There’s a special kind of magic that comes with a well-loved board game. In my family, our collection of board games isn’t just a stack of cardboard boxes; it’s a treasure trove of cherished memories. From competitive Monopoly nights to mysterious Clue deductions, these games have woven themselves into the fabric of our family traditions. Even with my children all grown, the joy of gathering around a game board for a weekly session remains a constant delight. We’ve accumulated everything imaginable, covering the full spectrum of classic and modern games.
However, the passage of time and countless enthusiastic game plays often take their toll. Pieces go missing, boards get torn, and sometimes a game simply loses its luster or is replaced by a newer favorite. Instead of relegating these beloved relics to the landfill or the back of a dusty closet, why not breathe new life into them? Upcycling old board games is a fantastic way to transform forgotten playthings into unique, functional, and decorative items. Not only does it promote sustainability by reducing waste, but it also allows you to infuse your home with personalized charm and nostalgic appeal. Get ready to discover 20 incredibly creative and simple DIY projects that will inspire you to transform your old board games into something truly extraordinary.
1. Scrabble Tile Napkin Rings: Add a Wordy Touch to Your Table
Transforming old Scrabble tiles into elegant napkin rings is an incredibly clever and charming idea that will instantly elevate any dining experience. These little decorative accents add a personal and whimsical touch to your table settings, making them perfect for everyday meals, special dinner parties, or holiday gatherings. The process is delightfully simple: acquire some plain napkin rings – readily available and inexpensive at dollar stores – and then carefully adhere your chosen Scrabble tiles. You can opt for a playful approach by using random letters to create an intriguing pattern, or get truly personal by spelling out a message, perhaps even the initials of your dinner guests. This thoughtful detail not only helps with seating arrangements but also serves as a delightful conversation starter. Imagine these as a bespoke wedding or anniversary gift for a couple who shares your love for board games, offering a truly unique and memorable keepsake they’ll cherish for years.
Tutorial: brit
2. Game Board Purses: Carry Your Favorite Game in Style
Imagine showcasing your passion for a specific board game by carrying it as a stylish accessory! These handmade game board purses and tote bags are not only a fantastic fashion statement but also incredibly unique. Perfect for anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd, they also make unforgettable gifts for the board game enthusiasts in your life. The construction is surprisingly straightforward, especially if you choose a game board with a sturdy, foldable design. The basic idea involves carefully bending the main board to form the front and back panels of your bag, then adding complementary fabric or material for the sides and a comfortable handle. You can choose to line the interior for added functionality and durability, creating a truly polished finish. With a variety of game boards to choose from, each bag tells its own story and promises to be a definite conversation starter wherever you go, ensuring you have the most distinctive accessory on the block.
Tutorial: aboutabbie
3. Board Game Storage and Display: Artful Organization for Your Games
This ingenious project offers a brilliant solution to two common challenges for game lovers: practical storage and aesthetic display. Instead of hiding your favorite board games in a closet, you can transform them into captivating wall art that doubles as an accessible storage solution. The concept is simple yet effective: take a visually appealing game board and mount it within a suitable wooden frame, allowing the vibrant artwork of the game to become a focal point in your room. The genius lies in the storage of the game pieces; rather than keeping them loose, they are neatly secured in a small baggie, which is then discreetly attached to the back of the framed board. This means that whenever the mood strikes for a spontaneous game night, you can effortlessly unhook the framed board from the wall, retrieve your pieces, and start playing. When the game is over, it returns to its place on the wall, perfectly stored and continuing its role as unique, eye-catching artwork. It’s an ideal way to keep your game collection organized, visible, and ready for action without cluttering your shelves.
Tutorial: infarrantlycreative
4. DIY Board Game Shelves: Whimsical and Functional Wall Decor
Inject a dose of personality and playfulness into your living space by transforming old board games into charming decorative shelves. This quick and easy DIY project allows you to repurpose neglected game boards into functional wall accents in a matter of minutes. The core of the design involves attaching sturdy L-brackets to the back of the game board, providing a secure mount to your wall. Once installed, these unique shelves can serve a multitude of purposes. They are perfect for displaying small mementos, collectible game pieces, miniature figures, or even small potted plants. This idea is particularly delightful for children’s rooms, where the themed boards can perfectly complement the room’s decor. Imagine a vibrant Candy Land board shelf in a nursery, holding lullaby books and tiny toys, or a strategic Risk board shelf in a teen’s room, displaying trophies or favorite action figures. The creative possibilities are truly boundless, offering a customizable and whimsical storage solution that celebrates your love for games while keeping your space tidy and stylish.
