What To Do With Old Board Games

Consider donating, repurposing components for crafts, or selling your old board games.

Dusty boxes stacked high, forgotten fun within. You’ve got shelves overflowing with games you no longer play. The question arises: what to do with old board games? It’s a common dilemma for families and avid gamers alike.

Perhaps it’s time to declutter and give these games new life. Maybe someone else will enjoy the classic strategy or silly fun you once had. Instead of letting them gather dust, explore different solutions and free up some valuable space.

What to Do With Old Board Games

We all have them – the board games gathering dust on a shelf, the ones with missing pieces, or the ones we simply outgrew. But before you toss them in the trash, consider the many possibilities that await these forgotten treasures. Old board games can be so much more than clutter. They can become sources of fun, creativity, and even a little bit of extra cash. Let’s explore some fantastic ideas for what to do with your old board games.

Reusing and Repurposing: Giving Games a Second Life

Instead of seeing old board games as junk, think of them as materials ripe for reuse. With a little imagination, you can repurpose game pieces, boards, and boxes into exciting new creations.

Crafting with Game Pieces

Those little plastic pawns, wooden tokens, and colorful dice are perfect for all sorts of crafts:

Jewelry: Make unique necklaces, earrings, or bracelets by stringing game pieces together. Paint them for added flair!
Magnets: Glue small game pieces onto magnets to create fun fridge decorations.
Art Projects: Use game pieces as stamps or collage materials. Let kids create patterns or pictures with them.
Counting Tools: Use them as manipulatives to help younger children learn to count or sort.
Miniature Figurines: With a little paint and glue, game pieces can become characters for dollhouses or dioramas.

Repurposing Game Boards

The sturdy cardboard or wooden game boards can be incredibly versatile:

Wall Art: Some game boards have beautiful graphics. Frame them and hang them on your walls for a vintage or quirky look.
Serving Trays: A large, flat game board can be transformed into a unique serving tray. You can even add handles for easier carrying.
Bulletin Boards: Cover the board with fabric or cork, then add pushpins to create a customized bulletin board.
Storage Dividers: Cut sections of the game board to create dividers in drawers or boxes.
Tabletop Protector: Use an old game board to protect your table when doing crafts or puzzles.

Upcycling Game Boxes

Don’t underestimate the usefulness of the game box itself:

Storage Containers: Game boxes are great for storing other games, art supplies, toys, or even documents.
Gift Boxes: Decorate a game box with wrapping paper or paint to create a custom gift box.
Shadow Boxes: Cut out the center of the box lid, add a clear sheet, and use it to display small collectibles or mementos.

Donating Old Board Games: Sharing the Fun

If you’re not crafty, don’t worry! Plenty of organizations would love to receive your gently used board games. Donating is a wonderful way to extend the life of your games and bring joy to others.

Where to Donate Board Games

Local Charities: Many charities that serve children or families in need accept game donations. These might include children’s homes, family shelters, or after-school programs.
Schools and Libraries: Contact local schools or libraries to see if they could use extra board games for their classrooms or community programs.
Hospitals: Children’s hospitals often have play areas where board games can be a welcome distraction for young patients.
Senior Centers: Board games are great for cognitive stimulation and social interaction among seniors. Check if a senior center near you would like to receive some.
Thrift Stores: If you just want to find your games a new home, thrift stores are always a good option.

Preparing Games for Donation

Before donating, take a moment to prepare your games. Make sure they are in good condition and have all the main pieces.

Check for Completeness: Ensure all crucial pieces like dice, game tokens, and cards are present. A game missing a key component may not be very useful.
Clean the Games: Wipe down the game board and box to remove dust or dirt. This makes the games more appealing to others.
Organize the Pieces: Put game pieces in resealable bags or small containers to keep them from getting lost in transit.
Consider Age Appropriateness: Donate games that are suitable for the target age group.

Selling Old Board Games: Making Some Money

If your games are in good shape, selling them is another way to clear up space and make a bit of extra money. Here are some avenues for selling your old board games:

Online Marketplaces

The internet makes it easy to sell almost anything, including used board games:

eBay: A popular platform for auctions and fixed-price sales. If you have rare or vintage games, eBay might be the place to find a good price.
Facebook Marketplace: A great place to sell locally to people in your area.
Craigslist: Another good option for local sales.
Dedicated Board Game Marketplaces: Some online sites are specifically for selling board games. Look them up to find a community of enthusiasts that are keen on buying

Local Options

You can also sell your games locally, reaching people in your community:

Garage Sales: A classic way to get rid of unwanted items, including old board games. Price them reasonably to attract buyers.
Flea Markets or Swap Meets: If you enjoy selling things in person, a flea market is a great venue.
Consignment Shops: Some consignment shops accept games, although they might charge a fee for selling them on your behalf.

