A Simple & Inexpensive Memory Matching Game

This post was contributed by Nell of Rhythms of Play.

Dollar Store Memory Matching Game Hack

I love the game of memory but it I don’t want to pay a high price for it. The free printable versions are great, but they often require a printer and laminator. Those don’t come cheap either. But recently I was in the dollar store and found the perfect solution. Many of the decks of cards that are sold can be used to play a memory matching game.

The dollar store sells “Educational Card Games for Kids.” The one’s I found were in packs of three decks. Purchase any pack that has at least one deck that says, “A Go Fish Game.” Some of the “Matching Game” decks also work. My daughter and I love the “Go Fish” and “Shapes and Colors” decks the best for this memory game hack. Plus, the “Shapes and Colors” deck also has the benefit of teaching shapes and colors while playing.  Here’s how we play…

This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy.

A Memory Matching Game with Dollar Store Cards

(If you can’t find any at your local stores, you can also purchase some on Amazon.com!)

This memory matching game can be played with one or two players. Following is directions for both versions.

1. Split the deck in half by first finding two pair of each of the cards in the deck.
2. Place the other half of the deck back in the box and set it aside. [You can also give it to another child to play if they prefer to play on their own.]
3. Shuffle the cards.
4. Lay them in four rows of four, face down.
5. To play, the first (or only) player turns over any two cards.
6. If the two cards match, the player that found the match gets to keep them.
7. If they don’t match, turn them back over.
8. Remember what was on each card and where it was.
9. If you are playing with two players, watch and remember during the other player’s turn.
10. When a match is made the player that makes the match gets to go again.
11. The game is over when all the cards have been matched.
12. The player with the most matches wins.

Playing this memory matching game helps kids developing focus, memory, and recognition skills. And playing with these Dollar Store cards also has the benefit of teaching children the names of animals, fish, shapes and/or colors. I hope you enjoy playing this Dollar Store-inspired Memory Matching Game as much as we do!

More Memory Matching Game Ideas from Rhythms of Play:

    

Nell Regan Kartychok blogs at Rhythms of Play where she shares “green family living made fun”.  She believes in the magic of childhood, the power of dreams, spending more time outdoors than indoors, and making this world a greener place to live. She loves being a wife and mother, and loves teaching, learning from others, and serving those in need. Her favorite quote: “If life is a school… The world is my playground!”

More Kids Learning Games:

    

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This post may contain affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy.