Oh, Candyland! Just the name conjures up images of peppermint sticks, gumdrop mountains, and the sweetest journey through a world of sugary delights. For so many of us, it’s not just a board game; it’s a cherished childhood memory, a rainy-day savior, and a gateway to imagination. I vividly remember countless afternoons sprawled on the living room floor, my little sister and I navigating the rainbow path, giggling as we landed on Grandma Nutt’s house or got stuck in the Molasses Swamp. Those moments, filled with simple joy and innocent competition, are etched into my heart.
But what happens when that beloved board game gets lost, worn out, or you simply want to create a fresh, personalized experience for a new generation? Or perhaps you're a teacher looking for an engaging, low-cost activity for your classroom, or a parent planning a themed birthday party that needs that extra sprinkle of magic. The answer, my friend, lies in the wonderful world of the printable Candyland board. It’s a solution that offers incredible flexibility, customization, and that same heartwarming nostalgia, all from the comfort of your home.
This isn't just a guide; it's an invitation to rediscover that innocent wonder. We're going to dive deep into everything you need to know about creating, customizing, and celebrating with your very own printable Candyland board. From finding the perfect template to advanced printing techniques and even turning it into an educational tool, we'll cover it all. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this adventure – it's going to be sweeter than a Lollipop Woods shortcut!
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### Table of Contents
- [The Classic Quest: Recreating the Original Printable Candyland Board](#the-classic-quest-recreating-the-original-printable-candyland-board)
- [Beyond the Board: Printable Candyland Characters & Game Pieces](#beyond-the-board-printable-candyland-characters--game-pieces)
- [Party Perfect: Themed Printable Candyland Boards for Celebrations](#party-perfect-themed-printable-candyland-boards-for-celebrations)
- [Learning Through Play: Educational Printable Candyland Boards](#learning-through-play-educational-printable-candyland-boards)
- [DIY Magic: Customizing Your Printable Candyland Board (Colors, Rules & More)](#diy-magic-customizing-your-printable-candyland-board-colors-rules--more)
- [The Digital Sweet Spot: Where to Find the Best Printable Candyland Files](#the-digital-sweet-spot-where-to-find-the-best-printable-candyland-files)
- [Printing Perfection: Tips & Tricks for Your Printable Candyland Board](#printing-perfection-tips--tricks-for-your-printable-candyland-board)
- [Alternative Adventures: Unique Printable Candyland Board Layouts & Themes](#alternative-adventures-unique-printable-candyland-board-layouts--themes)
- [Storage & Longevity: Keeping Your Printable Candyland Board Game-Ready](#storage-longevity-keeping-your-printable-candyland-board-game-ready)
- [Community & Creativity: Sharing Your Printable Candyland Board Creations](#community-creativity-sharing-your-printable-candyland-board-creations)
- [How to Choose the Best Printable Candyland Board for Your Needs](#how-to-choose-the-best-printable-candyland-board-for-your-needs)
- [Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Printing Your Candyland Board](#common-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-printing-your-candyland-board)
- [Advanced Tips for Expert Printable Candyland Crafters](#advanced-tips-for-expert-printable-candyland-crafters)
- [Conclusion: Your Sweetest Game Night Awaits!](#conclusion-your-sweetest-game-night- awaits)
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The Classic Quest: Recreating the Original Printable Candyland Board
There’s something truly comforting about the familiar. For many, the goal isn't just any printable Candyland board, but one that closely mirrors the classic version we remember. This section is all about capturing that authentic magic, ensuring your DIY board feels just like the one from your childhood dreams.
1. Faithful Color Palette: The original Candyland board is iconic for its vibrant, distinct color squares (red, yellow, blue, green, orange, purple). When choosing a template, prioritize one that uses these exact hues to evoke immediate recognition and nostalgia.
2. Iconic Locations: Ensure your chosen printable Candyland board includes all the beloved landmarks: Lollipop Woods, Peppermint Stick Forest, Gumdrop Mountains, Candy Cane Forest, Molasses Swamp, Ice Cream Sea, and of course, King Kandy's Castle. These are the anchors of the game's narrative.
3. Classic Character Depictions: While we’ll talk about custom characters later, for a classic recreation, look for templates that feature the traditional King Kandy, Queen Frostine, Lord Licorice, Princess Lolly, and others in their familiar artistic styles.
