Answer: These activities are ideal for children aged 5–12 years. Younger children should complete projects with adult supervision, especially when using scissors or glue.
Q2. What can children make from old board games?
Answer: Kids can create wall art, bookmarks, magnets, storage boxes, jewelry, keychains, coasters, notebooks, learning games, and many other unique DIY crafts.
Q3. Why is upcycling board games educational?
Answer: Upcycling teaches sustainability, creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness while encouraging children to reuse materials instead of throwing them away.
Q4. Can these activities be used in schools?
Answer: Yes. They are excellent for art classes, STEM and STEAM activities, Earth Day celebrations, recycling projects, and environmental education lessons.
Repurposing old board games inspires creativity while teaching children the value of recycling and sustainable living. These fun DIY projects transform forgotten games into useful crafts, meaningful keepsakes, and imaginative learning experiences. Turn playtime into learning time with finger puppets! Join us on Telegram, YouTube & Facebook for fun activities every day.
Reviewed By Rachit Gupta
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