Tutorial: vanessaalvarado
5. Scrabble Signs: Spell Out Your Message in Style
There’s an undeniable charm to using Scrabble tiles for personalized messaging, and these DIY Scrabble signs capitalize on that appeal. This project allows you to craft unique and customizable signs for any room in your home, spreading whatever message you wish in a visually engaging way. From quirky bathroom labels to inspirational quotes in your living room, the versatility is immense. These signs have become incredibly popular as seasonal decor, gracing mantels during the holidays or adding a festive touch for Easter. However, their timeless appeal means they can easily be displayed year-round. Simply gather your old Scrabble tiles, arrange them to spell out your desired words, and adhere them to a sturdy backing board – perhaps even a piece of an old game board itself! For easy hanging, you can attach some rustic twine or a sleek picture wire to the back. This project is not only simple to execute but also adds a personalized, intellectual, and nostalgic flair to your decor, making it a perfect conversation piece for guests.
Idea: Eslamoda
6. Chess Piece Wine Stoppers: Elegance for Your Bottles
Transforming classic chess pieces into sophisticated wine stoppers is a truly brilliant way to repurpose discarded game components into elegant and functional household items. The intricate designs of chess pieces, particularly the regal king or queen, lend themselves beautifully to this upscale DIY project, adding a touch of old-world charm to your bottles. The process is remarkably straightforward: simply take your chosen chess piece and firmly attach a standard wine cork to its base using a strong, durable adhesive. The result is a gorgeous and unique bottle stopper that is sure to impress. While perfect for wine, these versatile stoppers can also be used for other bottled beverages like specialty sodas or olive oils, ensuring their utility for everyone. They make exceptional gifts, especially when paired with a fine bottle of wine for holidays, housewarmings, or as a thoughtful present for a chess enthusiast. Moreover, their popularity makes them a fantastic item to craft and potentially sell, offering a lucrative opportunity to turn your creative hobby into a small business. You can easily produce several of these charming stoppers in under an hour, making it a highly efficient and rewarding craft.
Idea: trendhunter
7. Scrabble Board Picture Frame: A Grid of Memories
After exploring ingenious uses for individual Scrabble tiles, it’s time to give the iconic board itself a new purpose. This creative project transforms an old Scrabble board into a wonderfully unique picture frame, perfect for displaying a collage of cherished memories. The grid-like structure of the board naturally lends itself to a multi-photo display, allowing you to cut out various-sized openings to perfectly frame your favorite photographs. Whether you want to feature a few significant moments or a mosaic of smaller snapshots, the Scrabble board provides an engaging backdrop. Once your photos are arranged and secured, the entire customized board can be mounted within a larger wooden frame for a polished and durable finish. This DIY endeavor is not only straightforward but also results in a deeply personal keepsake. It makes an exceptionally thoughtful and heartwarming gift for grandparents on birthdays, holidays, or Grandparent’s Day, as it beautifully combines family history with a beloved game. It’s a fantastic way to honor both your family’s photographic journey and your shared love for games, creating a piece of decor that tells a rich story.
Tutorial: photojojo
8. DIY Bingo Card Coasters: Vintage Charm for Your Drinks
Infuse a delightful touch of vintage flair into your home decor with these charming DIY coasters made from old Bingo cards. While a similar concept might be found on artisanal marketplaces like Etsy, this project is surprisingly simple to recreate at home, offering a personalized and budget-friendly alternative. The appeal lies in the nostalgic aesthetic of the Bingo cards, with their classic numbers and worn edges. To craft these coasters, you’ll first select your favorite cards, perhaps those with lucky numbers or particularly interesting patterns. The key to their durability and protection against spills is lamination, which encapsulates the card in a waterproof, wipeable layer. For added sturdiness and a more substantial feel, consider attaching a backing of thick cardstock, cork, or felt to the laminated cards. This extra layer not only prevents slipping but also enhances the overall quality and longevity of your coasters. These unique creations are an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates retro aesthetics, loves old board games, or simply enjoys one-of-a-kind handcrafted items. They’re quick to make and incredibly practical, ensuring your surfaces stay protected in style.
