DIY THANKSGIVING MAYFLOWER VOYAGE MAGNET GAME

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we are super excited about all the food and festivities to come. Here is a cute game that will make life at the kiddie table a little more fun for the young ones. It is easy and fun to make using any gift box you have. Plus, you can get creative and decorate it however you like. This game should keep the kiddos happy and seated until desert is served!

The object of the game is to find the correct path that leads to Plymouth Rock from Plymouth, England. A metal paperclip is glued to the back of the boat, and when you press a magnet to the back of the box, the boat moves. You can get a little fancy, and add a pretty ribbon to make it a pretty party favor too.

You will need:

For the game box:

Any small gift box (6″ x 4″ pictured)

Card stock

Paper clip

Glue stick

Glue gun

Download for ship, compass and flag image HERE.

Watercolor paint and brush

Colored pencils

Scissors

For the magnet:

Strong small magnet

Wine cork

Paint

First, prepare all of the paper items. Trim card stock to create a rectangle that will fit inside the box. Trim your ship, compass and flag along with simple shapes for England and Plymouth Rock. You will need to leave a 1/4″ of extra paper to create a flap so you can attach these to the side of the box.

To make the waves: trim another rectangle that is the shape of the box. Draw waves leaving about 1/4″ below the waves to create a flap that you will stick to the bottom edge box.

Using watercolor paint, for a pretty ocean effect, paint the background and the waves. Set aside to dry. Color the ship and other additions using colored pencils and/or paint.

When background is completely dry, draw your maze from one side of the card to the other.

Insert the background card to the back of the box, and glue or tape the paper decorations. You can add any decorations you like to make your game how you like visually.

On the reverse side of the ship, attach a metal paper clip. If the paper clip is too large, you can cut it to fit. Using a glue gun, glue in place and let dry.

For the magnet: Take a wine cork and cut it in half. Paint it any desired color. Using a glue gun, attach a small magnet to the painted cork.

You can also use any small magnet that you have.

To play, hold the magnet to the back of the box, and use it to move the ship. Then, guide the ship along the various paths.

Find the correct path to get your ship to Plymouth Rock!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lisa Fyfe is a graphic designer and mom to a lovely 4 year old boy, Rowan. After having him, life changed ten-fold. From life as an art director in publishing in New York, to a slower paced life in Connecticut, and now San Diego, creativity has always been the constant. Rowan changed everything and amazing inspiration came from this unexpected place. Little Monster is where she shares diy’s and recipes inspired by motherhood. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.