Craft Cool Game Props - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Craft Cool Game Props

Design and build simple game props using cardboard, paint, tape, and craft foam to create tokens, shields, and dice for imaginative play.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Craft Cool Game Props

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Turning Kids Drawings Into Real Toys

What you need

Cardboard sheets, craft foam sheets, paints, paintbrushes, scissors, tape, glue, ruler, pencil, colouring materials (markers crayons colored pencils), stickers or glitter (optional), adult supervision required

Step 1

Gather all the materials from the list and set them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Decide which three props you will make such as tokens shields and a dice cube and pick a size for each.

Step 3

Use your pencil and ruler to draw token circles shield outlines and a dice net on the cardboard.

Step 4

Draw matching foam accents or backs on the craft foam to fit your cardboard pieces.

Step 5

Cut out the cardboard shapes carefully using scissors with adult supervision.

Step 6

Cut out the foam accent shapes from the craft foam.

Step 7

Attach the foam accents to the cardboard pieces using glue or tape so they stick firmly.

Step 8

Fold and tape the cardboard dice net into a cube shape and secure all edges with tape.

Step 9

Paint base colors onto each prop using your paintbrushes.

Step 10

Let the paint dry completely before touching the pieces.

Step 11

Add details such as symbols numbers or patterns with markers paint or stickers.

Step 12

Reinforce edges or weak spots with tape to make the props more durable.

Step 13

Write values names or short rules on your tokens shields and dice so they can be used in play.

Step 14

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have craft foam, cardboard, or paint listed in the materials?

If craft foam is unavailable, use felt or layered construction paper for the foam accents, substitute cereal-box cardboard for the cardboard shapes, and use washable tempera paint or markers instead of paint while attaching pieces with white glue or double-sided tape per the 'Attach the foam accents' step.

My dice cube won't hold its shape and the paint smears—what should I check?

Make sure you folded and taped each edge securely as directed in 'Fold and tape the cardboard dice net,' reinforce seams with extra tape from 'Reinforce edges,' and prevent smears by applying thin paint layers and waiting until 'Let the paint dry completely' before touching.

How can I adapt this craft for different age groups?

For younger kids have an adult pre-draw and pre-cut the cardboard and craft foam pieces, use larger token circles and washable markers or stickers for details, and closely supervise scissors, while older kids can draw precise dice nets with a ruler, use smaller sizes, detailed painting with paintbrushes, and reinforce edges with tape for durability.

How can we extend or personalize the finished props for longer use?

To enhance durability and playability, add magnet strips or foam backs to tokens and shields for board use, seal painted surfaces with clear varnish after 'Let the paint dry completely,' and personalize pieces by adding hand-painted symbols, names, or short rules before sharing on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to Craft Cool Game Props

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Game Development for Kids | Coding for Kids | Coding Games for Kids | Game Development Beginner

4 Videos

Facts about prop-making and cardboard crafts for kids

🎲 The oldest known dice are over 5,000 years old — people were rolling for luck in ancient times!

📦 Cardboard is one of the most recycled materials — many curbside programs turn old boxes into new ones.

✂️ Craft foam sheets are usually made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate): they're soft, easy to cut, and glue well.

🛡️ Cardboard shields are a classic kid prop — lightweight, safe, and perfect for pretending to be knights or space heroes.

🎯 On a standard six-sided die, opposite faces add up to seven — a design that helps dice roll fairly.

How do I make game props like tokens, shields, and dice using cardboard and craft foam?

Start by sketching simple designs for tokens, shields, and dice. Trace shapes onto cardboard and cut them out (adults handle utility knives). Layer craft foam for thickness and glue it with PVA or hot glue. Paint base colors, add details with markers or acrylics, then seal edges with tape or clear varnish for durability. Let everything dry between steps. Finally, add straps, numbers, or stickers and test props in imaginative play.

What materials and tools do I need to craft game tokens, shields, and dice?

You'll need cardboard sheets, craft foam, acrylic paints, brushes, scissors, craft knife (adult use), glue (PVA and a hot-glue gun), masking or duct tape, markers, ruler, pencil, and optional items like elastic straps, stickers, metallic paper, and glow-in-the-dark paint. Also have scrap paper, a cutting mat, and wet wipes. Choose non-toxic, child-safe paints and store sharp tools out of reach.

What ages is crafting simple game props from cardboard and foam suitable for?

Suitable for ages 4–12 with adjustments: preschoolers (4–5) can decorate pre-cut shapes and place stickers with adult help; ages 6–9 can trace, cut soft foam, paint, and assemble with supervision; ages 10+ can design more complex shields or modular dice and use craft knives with careful adult guidance. Always supervise when using sharp tools or hot glue and match tasks to each child’s fine motor skills.

What safety tips and creative variations should I know when making game props?

Safety: supervise cutting and hot-glue use, provide child-safe scissors, work on a protected surface, wear aprons, and use non-toxic paints in a well-ventilated area. Variations: theme props (pirate, space), use cardboard layering for 3D shields, add Velcro attachments, foam dice with painted pips, or magnetic tokens. Benefits include creative problem-solving, fine motor development, and cooperative play when kids design game rules together.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Craft Cool Game Props

Design and build simple game props using cardboard, paint, tape, and craft foam to create tokens, shields, and dice for imaginative play.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to Craft Cool Game Props

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Turning Kids Drawings Into Real Toys

What you need

Step 1

Gather all the materials from the list and set them on a clear workspace.

Step 2

Decide which three props you will make such as tokens shields and a dice cube and pick a size for each.

Step 3

Use your pencil and ruler to draw token circles shield outlines and a dice net on the cardboard.

Step 4

Draw matching foam accents or backs on the craft foam to fit your cardboard pieces.

Step 5

Cut out the cardboard shapes carefully using scissors with adult supervision.

Step 6

Cut out the foam accent shapes from the craft foam.

Step 7

Attach the foam accents to the cardboard pieces using glue or tape so they stick firmly.

Step 8

Fold and tape the cardboard dice net into a cube shape and secure all edges with tape.

Step 9

Paint base colors onto each prop using your paintbrushes.

Step 10

Let the paint dry completely before touching the pieces.

Step 11

Add details such as symbols numbers or patterns with markers paint or stickers.

Step 12

Reinforce edges or weak spots with tape to make the props more durable.

Step 13

Write values names or short rules on your tokens shields and dice so they can be used in play.

Step 14

Share your finished creation on DIY.org

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have craft foam, cardboard, or paint listed in the materials?

My dice cube won't hold its shape and the paint smears—what should I check?

How can I adapt this craft for different age groups?

How can we extend or personalize the finished props for longer use?

Watch videos on how to Craft Cool Game Props

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Game Development for Kids | Coding for Kids | Coding Games for Kids | Game Development Beginner

4 Videos

Facts about prop-making and cardboard crafts for kids

🎲 The oldest known dice are over 5,000 years old — people were rolling for luck in ancient times!

📦 Cardboard is one of the most recycled materials — many curbside programs turn old boxes into new ones.

✂️ Craft foam sheets are usually made from EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate): they're soft, easy to cut, and glue well.

🛡️ Cardboard shields are a classic kid prop — lightweight, safe, and perfect for pretending to be knights or space heroes.

🎯 On a standard six-sided die, opposite faces add up to seven — a design that helps dice roll fairly.