Everybody loves a good game, and kids more than anyone else. Games can serve multiple purposes in the development of your child. It can teach them how to organize thoughts strategically, how to cooperate with others, how to build up their creativity, and how to engage in social activities. At an age where digital technology is taking over as an educational and engagement tool, it’s important to remind our young ones that offline games can be just as entertaining.
If you are experienced with craft tools, you can even create a unique board game for your child. This is a meaningful present that no one else could get them. So, you can be sure you’ll surprise them with a custom-made game that has been developed specifically for them.
Source unique props
Most board games look and feel the same. They have a cardboard base that is typically divided into individual blocks. Most games have a set of standard dice and pawns to use during the gameplay. So why not shake off the old traditions and bring something new and unexpected, such as a 12-sided SkullSplitter Dice for instance? You can make things interesting again by reaching out to items that are not frequently seen in a game. The most common dice is a 6-sided item, so your kid will be delighted with a new design! Cards are also a popular addition to any game. They are typically rectangular. How about cutting cards in a triangular shape for a change?
Tap into their passion
There’s something a little disappointing about board games. They never focus on your child’s passions. Monopoly is designed around the real estate market. How many kids do you know who are passionate about buying properties? Cluedo is a detective game about solving a crime. That’s more accessible when themes go, but your child may not be dreaming of detective stories. So how about discovering what interests them through extracurricular activities and using it as a background idea? A child who loves football, for instance, would appreciate a board game that is using a football field as a backdrop.
Don’t rush it
Honestly, take your time. Building a game from scratch is no walk in the park. You’ll need to consider the gameplay at the same time as you build the board. So, there’s a lot to think about and plan. If you are an enthusiastic woodcrafter, you can find some guidance on the main board designs from a place such as Free Woodworking Plan. This could be a valuable source of information to create sturdy and elegant boards, using inspiration from gaming projects.
Test it first
A handmade game needs patience. It’s a long princess during which you’ll need to adjust, fix and transform things to avoid issues. Even if you decide to build a game by yourself, you should always make sure you’ve got some friendly support throughout the testing phase. Take the time to discuss feedback and review different options, so you can make the best possible game.
Are you ready to prepare a birthday present for your child that packs a punch? Unique ideas need a lot of patience and effort to see the light. But the challenge of creating a custom game is guaranteed to make them feel special!