Available on: etsy
9. Chinese Checkers Clock: A Timeless Tribute to a Classic Game
For those who cherish the classic game of Chinese Checkers, this repurposed clock project offers a beautifully nostalgic and functional piece of decor. The distinctive star-shaped board, with its array of colorful holes, is perfectly suited for transformation into a captivating wall clock. This DIY creation celebrates the aesthetic appeal of the game, making it an excellent addition to a game room, den, or even a child’s bedroom. The circular nature of the Chinese Checkers board inherently lends itself to housing a clock mechanism, simplifying the construction process significantly. Aside from carefully integrating a standard clock kit, which typically includes the movement, hands, and mounting hardware, there’s minimal additional work involved. You can choose to add hour markers, or let the natural design of the board, perhaps even using a few original game marbles, indicate the time. This unique clock is an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates eclectic, handcrafted items or has a particular fondness for Chinese Checkers, offering a constant reminder of strategic fun and cherished memories in a beautifully practical form.
Tutorial: lightandspoon
10. Jenga Board Necklace Rack: Stylish and Versatile Organization
Don’t despair if your Jenga game has lost a few blocks over time; the remaining pieces can be cleverly repurposed into an incredibly functional and stylish necklace rack. The uniform, interlocking nature of Jenga blocks makes them ideal for creating a modular and attractive organizer for various items. While perfect for neatly displaying necklaces and preventing tangles, the utility of this rack extends far beyond jewelry. Its robust design allows it to be used inside a closet or near an entryway for hanging lightweight coats, scarves, or even a collection of neckties. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination. This project is remarkably easy to complete, typically involving arranging the blocks onto a sturdy backing board and securing them, then adding hooks or simply using the natural grooves of the blocks for hanging. For a personalized touch, you could even paint or stain the Jenga blocks beforehand to match your room’s decor or to add a pop of specific color, transforming these simple game pieces into a highly practical and aesthetically pleasing organizational solution for any space.
Tutorial: brit
11. DIY Jenga Keychain: Personalized Charms from Game Blocks
Give those leftover Jenga blocks a new lease on life by transforming them into unique and personalized keychains or even charming pieces of jewelry. This DIY project is incredibly simple, making it perfect for crafters of all skill levels, and yields impressive results. While a keychain is a fantastic starting point, the versatility of these small wooden blocks means you could easily adapt the concept to create bespoke earrings, necklace pendants, or even decorative zipper pulls. The creative possibilities for decorating the blocks are vast: unleash your artistic side with scrapbooking paper and Mod Podge to decoupage intricate designs, or opt for a simpler aesthetic by painting the blocks in solid colors, adding stencils, or freehand drawings. Once decorated and sealed for durability, simply attach a small eye screw and a split ring for a keychain, or jewelry findings for other accessories. These custom-made Jenga pieces make wonderful, thoughtful gifts for friends and family, especially those who appreciate unique, handcrafted jewelry or personalized tokens. They’re a small reminder of playful times, beautifully repurposed into something both practical and stylish.
Tutorial: sarahortega
12. Board Game Jewelry Box: Clever Storage with a Nostalgic Twist
It’s a universal truth: you can never have enough clever storage solutions, especially for small treasures like jewelry. This innovative project transforms an ordinary board game into a remarkably chic and functional jewelry box, an idea that is as ingenious as it is simple to execute. While it might look complex at first glance, creating this box primarily involves a series of precise folds and fittings, rather than intricate construction. The final product beautifully evokes the charm of vintage cigar boxes, offering a stylish and compact container for a variety of items. Beyond jewelry, it’s perfect for organizing pencils, crafting supplies, keepsakes, or even small electronics. The beauty of this DIY is its adaptability; since most standard board games, like Monopoly or Clue, share similar dimensions, you can easily replicate this project with almost any old game you have on hand. This eco-friendly craft not only gives a second life to a beloved game but also provides a custom storage solution that adds a unique, nostalgic touch to your dresser or workspace. It’s a testament to the fact that creativity can turn everyday objects into something extraordinary.
Tutorial: zieak
13. USB Dice Keychain: Roll the Dice on Portable Storage
Many board games come with dice, and it’s not uncommon to find yourself with a surplus of these small cubes once a game is retired or loses its pieces. Instead of letting them gather dust, transform a pair of leftover dice into an incredibly cool and practical USB keychain. In an increasingly digital world, portable data storage is a necessity for almost everyone, from students needing to transport school projects to professionals carrying important documents. This DIY dice USB offers a refreshingly unique alternative to generic store-bought flash drives. The project involves carefully hollowing out one of the dice to snugly fit a mini USB stick, then securing it in place. The result is a discreet yet eye-catching gadget that’s both durable and deeply personal. It’s an excellent way to add a touch of personality to your tech accessories and makes for a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine the surprise and delight when someone realizes your ordinary-looking dice isn’t just a quirky keychain, but a functional piece of technology. This ingenious hack ensures your important files are always at hand, stored in a truly distinctive fashion.