Tips for Successful Selling

To make your board games more appealing to buyers, follow these tips:

Take Good Photos: Clear, well-lit photos of the game board, box, and contents will help attract buyers.
Write a Detailed Description: Be honest about the game’s condition. Mention any missing pieces or damage.
Research Prices: See what similar games are selling for to price yours competitively.
Be Patient: Selling online can take time, so don’t get discouraged if your games don’t sell right away.

Creative Projects with Old Games

Let’s get into some unique and fun project ideas that utilize old board game components.

Creating a Game Inspired Art Piece

Transform old game pieces into a unique piece of art. This can be done in many styles, such as creating a collage, mosaic, or a 3-d sculpture

Choose Your Style: Decide what kind of art you want to create – a wall-hanging, a desktop sculpture, or something else entirely.
Gather Your Pieces: Sort through your games and select the pieces that will work best for your vision.
Experiment with Layout: Before gluing everything down, arrange the pieces until you’re happy with the overall look.
Add Paint or Glitter: Don’t hesitate to add paint, glitter, or other embellishments to your creation.

Making Game-Themed Decor

Use parts of board games to decorate your room or home.

Coasters: Cut pieces of the game board into squares or circles, and cover them with resin for durable, game-themed coasters.
Picture Frames: Decorate simple wooden frames with game pieces or sections of the game board.
Lampshade Decorations: Glue small game pieces onto a plain lampshade for a whimsical touch.
Personalized Lettering: Create letters or words by arranging game pieces on a board or surface.

Building Miniature Game Worlds

Create small, diorama-style worlds using the pieces from old board games.

Select a Theme: Choose a theme such as a fairy garden, a space adventure, or a miniature city.
Use a Base: A game box or a shallow container makes a great base for your miniature world.
Add Natural Elements: Incorporate items from nature like small rocks, twigs, or moss to add texture.
Tell a Story: Arrange the game pieces to create a small scene with a beginning, middle, and end.

Organizing and Storing Your Current Games

Sometimes, the problem isn’t what to do with the old games, but how to keep your current collection tidy and easy to access. Good organization can extend the life of your games and make game night more enjoyable.

Game Storage Solutions

Here are some ways to store your board games and their components effectively:

Vertical Storage: Store games upright like books on shelves or in cabinets. This takes up less floor space and makes it easy to see all your options.
Stackable Bins or Containers: Use plastic storage bins to organize games and their pieces. You can also label them for easy identification.
Clear Pouches: Store card games or game pieces in clear pouches or small containers. This keeps them protected and prevents them from getting mixed up.
DIY Organizers: Make your own organizers by repurposing cardboard boxes or using containers from other sources.

Tips for Better Game Organization

Keep Sets Complete: Place all pieces and parts of a game in a single box or bag, so you don’t have to spend valuable game night looking for missing components.
Regular Cleanups: Take time occasionally to go through your games, tidy up, and get rid of any games you’re not using anymore.
Rotate Games: Put your least-used games further back in your storage and bring the ones you enjoy to the front.
Involve the Family: Get everyone in your family involved in the organization process to help keep things orderly.

Board Games and the Environment

Thinking about what to do with our old board games also gives us a chance to think about the environment.

Recycling Materials from Board Games

Though often made of cardboard, some parts of games may not be easy to recycle. However, you can take steps to properly recycle what’s feasible:

Cardboard Recycling: Break down cardboard game boxes and boards before placing them in your recycling bin.
Plastic Components: Check the recycling symbol on plastic pieces. Some might be recyclable in your local area.
Wooden Components: Wood is biodegradable, but check with your waste management about composting if you cannot use them.

Choosing Sustainable Board Game Options

When buying new board games, consider these eco-friendly choices:

Choose Games with Recycled Materials: Some game companies use recycled paper and plastic.
Look for Sustainable Packaging: Choose games with minimal plastic packaging.
Support Local Businesses: Buying games from local manufacturers reduces carbon emissions from transportation.
Take Care of Your Games: Keeping games in good condition means they’ll last longer and you won’t need to replace them as often.

Old board games aren’t just dusty relics; they’re a treasure trove of potential. Whether you choose to repurpose them, donate them, sell them, or use them in creative projects, there are plenty of ways to give these forgotten items a new purpose. By thinking outside the box (or game box!), you can reduce waste, support your community, and even have some fun along the way.

What Do You Do With Old Board Games?

Final Thoughts

Recycle broken boards, donate complete games to charities or schools. You can repurpose pieces for crafts, or organize a game swap with friends. Consider selling valuable vintage games online.

Figuring out what to do with old board games doesn’t need to be difficult. With many options available, a game’s life can extend beyond your own playtime. Remember responsible choices.