Michaels is best known as an arts and crafts retailer, but many board game enthusiasts wonder: does Michaels sell board game accessories? While Michaels does not specialize in board games, it does carry a variety of craft and hobby supplies that can be repurposed for tabletop gaming. From storage solutions to DIY customization materials, Michaels offers several options for enhancing board game experiences. If you're looking for more places to find accessories, check out this guide on where to buy board game accessories.


## Overview of Michaels' Board Game Accessories

Michaels, a well-known arts and crafts retailer, primarily focuses on products for creative hobbies such as painting, scrapbooking, and DIY home décor. However, the store also carries a selection of board game accessories, catering to tabletop gaming enthusiasts who need supplies for game customization, repair, or enhancement. While Michaels does not specialize in board games or gaming accessories, customers can find various items that complement their board game experience.

Types of Board Game Accessories Available

Although Michaels does not sell board games themselves, they do carry a variety of accessories that can be useful for board game enthusiasts. These include:

• Game Piece Replacements – Michaels offers small figurines, wooden tokens, and beads that can serve as replacement pieces for lost or damaged components.
• Dice and Counters – While not explicitly marketed as board game accessories, Michaels has a selection of decorative and functional dice, as well as beads and craft stones that can be used as counters or markers in tabletop games.
• Storage Solutions – The store provides plastic containers, organizers, and craft boxes that can help gamers store cards, tokens, and other small game elements neatly.
• Custom Game Board Materials – For those looking to design or modify their own game boards, Michaels stocks poster boards, foam boards, and acrylic paints that can be used for customization.
• Card Sleeves and Protectors – While not always available in every location, some Michaels stores may carry plastic sleeves or protective covers that can be used to preserve board game cards.
• Miniatures and Paint Supplies – Hobbyists who enjoy painting miniatures for role-playing or strategy games can find acrylic paints, brushes, and modeling supplies at Michaels.

DIY and Customization Options

Michaels is an ideal destination for board game enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their games. The store offers a wide range of craft supplies that can be used to enhance existing board games or create entirely new tabletop experiences. Some customization options include:

• Creating Custom Game Boards – Using foam boards, poster boards, and vinyl sheets, gamers can design and build their own unique playing surfaces.
• Upgrading Game Pieces – Wooden shapes, resin molds, and sculpting tools allow for the creation of custom game components.
• Personalized Storage Solutions – Michaels sells customizable storage boxes and dividers that can be used to organize game elements efficiently.
• Crafting Accessories for RPGs – With Michaels' extensive selection of paints, brushes, and modeling clay, role-playing game (RPG) players can create detailed landscapes, figurines, and game props.

Availability and Purchasing Options

While Michaels does not have a dedicated section for board game accessories, many of the items that can be used for tabletop gaming are available in the arts and crafts, jewelry-making, and general hobby sections of the store. Customers can purchase these items in-store or online through the Michaels website. Availability may vary based on location, so checking online or calling ahead is recommended.

For gamers looking for highly specialized accessories such as branded card sleeves, official replacement pieces, or premium gaming components, dedicated board game retailers or online marketplaces may be better options. However, for those interested in DIY gaming solutions, Michaels provides a wealth of materials to support creative customization and game enhancement.

Common Board Game Accessories at Michaels

Michaels is widely recognized as a retailer specializing in arts, crafts, and DIY supplies. While it is not primarily known for selling board games or their accessories, the store does offer a selection of items that can be used to enhance, organize, or customize board gaming experiences. Below are some common board game accessories that can be found at Michaels.

Storage and Organization Solutions

Proper storage is essential for keeping board game components organized and protected. Michaels carries a variety of storage solutions that can be repurposed for board game accessories, including:

• Plastic Storage Bins – Useful for keeping board game pieces, cards, and dice organized.
• Craft Organizer Boxes – These small, compartmentalized boxes are perfect for storing tokens, meeples, and miniatures.
• Photo Storage Cases – Often used for sorting and storing board game cards to keep them protected and easy to access.

Dice and Game Pieces

While Michaels does not typically sell traditional board game replacement pieces, they do offer craft supplies that can serve as substitutes, such as:

• Wooden Shapes and Cubes – These can be painted or customized for use as game tokens or player pieces.
• Beads and Decorative Gems – Often used for crafting, these can function as game markers or victory point tokens.
• Customizable Dice – Blank dice that can be painted or labeled for creating custom board game components.

Game Board Customization Supplies

For hobbyists who enjoy creating or modifying board games, Michaels provides a variety of supplies to aid in customization:

• Acrylic Paints and Brushes – Ideal for painting miniatures or customizing game boards.
• Foam Boards and Cardstock – Useful for prototyping or creating custom game boards and cards.
• Stickers and Vinyl Lettering – Can be used to personalize game boards or enhance the aesthetic appeal of gaming components.

Play Enhancements

Michaels also carries various items that can enhance the board gaming experience, including:

• Felt and Fabric Mats – These can serve as play surfaces for a smoother gaming experience, reducing noise from rolling dice and moving pieces.
• Miniature Display Cases – Great for storing and showcasing painted miniatures used in board games like Dungeons & Dragons or Warhammer.
• LED Lights and Decorative Elements – Can enhance thematic board game setups, especially for immersive storytelling games.

