How to Make Your Own Memory Game: A Fun, Easy Way to Bond
An easy rainy-day game for every age.
Looking for a laid-back, memorable way to spend time with your family or friends? Try making your own memory-matching game! Whether you’re drawing funny inside jokes, vacation moments, or embarrassing stories, this is a great way to create something that’ll make you all laugh and bring you closer together.
You can either make it from scratch or grab our Memory Mix game that has everything you need. No artistic skills are required—the worse the drawings, the funnier the game! Here’s how to easily make your own memory game and get everyone involved.
Strengthening Your Bonds Through Play
Making and playing a memory game together is more than just fun—it’s a chance to strengthen your relationships. As you and your loved ones draw cards filled with shared memories, you’re not only being creative but also reliving some of your favorite moments together. This creates a stronger bond, reminding everyone of the great times you’ve shared. And when you play the game, you’re literally committing those moments to memory, all while celebrating your unique connection.
Perfect for going away parties, graduations, and birthdays. Guests mingle and draw and the guest of honor gets a keepsake game to play -- full of memories!
You’ll also surprise each other with the memories you choose—sometimes, the most unexpected moments are the ones that stick with us. Every time you play, it’s like a mini celebration of your history, bringing everyone closer.
Getting Started: The Basics
If you’re making the game yourself, you’ll need some thick paper or cardstock so it lasts longer. We like using blank index cards, cut in half to make this easy. Make sure all the cards are the same size so nobody accidentally guesses a match based on shape or see-through paper. If you’d rather skip the hassle and get right to playing, Memory Mix gives you cards, colorful markers, and a keepsake box you can personalize to store your creations.
To start, have each person decorate one side of two cards with matching designs. You can draw anything you like—fun memories, inside jokes, or random doodles. Don’t overthink it! The designs don’t have to be fancy or perfect, anything goes. The idea is to create matching pairs that reflect your unique experiences. Once you have a few pairs of cards decorated, it’s time to play.
How to Play a Memory Game
Shuffle all the cards well so that no one knows where the pairs are.
Lay the cards face down in a grid format.
Players take turns flipping over two cards at a time. The goal is to find a matching pair by remembering where specific cards are located.
If a player finds a matching pair, they keep the cards and get another turn. If the cards don’t match, flip them back over, and it’s the next player’s turn.
The game continues until all the pairs have been found. The player with the most matching pairs wins!
With just a few pairs, you can start playing right away, and as you make more cards, the game will become even more challenging and fun!
Customize for Any Occasion
Your memory game can fit any moment or group. Here’s how to make it work for you:
Family Game Night: Capture fun times like family vacations, funny moments at dinner, or silly inside jokes. Add new cards whenever you want to keep the game fresh!
A Gift for Grandparents: Fill your game with memories you’ve shared with your grandparents. Themes like "Grandma and Me" or "Our Family Holidays" will make it a sweet, thoughtful gift they’ll love.
Add Some Fun to Your Next Event
Make it fun and easy with our Memory Mix box that includes everything you need.
Memory games aren’t just for quiet nights at home. At your next event—whether it’s a baby shower, bachelorette party, or family reunion—set out blank cards and markers for guests to fill out. By the end of the event, you’ll have a custom-made keepsake filled with memories from everyone there. It’s a fantastic way to add a personal touch and always remember your gathering.
Turn It Into a Learning Game
Memory games aren’t just about fun—they can also be an excellent tool for learning. Use the game to teach kids new words, practice geography, or even learn a new language. You can pair vocabulary words with funny images or match state capitals with fun facts. It’s a fun way to sneak in some education while playing, and Memory Mix makes it super easy to create an educational game with all the materials included.
Creativity for Healing and Comfort
Creating a memory game can also be a helpful way to cope with life’s challenges. Whether dealing with illness or getting through tough life changes, making and playing the game together can bring comfort. Reliving positive memories helps remind everyone of the good times and strengthens your bond as a family or group of friends. It’s a fun, creative way to process emotions and come together.
Perfect Game for Two People or Small Families
What’s great about Memory Mix is that it’s not just for large groups. It’s the perfect game for two people or a game for three people, which can be hard to find! Whether you’re a couple or a small family, this game is intimate, personal, and just as fun. It offers an easy way to bond and create memories, no matter the size of your group. You don’t need a full house to have a great time—this game works perfectly for smaller gatherings.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re making it for family game night, a special occasion, or just as a way to stay connected, making a memory game is a fun way to celebrate your unique relationships.
Happy memory-making! —Janet