4. Traditional Path Layout: The winding, linear path from start to King Kandy's Castle is fundamental. Ensure the template follows this classic, straightforward progression without too many detours or complex branches.
5. Card Integration: The game relies on a deck of color cards and character cards. A truly classic printable Candyland board setup will also offer printable versions of these cards, matching the original designs.
6. Historical Accuracy (Versions): Did you know there have been several versions of Candyland over the years? Some purists might prefer the 1949 original, while others grew up with the 1980s or 2000s versions. If you're a true connoisseur, look for templates that specify their version for ultimate accuracy.
7. Simple, Clean Aesthetics: The original board, especially the earlier versions, had a relatively uncluttered design. Avoid templates that add too many distracting elements or modern graphics if your goal is pure nostalgia.
8. The Start and End Points: Don't overlook the simple "Start" square and the triumphant "King Kandy's Castle" end square. Their design, even if just text, contributes to the authentic feel.
9. Two-Player Focus (Initially): While the game can accommodate more, the classic experience often evokes cozy two-player or small group sessions. Recreating this feel means a board that doesn't feel overly crowded or complex.
10. The Personal Touch of Simplicity: Sometimes, less is more. My personal preference when recreating the classic is to choose the simplest, most straightforward design. I once spent hours trying to find a high-resolution scan of an old 1980s board to print for a family reunion, and the sheer joy on my aunt's face when she saw it was priceless. It brought everyone back to their childhood instantly.
11. Matching Board Sections: Most printable Candyland board templates come in multiple sections that need to be taped or glued together. For a classic feel, ensure these sections align perfectly, creating a seamless, uninterrupted path.
12. Consider a "Well-Loved" Look: Some printable designs even offer a slightly faded or "aged" look, mimicking a board that has been played for years. This can add an extra layer of nostalgic charm to your classic recreation.
Beyond the Board: Printable Candyland Characters & Game Pieces
A board is just a pretty picture without the players and pieces! Elevating your printable Candyland board experience means extending the DIY magic to the game's essential components. This is where you can truly bring the game to life, piece by piece.
1. Printable Character Standees: Instead of just plain pawns, print out small standees of the classic Candyland characters (King Kandy, Princess Lolly, etc.). You can glue them to cardboard or small blocks of wood to make them stand upright.
2. DIY Gumdrop Movers: For a truly thematic touch, create your own game pieces. Print colorful gumdrop shapes, cut them out, and glue them onto small wooden discs or even just use actual gumdrops (just be careful they don't get eaten during play!). This is my go-to tip for instant fun – who doesn't love playing with candy?
3. Custom Card Decks: Design and print your own decks of single and double color cards, plus special character cards (e.g., Peppermint Stick, Gingerbread Man, Plumpy). This allows for perfect matching with your board's aesthetic.
4. Lollipop Forest Markers: Print small lollipop images and attach them to toothpicks. These can be used as markers on the board, adding a tactile element to the game.
5. Gingerbread Man Counters: For games with multiple players or variations, print small gingerbread man tokens that can be used for scoring or special moves.
6. Themed Dice (Optional): While Candyland traditionally uses cards, you could create custom dice templates with colors instead of numbers for a unique twist. Roll a red, move to the next red space!
7. "Lost" Piece Replacements: Ever lost a character piece from your original game? Printing replacements is a lifesaver. I once salvaged a beloved, but incomplete, thrift store Candyland game by printing new character pieces, and it was a total game-changer for nostalgic play.
8. Character Backstories: Print small cards with brief, whimsical backstories for each character. Players can read them aloud when they land on a character space, adding a narrative layer to the game.
9. Miniature Treat Props: Print tiny images of candy canes, cupcakes, or ice cream cones. These can be used as decorative elements around the board or even as mini rewards for completing certain sections.
10. Themed Storage Bag: Once you’ve printed your board and pieces, create a small, printable drawstring bag design adorned with Candyland motifs to keep everything together. It adds to the overall experience!
11. "Lost Card" Replacement Set: If you have an existing physical game but are missing a few crucial cards, printing a replacement set of just those specific cards (e.g., a double blue, a single red) is an incredibly practical use of a printable Candyland board template.