Tutorial: instructables
14. Scrabble Board Wedding Guest Book: A Truly Unique Wedding Keepsake
For couples who share a profound love for Scrabble, this repurposed board game guest book is an absolutely phenomenal idea, offering a deeply personal and memorable way to capture well wishes on their special day. This project transforms an old Scrabble board and a selection of its iconic tiles into a bespoke guest book, elegantly featuring the names of the bride and groom. The process involves carefully bending the game board to form the covers of the book, then adding a collection of blank pages within. These pages are then securely bound together, creating a sturdy and beautiful volume. The most charming aspect is the integration of the Scrabble tiles, meticulously arranged on the cover to spell out the couple’s names, the wedding date, or a heartfelt message. While it works particularly well if the couple’s names share a letter for a classic Scrabble cross-word look, creative arrangements can easily be made even without shared letters. Beyond weddings, this brilliant concept can be adapted to create a unique journal, diary, or memory book for anniversaries, milestones, or simply as a cherished personal keepsake. It’s a wonderful way to infuse a wedding with personality and create a tangible reminder of a joyous occasion, filled with words from loved ones.
Tutorial: instructables
15. Small Game Piece Upcycled Notebooks: Miniature Memos with Monopoly Charm
If you’re anything like my family, keeping track of all those property cards from Monopoly can be a challenge; they always seem to go astray. This clever DIY project offers a delightful solution by transforming these charming small game pieces into adorable, pocket-sized notebooks. It’s an ideal way to repurpose those loose cards or a complete set from a game that’s seen better days. The beauty of this idea lies in its simplicity and the instant vintage appeal of the Monopoly cards as covers. To create these mini notebooks, you’ll first gather your chosen Monopoly property cards (or any other sturdy, small game cards). Then, simply cut plain paper to the same size as the cards, ensuring a neat fit. Once you have a stack of paper nestled between two game cards, use a binding machine to securely bind them all together. If you don’t have a binding machine, a simple hole punch and some decorative string or binder rings can also work wonders. These small notebooks are perfect for jotting down quick notes, shopping lists, or serving as charming party favors. They’re a unique and sustainable way to keep track of thoughts while adding a touch of playful nostalgia to your everyday essentials.
Tutorial: onecharmingparty
16. Game Board Table: Your Game Night Hub, Always Ready
Imagine having your favorite board game always ready for action, seamlessly integrated into a piece of functional furniture. This innovative DIY project allows you to transform an old game board into a magnificent and practical table, ensuring that impromptu game nights are always just a moment away. Even if you no longer actively play the specific game, the resulting table stands as a striking and unique piece of decor, showcasing the game’s artwork in a truly creative way. Building this table can involve mounting a game board onto an existing coffee or side table, or constructing a custom frame to house the board, perhaps even adding a clear protective top to preserve the playing surface. For games that are still actively enjoyed, integrating drawers or hidden compartments within the table’s design provides the perfect, discreet storage solution for all those small game pieces, preventing them from getting lost. The beauty of this project lies in its blend of functionality and display; you gain an amazing-looking table that not only serves its purpose but also acts as a permanent, playable tribute to your beloved board games. It’s an ideal addition to any game room, living area, or den, inviting fun and fostering a sense of playful creativity.
Tutorial: myrepurposedlife
17. Twister Rain Coat: Colorful Fashion with a Playful Twist
For the truly adventurous and eco-conscious fashionista, transforming a classic Twister mat into a vibrant and playful raincoat is a show-stopping upcycling project. The Twister game board is uniquely suited for this creative endeavor because of its durable, waterproof plastic material, making it an ideal candidate for wearable rain gear. This project requires a bit more sewing skill than some of the other crafts, but the result is an undeniably eye-catching and functional garment. Using a standard raincoat pattern as your guide, you’ll cut and stitch the colorful plastic mat just as you would with traditional fabric. The bright red, yellow, green, and blue circles of the Twister mat naturally create a visually dynamic and cheerful design, ensuring you’ll stand out on even the dreariest of days. This innovative raincoat isn’t just about fun aesthetics; it’s a fully functional garment, complete with practical features like pockets for essentials and a hood for ultimate weather protection. It’s a bold statement in sustainable fashion, proving that imagination and repurposing can turn a party game into a truly unique and practical wardrobe staple that sparks joy wherever you go.
