Inspire More Joy: Arcade Nights at Home
My friend threw her son the ultimate DIY arcade birthday, complete with tabletop games, tickets, prizes—the works! My kids and I loved it so much, we decided to create our own family arcade setup, and let’s just say…we’re a little obsessed! Now I’m a thrifter, always on the hunt for quirky prizes and fun games to keep our arcade stash stocked.
We’ve hosted four arcade nights for family, friends, and cousins, and every one has been fun and engaging! Want to get in on the action?
Here’s how to start your own DIY arcade:
Games: Tabletop games are perfect. Try your luck at thrift stores, check places like Marshalls, or start this list here from Amazon. Collect a variety of games for all ages!
Prizes: I keep a prize bin with everything from thrifted finds under $5 to goodies from Five Below—think candy, toys, and arts and crafts. Add in a few extra treats for good measure like these which our are favorites.
Raffle Tickets: Grab a roll online here, or recycle tickets from past events to cut down on waste!
Set-up and hosting tips:
I use two folding tables—one for games and one for prizes. Cover tables with Kraft paper, then use chalk to write how many tickets each prize costs. Base the ticket amounts on prize value; if a big prize is 10 tickets, then set games to earn 1-3 tickets to keep things balanced.
To keep things fun and social, have the kids rotate partners for each game, so they’re mixing it up and connecting with everyone. Let the games begin!
We’ve been reaching for our tabletop games more often than the TV lately, and it’s been such a fun change! These smaller, easy-to-play games bring everyone together, making them perfect for your DIY arcade nights or a cozy evening in with family or friends.
Looking to bring even more joy and connection into 2025? Check out our best-selling To-Do Calendar—a customer favorite! It’s all about prioritizing what truly matters: serving others, loving well, and infusing everyday moments with joy and fun.
The To-Do Calendar was inspired by our full—and sometimes hectic—days. Between lists, appointments, and errands, time seems to disappear, and it’s easy to forget to make room for rest, fun, and the people we love.
That’s why I created a calendar filled with experiences, not just tasks. Each month offers mini-adventures to try, small acts of kindness to brighten someone’s day, or little reminders to savor the moments that matter most.
give with joy has been creating this calendar since 2015, and it’s become a customer favorite. In a world where our phones do most of the remembering, this calendar is a gentle nudge to slow down, connect, and make space for what truly matters.
Here’s to a new year of sharing joy, staying present, and inspiring each other to give, live, and love fully—even in the midst of the hustle.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfectly roomy at 11"x14" with over an inch of space per day — so you can keep track of all life’s little surprises
Printed on sturdy cardstock in Colorado — made to last all year long
Three ways to display — go minimalist with just the pages, keep it simple with a black clip, or DIY by punching holes at the top with twine to bind
No holidays listed — because sometimes the only holiday we need is time for ourselves (don’t worry, the big ones always find us)
Extra space to jot down important notes, phone numbers, and even favorite snacks — because showing up for people in small ways is what it’s all about
with joy,
Aneta - Founder of GWJ