12. "Special Event" Tokens: For customized games, print unique tokens like "Golden Ticket" or "Sugar Rush" that can be collected or used for special abilities within your custom rules.
Party Perfect: Themed Printable Candyland Boards for Celebrations
Planning a birthday party or a festive gathering? A printable Candyland board can be the ultimate centerpiece, activity, or party favor. This section explores how to integrate the game seamlessly into your celebration's theme.
1. Giant Floor Game: Print the board sections much larger than usual and tape them together to create a giant, walk-on game board for kids to physically move through. This is an incredible interactive activity for a party!
2. Personalized Birthday Board: Customize the board with the birthday child's name, age, and even photos integrated into the design. Imagine "Sarah's Sweet 5th Birthday Journey to King Kandy's Castle!"
3. Party Favor Mini Boards: Print miniature versions of the Candyland board (perhaps just one or two sections) and pair them with small bags of candy and mini game pieces as unique party favors.
4. Welcome Sign & Decor: Print oversized elements from the board (e.g., a giant lollipop, a huge gingerbread man) to use as party decorations or a welcome sign at the entrance.
5. Edible Board Elements: Use your printable Candyland board as a template to create an edible version! Decorate a large cake or a series of cupcakes to resemble sections of the board, using real candies as landmarks.
6. "Pin the Cherry on the Ice Cream Sea": Create a large poster of the Ice Cream Sea and print separate cherries for a fun, themed party game.
7. Character Photo Booth Props: Print large cutouts of Candyland characters' faces or props (like King Kandy's crown or Princess Lolly's scepter) for a themed photo booth backdrop.
8. Invitation Integration: Design your party invitations to look like Candyland game cards or a miniature section of the board, hinting at the sweet fun to come.
9. Tabletop Centerpiece: Print a beautiful, high-quality printable Candyland board and use it as a centerpiece for your food table, surrounded by themed treats.
10. Storytelling Session: Use the board as a visual aid for a storytelling session where you recount the adventures of King Kandy and his friends, leading up to the party itself. This is a personal favorite for setting the mood!
11. "Sweet Treat" Stations: Set up different stations around the party area, each named after a Candyland landmark (e.g., "Gumdrop Mountains Candy Bar," "Peppermint Stick Forest Hot Cocoa Station") and use printed signs from the board.
12. Game-Based Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues related to Candyland characters or locations around the party space, leading kids on a "sweet adventure" that culminates at the giant printable Candyland board.
Learning Through Play: Educational Printable Candyland Boards
Who says fun can't be educational? A printable Candyland board offers a fantastic, engaging platform to sneak in some learning. From early literacy to basic math, here’s how to turn a sweet game into a smart one.
1. Color Recognition Practice: For toddlers and preschoolers, the vibrant color squares are perfect for reinforcing color names. Ask them to name the color of the square they land on, or even identify all the red squares.
2. Number Recognition & Counting: Modify the cards to include numbers (1-3, for example) instead of just colors. Players count the squares as they move, practicing one-to-one correspondence.
3. Letter & Word Association: Replace the colored squares with letters or sight words. Players have to say the letter/word aloud when they land on it. This is excellent for early readers.
4. Simple Addition/Subtraction: Create "plus one" or "minus one" spaces. When a player lands on it, they have to perform the simple calculation (e.g., "move forward one," "move back one").
5. Storytelling & Sequencing: After each turn, encourage players to describe where they landed and what happened. "I landed on the Gingerbread Plum Tree, and now I'm closer to Princess Lolly!" This builds narrative skills.
6. Shape Recognition: Add small shapes to each square (circles, squares, triangles) and have children identify them as they move.
7. Problem-Solving & Strategy (Mild): Introduce simple "challenge" cards that require a small task before moving (e.g., "Name three things that are red" or "Count to ten").
8. Social-Emotional Learning: Candyland is fantastic for teaching turn-taking, good sportsmanship, and handling wins and losses gracefully. These are invaluable life skills disguised as fun.
9. Vocabulary Expansion: Introduce new words related to the game's theme (e.g., "molasses," "peppermint," "gumdrop," "licorice") and explain their meaning.
10. Foreign Language Practice: Replace the English names of characters or landmarks with their equivalents in another language. Or, label the squares with words in a new language for immersion. I once made a Spanish version for my nieces and nephews – it was a creative way to practice basic vocabulary without them even realizing it was a lesson!