Tutorial: craftster
18. Clue Game Wine Charms: Unmask Your Glass with Game Pieces
Add a playful and personalized touch to your next gathering with these adorable wine charms crafted from small game pieces. This project is perfect for using up those charming miniature characters from games like Clue, or even the iconic tokens from Monopoly – imagine a tiny Monopoly dog or thimble identifying your drink! These whimsical charms are not only a fantastic way for guests to keep track of their glasses, but they also serve as delightful conversation starters. Creating them is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few basic jewelry-making supplies, such as jump rings, small beads, and wire loops. You’ll carefully attach the game pieces to the wire loops, perhaps adding a decorative bead or two for extra flair. If you know someone who adores board games, these unique wine charms would be the ultimate gift, showcasing thoughtfulness and creativity. They would also beautifully complement other game-themed items, such as the DIY Scrabble coasters mentioned earlier, completing a cohesive and playful entertaining set. This simple craft transforms small, often overlooked game components into elegant and fun accessories for any social occasion.
Tutorial: instructables
19. Clue Game Cigar Box Purse: A Vintage Mystery Accessory
Here’s another incredibly creative way to transform an old board game, specifically the classic Clue, into a one-of-a-kind accessory. This Clue game cigar box purse exudes a wonderfully vintage and mysterious aesthetic, making it an exceptional statement piece for any outfit. The project ingeniously utilizes a sturdy wooden cigar box as the base, which provides a rigid and durable structure for the purse. The key to its striking appearance involves adhering sections of the Clue game board and perhaps a few individual game pieces onto the cigar box using Mod Podge, effectively decoupaging the vintage artwork onto the wooden surface. The interior can be lined with fabric, and small pockets can be added for practical storage of cash, cards, and other small essentials. What truly elevates this purse is the addition of a unique handle – consider a jeweled chain, a sturdy leather strap, or a vintage-inspired beaded handle to complete its distinctive look. This DIY creation is guaranteed to be the most unique and talked-about purse you’ve ever carried, perfectly blending nostalgic charm with personalized, handmade style. It’s an ode to classic games and a triumph of upcycled fashion.
Tutorial: craftster
20. DIY Dominoes Clock: Time Told by Tiles
For a touch of rustic charm and clever design, this DIY Dominoes Clock offers another fantastic way to repurpose game components into a functional piece of art. This project ingeniously uses individual domino tiles to represent the hours on a clock face, creating a unique visual appeal that is both intriguing and easy to read. The process begins with selecting a suitable wooden board to serve as the backdrop for your clock – choose a size and finish that complements your decor style. Then, arrange your dominoes in a circular fashion, carefully placing each tile to correspond with the hour it represents, using the dots on the dominoes to match the numbers (e.g., a domino with three dots for the 3 o’clock position). Once your dominoes are securely attached to the wooden board using a strong adhesive, the final step is to install a standard clock kit, threading the mechanism through the center and attaching the hour and minute hands. This DIY clock is a relatively straightforward project that results in a striking and personalized timepiece, perfect for adding character to a den, office, game room, or kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the simple elegance of dominoes while creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home.
Tutorial: sadieseasongoods
Conclusion: Unlocking Creativity with Your Old Board Games
It’s an inevitable truth that over time, board games can suffer from wear and tear, missing pieces, or simply fall out of favor. However, the good news is that these beloved relics don’t have to end up in the trash. As we’ve explored through these 20 inspiring projects, the potential for repurposing old board games is truly immense, transforming them into unique treasures rather than waste. My passion for upcycling runs deep, and this curated collection of game board transformations perfectly aligns with the joy of giving old items a brand-new purpose. Just as there are 100 ways to repurpose and reuse broken household items, the creative avenues for board games are equally boundless.
Everyone loves games, and these DIY ideas tap into that universal appeal, allowing you to craft items that are both sentimental and stylish. Many of these projects are versatile enough to be adapted using virtually any game board or pieces you have on hand, encouraging a wonderful sense of creative freedom. Whether you’re looking to personalize your home decor, create heartfelt and unique gifts for friends and family, or even explore a potential avenue for a small craft business, these projects offer something for everyone. Imagine scouring your local thrift stores for bargain-priced old games, then turning them into sought-after, handcrafted items – a fantastic way to make some extra money while embracing sustainable practices. And speaking of games, don’t forget to check out these 35 ridiculously fun DIY backyard games for endless outdoor entertainment as spring and summer approach.
So, before you consider tossing out those incomplete or forgotten board games, take another look. From elegant Scrabble tile napkin rings and charming game board purses to practical storage solutions, whimsical clocks, and even a vibrant Twister raincoat, this collection is packed with innovative ideas. There’s undoubtedly a project here that will spark your imagination, helping you transform that old game board into something truly unique, fun, and meaningful. Embrace the spirit of upcycling and let your creativity turn discarded playthings into cherished keepsakes and functional decor.