I made J a matching game using some nature photos that we have from around Tucson. The greatest thing about making your own matching game is that you can use whatever theme you want!

Here are some ideas:

• use photos of familiar faces and pets
• use photos of different facial expressions
• use photos of your child
• use photos of something that your child is interested in
• make a game to go along with something your child is learning
• take photos of images from books to use
• look around on different websites for printable matching games
• use photos from a recent vacation or other exciting event
• use colors, numbers or words
• use postcards
• use photos of famous artwork or not so famous artwork
• make a game to go along with a holiday

The possibilities are endless!

Getting ready to match them up.

J is playing with the cards facing up, but older kids can turn them face down for a game of Memory.

Going for the saguaro.

I added text to my photos in Photoshop. Then I had my photos printed as wallet size photos, which usually come in a sheet of four per image. You can make a game for a friend! Then I cut them out and glued them onto card stock that was cut just a bit larger than the photos. Finally I laminated them and cut them out. You certainly don’t have to laminate them, but they’ll definitely last longer.

Sonoran Desert Matching Game

When J isn’t playing her new game she enjoys carrying around all the cards, looking through the photos and dropping them all over the floor so she can pick them up.

Please share any other ideas you have and I’ll add them to the list.