11. Thematic Science/Nature Facts: In areas like "Peppermint Stick Forest," add a small note or image about where peppermint comes from or how it grows. Turn the game into a mini-science lesson!
12. Creative Writing Prompts: Use the board as a visual prompt. After a game, ask children to write a short story about their journey through Candyland, encountering its characters and overcoming challenges.
DIY Magic: Customizing Your Printable Candyland Board (Colors, Rules & More)
This is where your creativity truly shines! A printable Candyland board isn't just about faithful reproduction; it's about making it uniquely yours. Dive into the world of personalization and let your imagination run wild.
1. Custom Color Schemes: Don't like the traditional colors? Change them! Create a pastel Candyland, a neon Candyland, or even a monochrome version for a sophisticated look. The beauty of a printable file is the endless color possibilities.
2. Themed Landmarks: Replace the classic landmarks with places that are meaningful to you or your family. "Grandma's Cozy Kitchen," "The Dog Park Trail," "Our Family Vacation Spot" – make the journey personal.
3. Personalized Character Avatars: Instead of classic characters, use photos of family members, pets, or even stick figures drawn by your kids as the game pieces.
4. Custom Rule Cards: Introduce new rules or special moves. What if landing on a certain square means you get to pick a "bonus" candy? Or a "skip a turn" for the Molasses Swamp? This is where the game gets truly unique.
5. Seasonal Boards: Create a Halloween Candyland (Pumpkin Patch, Ghostly Graveyard), a Christmas Candyland (Snowy Village, Reindeer Stables), or even a Springtime Candyland with flowers and bunnies.
6. Difficulty Adjustments: For older players, add "challenge squares" that require a trivia question or a riddle to be solved before moving on. For younger players, simplify the path or remove difficult character squares.
7. Photo Integration: Embed family photos directly into some of the squares or character cards. This turns the game into a cherished family keepsake.
8. Interactive Elements: Design squares with cut-out flaps that reveal a hidden message or a small treat when opened. This adds an element of surprise.
9. Sound Effects Integration: For the tech-savvy, you could even create QR codes on certain squares that, when scanned, play a specific sound effect or song (e.g., a "splish" sound for the Molasses Swamp).
10. The "Inside Joke" Board: My favorite custom board was one I made for a friend's birthday, incorporating inside jokes and references to our shared memories. Every square had a silly, personalized meaning. It was less about winning and more about the laughter and reminiscing.
11. Alternate Game Objectives: Instead of racing to King Kandy's Castle, what if the goal was to collect three "golden tickets" hidden on the board, or to be the first to visit every character's house?
12. Material Experimentation: Beyond paper, consider printing sections onto fabric for a soft, roll-up board, or onto magnetic sheets for a fridge-door version.
The Digital Sweet Spot: Where to Find the Best Printable Candyland Files
So, you're ready to create your own printable Candyland board, but where do you find the digital files? The internet is a treasure trove, but knowing where to look for quality, legitimacy, and variety is key.
1. Etsy: A fantastic marketplace for unique, handcrafted digital downloads. You'll find a wide range of printable Candyland board designs, from classic recreations to highly customized and themed versions. Many sellers offer matching card decks and pieces.
2. Pinterest: While not a direct download site, Pinterest is an incredible visual search engine. Type in "printable Candyland board" and you'll find countless pins linking to free blogs, paid Etsy shops, and other resources. It’s a great starting point for inspiration.
3. Educational Resource Sites (e.g., Teachers Pay Teachers): Many educators create and share themed games for classroom use. These often include educational variations of Candyland and are usually well-designed and vetted.
4. Personal Crafting Blogs: Numerous DIY and crafting blogs offer free printable Candyland board templates as part of their tutorials. A quick Google search for "free printable Candyland board DIY" will yield many results. Always check the legitimacy and reviews if available.
5. DeviantArt/Behance: For unique, artistic interpretations, these platforms where artists share their work can sometimes have fan-made Candyland designs. Be mindful of copyright for commercial use.
6. Digital Scrapbooking/Graphics Sites: Websites that sell digital papers, clip art, and design elements often have Candyland-themed packs. You can use these elements to design your own board from scratch if you're feeling ambitious.
