Marie Kondo’s Netflix show “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” is all over the place right now. My social media feeds are filled with before and after photos.

I get so many emails about how to build gameschool collection without breaking the bank. Games are not cheap! I have mentioned before that I buy most of my games used, and this Kondo craze has me thinking that those thrift stores must be overflowing with game bargains right about now!

(I certainly don’t need any additional games right now, but if games bring you joy, you might want to read this post. I decided to dust it off for those looking for some gameschooling bargains!)

Games are an investment, but teaching with games is an incredible learning experience. Building your family’s game collection requires patience, planning, and a good money-saving strategy.

I have been building our closet for well over a decade and I rarely buy games at full price. Here are some tips and tricks for building your game closet without breaking the bank. Today, I’m sharing my favorite tips and tricks for building your family game collection on a budget.

How to Build an Amazing Game Collection on a Budget

 

It can be expensive to build a game collection, but please know you can start small. If you want to teach with games, you don’t need an overflowing game closet. All you need is an imagination and desire to play. All you need is a deck of cards, dominoes, or dice and you are good to go!

(Read more about what you need to get started gameschooling here.)

First, let’s chat budget games…

First, I have a landing page for budget gameschooling. You can view it here:

• Gameschooling on a Budget Resource Landing Page

And, second, I’ve created two posts for you. One features games, organized by subject, that are typically $15 and under. The other is for games $25 and under.

You can check them out here:

• The Best Gameschooling Resources for Under $15
• The Best Gameschooling Resources for Under $25

Tips for building your game collection on a budget

1. Do your research. You know your unique family best. Try to pick the perfect game for your family. (If you are looking to add to your closet quickly and you are looking for the best budget games, I would suggest starting with card games.)
2. Start small and focus on what your family can play now. Yes, there are amazing games for older children on the market… but if your children are toddlers, you are going to want to start small and keep your eye on the prize.
3. Buy second-hand games.  Do you know how many people buy games without doing their research? Do you know how many people receive games as gifts and never find the time to play? I buy many of our games second-hand. If you know what you are looking for, you’ll save money.
4. Start a game-giving tradition. Games make fantastic gifts. Why not start a family tradition and give a game on each birthday or major holiday? You’ll build your game closet in no time at all! Here’s another idea: Buy a game while you are on vacation. It would be a great memento from your trip- so much better than a t-shirt!

Where to find inexpensive games

I rarely buy my games new. All you need is a second-hand game and Google. Double-check to make sure you have all necessary pieces and you will save heaps of cash! Here are some great places to look:

• Yard sales
• Second-hand stores
• eBay

Also, don’t be afraid to ask friends and family. Many people have unused games sitting around collecting dust!

Resources for parents looking to add to their game collection

Here are some of our favorite gameschool resources. I hope they will inspire you to play!

 

Affordable and free game resources

The following sites offer educational game printables:

• Let’s Play Math
• Math Geek Mama
• Pre-K Pages
• Teach Beside Me
• Teaching Mama
• The Measured Mom
• This Reading Mama
• Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool Plus
• Triumphant Learning

Do you need to organize your game closet?

Here are some tips:

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: How do you build your game closet on a budget? Share here!