You know that feeling when you’re on a long trip and you just wish you had something fun to do, like a game to break the monotony? It’s like, how many times can you scroll through your phone before it drives you insane? I’ve been there, sitting in an airport or cramped in the back seat of a car, longing for a little laughter and bonding time with friends. So I thought, why not create some DIY travel-sized games? It could be something as easy as a mini trivia set or a custom deck of cards—something I can whip out anytime the hours stretch out ahead. And honestly, isn’t it the little things that make our adventures memorable? The other day, I jotted down some game ideas while waiting for my delayed flight, laughing to myself about how silly they were, but it felt like a spark of joy amidst the chaos. Can't you just picture the looks on everyone’s faces when they realize I came prepared? Let’s get crafty and fun with it!
Items You’ll Need
- Small playing cards
- Mini dice set
- Travel-sized board game (like chess or checkers)
- Pocket-sized notebooks
- Pencil and eraser
- Travel edition of popular games (like Yahtzee, Connect Four)
- Foldable magnetic board games
- DIY game pieces (like tokens or pawns)
- Bag or pouch to store games
- Printable game templates
- Travel-sized puzzle (like a mini jigsaw puzzle)
- DIY card game supplies (blank cards, markers)
- Rubik's Cube or similar puzzles
- Trivia questions and answer sheets
- Chalk and mini chalkboard
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
First, I gather all the materials I want to use for my DIY travel-sized games. This includes small playing cards, a mini dice set, a travel-sized board game like checkers, pocket-sized notebooks, pencils and erasers, travel editions of popular games, foldable magnetic board games, DIY game pieces, a storage pouch, printable game templates, a travel-sized puzzle, DIY card game supplies, a Rubik's Cube, trivia questions, and chalk with a mini chalkboard.
Step 2: Select Your Games
Next, I choose which games I want to create first. I decide on a mix of card games, puzzles, and trivia games to keep things varied and fun!
Step 3: Design the Card Games
For my DIY card games, I take the blank cards and markers. I create a fun set of rules for a card game inspired by classic ones, and I use the markers to illustrate the cards with fun designs. This makes them special and unique!
Step 4: Prepare the Trivia Questions
I write out some trivia questions and answers on the pocket-sized notebooks. To make it engaging, I categorize the questions by topics like 'Movies', 'Science', or 'History'. This adds an element of challenge when playing with friends!
Step 5: Set Up the Travel Board Game
For the travel-sized chess/checkers, I take the foldable magnetic board and set it up. I make sure all the pieces fit snugly, and then I add some DIY game pieces that I made using tokens. This way, I have a personal touch on the game.
Step 6: Create a Mini Jigsaw Puzzle
I find a picture I really like and print it out. Using a pair of scissors, I cut it into pieces to create my own mini jigsaw puzzle. It’s colorful and fun! I can package it in a small ziplock bag for easy transport.
Step 7: Compile Everything for Travel
I gather all the games I've prepared and find a sturdy yet compact pouch to store them. Everything fits nicely, and now it's time to pack them up and get ready for my next travel adventure!
Step 8: Plan a Game Night
I invite some friends over for a game night! With all my DIY travel-sized games ready, I set them out on the table. Everyone gets to choose which game they'd like to play first, and each game sparks laughter and fun competition!
Step 9: Reflect and Enjoy
As the night goes on, I take a moment to enjoy the creative process I've gone through to make these games. It's satisfying to see my friends playing and having fun with something I crafted myself!