7. Free Public Domain Archives: Older versions of Candyland might have entered the public domain, meaning their designs are freely available. This requires a bit more digging but can yield truly vintage looks.
8. Facebook Groups & Forums: Join crafting or board game enthusiast groups on Facebook. Members often share links to free printables they've found or created, or even offer to share files directly.
9. Online Clip Art Libraries: Sites like Pixabay or Unsplash (for general images) or specific clip art sites might have elements you can piece together, though a full board is less common.
10. The Sweet Spot of Quality vs. Free: While free options are tempting, sometimes investing a few dollars in a high-quality, professionally designed printable Candyland board from a site like Etsy can save you hours of frustration with blurry images or misaligned sections. I've learned this the hard way after trying to piece together low-res images!
11. Commercial Licensing: If you plan to use your printable Candyland board for a large event or any commercial purpose, ensure the file you download comes with the appropriate commercial license. Most free or cheap files are for personal use only.
12. Software-Specific Templates: Some graphic design software (like Canva or Adobe Express) might offer pre-designed templates or elements that can be adapted to create a Candyland-style board.
Printing Perfection: Tips & Tricks for Your Printable Candyland Board
You’ve found the perfect file, customized it to your heart's content, and now it’s time for the magic to happen: printing! Getting a crisp, vibrant, and durable printable Candyland board requires a few insider tips. Don't let a blurry print ruin your sweet dreams!
1. High-Resolution Files are Key: Always start with a high-resolution image or PDF. Low-res files will look pixelated and blurry when printed, especially if you're enlarging them. Look for files that are 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher.
2. Cardstock, Not Copy Paper: For durability and a professional feel, print your printable Candyland board on heavy cardstock (65lb to 110lb). Standard copy paper is too flimsy and will tear easily.
3. Lamination for Longevity: This is my absolute favorite tip for any printable game! Laminating your board sections and game pieces will make them spill-proof, tear-resistant, and incredibly durable. A home laminator is a worthwhile investment if you do a lot of printables.
4. Printer Settings Matter: Before printing, double-check your printer settings. Select "Best Quality" or "Photo Quality" and ensure you're printing at 100% scale (no "fit to page" unless you intend to resize).
5. Ink Quality & Levels: Use good quality ink, and ensure your cartridges aren't low. Running out of ink mid-print, especially on a large board, is frustrating and wasteful. (Don't be like me and forget to check your ink levels before starting a big print job – it's a nightmare!)
6. Print in Sections, Then Assemble: Most printable Candyland board designs are broken into multiple letter-sized pages. Print each section individually, then carefully trim the edges and assemble them using strong adhesive (tape, glue stick, or spray adhesive) on the backside.
7. Test Print: Before committing to printing the entire board, do a test print of a small section on your chosen paper. This allows you to check colors, resolution, and alignment without wasting too much ink or paper.
8. Matte vs. Glossy Paper: While glossy paper can make colors pop, matte cardstock often reduces glare, making it easier to see the board under different lighting. Consider your playing environment.
9. Professional Printing Services: If you want a really large, high-quality, seamless board, consider taking your digital file to a local print shop (e.g., FedEx Office, Staples, local print shops). They have commercial-grade printers and can print on large format paper, often laminating it for you.
10. Careful Cutting: Use a sharp craft knife and a cutting mat, or a paper trimmer, for clean, straight cuts. This will make assembly much neater and the final product more professional.
11. Adhesive Choice: For assembly, a strong, acid-free glue stick or double-sided tape works well. If laminating, assemble *before* laminating for a seamless finish, or laminate individual sections and then use clear packing tape to join them on the back.
12. Consider a Backing Board: Once assembled and laminated, you can mount your printable Candyland board onto a piece of foam core or sturdy cardboard for extra rigidity. This prevents warping and makes it feel more like a traditional game board.
Alternative Adventures: Unique Printable Candyland Board Layouts & Themes
While the classic printable Candyland board is wonderful, there’s a whole universe of creative possibilities beyond the traditional path. Let’s explore some unique layouts and thematic twists that can reinvent your sweet journey.
1. Circular Candyland: Instead of a linear path, design or find a circular board where players move around a central point (like King Kandy's Castle) or spiral inwards.
