Thrifty Thursday: Inexpensive games for kids

I've made several fun matching games for my kids, especially when they were preschoolers. My kids loved matching games before they were even three years old. We did have a few matching games that were Winnie the Pooh or Dora the Explorer, and they liked those. But I wanted more variety. So I made my own!

The supplies needed to make your own matching game:
cardstock cut into same size squares OR 18-24 juice can lids (what I used)
One package of themed stickers, with 2-4 sheets in it


That's it!
If you use juice can lids, make sure they are clean and dent-free. Apply stickers to the lids (or cardstock) on the same side, and in the same pattern if you do more than one. You can just store them in a ziploc bag or you can put them into a clean Ruffles can. I have a small one that I covered with paper and more stickers. (That way we know what is in it, and the kids haven't just taken potato chips into their bedroom!)

Here are some pictures of our VeggieTales matching game that I played with my 2 1/2 year-old recently.

Bethany trying to find a match...

She got one...

Juice can lid matches and can!

I've also made a princess one for my older daughter that has more matches in it. Summer is a great time to make and play games! I'm sure we'll play matching games more this fall!