2. Multi-Path Journeys: Introduce diverging paths that offer different challenges or shortcuts, forcing players to make strategic choices (e.g., "Take the Gumdrop Mountains path for a bonus, or the Peppermint Stick Forest for a quicker route").
3. "Choose Your Own Adventure" Candyland: Create special squares where players draw a card that gives them two options for their next move, adding an element of decision-making.
4. Roll & Move (with Colors): While Candyland is card-based, you could adapt it to a dice-rolling game. Create a custom die with the six Candyland colors on its faces.
5. Storybook-Themed Candyland: Re-imagine the Candyland locations to fit a specific storybook or fairy tale theme (e.g., "Hansel and Gretel's Gingerbread House," "Alice's Wonderland of Sweets").
6. "Race to the Treat" Layout: Instead of King Kandy's Castle, the end goal could be a giant "cookie," a "cupcake," or a "chocolate bar," making the board a visual representation of the final prize.
7. Seasonal or Holiday-Specific Layouts: Design a board that follows a holiday narrative – perhaps a "Christmas Cookie Journey" or an "Easter Egg Hunt" path, using Candyland mechanics.
8. Educational Skill Boards: Adapt the path to represent progression through a learning concept, like a "Phonics Path" where each square is a letter sound, or a "Math Facts Mountain."
9. Cooperative Candyland: Design a board where players work *together* to reach the castle before a certain number of turns or before Lord Licorice takes over too many squares.
10. The "Upside Down" Board: My kid once asked, "What if Candyland was under the sea?" And just like that, we printed a board with coral reefs instead of forests, and fish characters. It was a delightful exercise in imagination and a reminder that the game is truly what you make of it.
11. "Escape the Molasses Swamp" Layout: Create a board focused entirely on escaping a central "swamp" area, with multiple paths leading to freedom. This creates a different kind of challenge.
12. Mini-Game Integration: Some squares could lead to a quick mini-game (like a simple riddle, a "rock-paper-scissors" challenge, or a charades prompt) that determines the next move.
Storage & Longevity: Keeping Your Printable Candyland Board Game-Ready
You’ve poured your heart into creating the perfect printable Candyland board and its accompanying pieces. Now, how do you ensure it lasts through countless adventures and doesn’t end up crumpled in a drawer? Proper storage and care are key!
1. Lamination is Your Best Friend: As mentioned before, laminating individual board sections, character standees, and cards is the single most effective way to protect your game from spills, tears, and general wear and tear.
2. Flat Storage for Boards: For the main board, once assembled, store it flat. You can slide it under a bed, behind a cabinet, or inside a large art portfolio. This prevents creases and bends.
3. Rolling for Portability (if laminated): If your board is laminated and made of flexible material, you can carefully roll it up and secure it with a rubber band or velcro strap for easy transport, but flat storage is always preferred for long-term.
4. Dedicated Game Box: Find a sturdy, decorative box (a shoebox, a craft box, or even a repurposed game box) to house all your Candyland components. Label it clearly!
5. Ziploc Bags for Small Pieces: Use small Ziploc bags or craft baggies to organize game pieces, cards, and any custom tokens. This keeps everything together and prevents loss.
6. Binder Storage for Cards: For printable card decks, punch a hole in one corner of each card and store them on a binder ring, or use trading card sleeves in a binder for easy flipping and protection.
7. Desiccants for Humidity: If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a small silica gel packet (like those found in shoe boxes) to your game box to absorb moisture and prevent warping or mold.
8. Clean Hands Policy: Encourage players to have clean, dry hands when playing. This simple rule goes a long way in preventing smudges and sticky residue, especially if the board isn't laminated.
9. Away from Sunlight & Moisture: Store your game in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time, and away from any areas prone to moisture or extreme temperature fluctuations.
10. The "Game Night Ready" Box: I have a designated "Game Night Ready" box for all my DIY games. It's a clear plastic container where everything is neatly organized, so when the mood strikes, the printable Candyland board is ready to go in minutes, no searching required. It truly makes impromptu game sessions a breeze!
11. Repair Kit: Keep a small "repair kit" handy in your game box: a roll of clear packing tape, a glue stick, and a pair of scissors. This allows for quick fixes if a piece gets a little dinged