DIY Board Game Supplies

For those interested in designing their own board games, Michaels stocks essential materials for game creation:

• Blank Playing Cards – These can be used to design custom card decks.
• Letter and Number Stamps – Useful for labeling game components.
• Adhesive Laminating Sheets – Helps protect custom-made game boards and cards for long-term use.

While Michaels does not specialize in board game accessories, many of its craft and storage supplies can be creatively repurposed to enhance and organize board games. Whether you're looking for storage solutions, replacement pieces, or customization materials, Michaels offers a range of products that can support board gaming needs.

DIY Board Game Accessories

Creating your own board game accessories can be a fun and rewarding way to enhance your gaming experience. Whether you want to customize components, replace missing pieces, or design entirely new accessories, DIY projects allow for personal creativity and cost savings. Below are some ideas and techniques for crafting your own board game accessories.

Custom Game Pieces

3D-Printed Pieces

If you have access to a 3D printer, you can design and print custom game pieces to match your board game’s theme. Websites like Thingiverse offer free 3D printing files, or you can create your own using CAD software such as Tinkercad or Fusion 360.

Sculpting with Clay

For a more hands-on approach, polymer clay like Sculpey or Fimo can be used to sculpt unique game tokens or miniatures. Once sculpted, bake the pieces according to the clay’s instructions, then paint and seal them for durability.

Wooden Tokens

Wooden discs and cubes from craft stores like Michaels can be painted or engraved to create custom tokens. A wood-burning tool or acrylic paint can be used to decorate them with game-specific symbols.

Personalized Game Boards

Printable Game Boards

Using graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Canva, you can design and print custom game boards. Printing on large-format paper and laminating the board will ensure durability. If you want a foldable board, mount the print on cardboard or foam board.

Hand-Painted Boards

For a more artistic approach, you can hand-paint a game board onto a wooden or cardboard surface. Acrylic paints work well for this, and sealing the board with a protective finish will help preserve the artwork.

DIY Card Sleeves and Custom Cards

Laminated Card Sleeves

To protect your game cards, you can make DIY card sleeves using laminating sheets or plastic binder sleeves. Simply cut them to size and seal the edges using a heat sealer or tape.

Printable Custom Cards

If you need replacement cards or want to add new ones, you can design custom cards using templates in software like Photoshop or GIMP. Printing on cardstock and laminating them will make them more durable.

Storage and Organization Solutions

Custom Storage Boxes

Repurposing craft storage boxes or using foam board to create custom inserts can help organize your board game components. Michaels and other craft stores sell unfinished wooden boxes that can be painted and customized with dividers.

DIY Player Trays

To keep game pieces organized during gameplay, you can craft player trays using foam board, 3D-printed designs, or small plastic containers. These help streamline setup and gameplay.

Dice and Randomizers

Handmade Dice

If you need custom dice, you can make them using blank wooden or plastic cubes and applying decals, stickers, or engraving designs. Acrylic paint markers work well for adding numbers or symbols.

Dice Towers and Rolling Trays

A dice tower made from cardboard, wood, or LEGO bricks can help keep dice rolls contained. Similarly, felt-lined trays can be made from shallow wooden boxes to prevent dice from rolling off the table.

Where to Find DIY Supplies

Many of the materials needed for DIY board game accessories can be found at craft stores like Michaels, online marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy, or specialty hobby stores. Michaels, in particular, offers wooden tokens, paint, foam board, and other craft supplies that can be repurposed for board game customization.

By creating your own board game accessories, you can add a personal touch to your favorite games while also improving organization and gameplay efficiency. Whether through 3D printing, painting, or crafting, DIY accessories allow for endless creativity and customization.

Shopping Tips and Recommendations

When shopping for board game accessories, whether online or in-store, it's important to consider factors such as quality, compatibility, and price. Below are key tips and recommendations to help you make an informed purchase.

Where to Buy Board Game Accessories

There are several places where you can find board game accessories, including:

• Specialty Game Stores – These stores often carry a wide range of accessories, including card sleeves, dice, replacement pieces, and organizers.
• Online Marketplaces – Websites like Amazon, eBay, and BoardGameGeek’s marketplace offer a vast selection of accessories.
• Craft and Hobby Stores – Stores like Michaels primarily sell arts and crafts supplies but may have generic storage solutions, wooden components, or decorative elements that can be repurposed for board games.
• Manufacturer Websites – Some board game publishers sell official accessories, expansions, and replacement parts directly through their websites.

Choosing the Right Accessories

When selecting board game accessories, consider the following:

• Compatibility – Ensure that accessories like card sleeves or storage organizers fit the specific game components.
• Material and Durability – High-quality materials, such as acrylic tokens or metal coins, can enhance your gaming experience.
• Storage Solutions – Consider purchasing organizers, inserts, or carrying cases to keep your games in good condition and make setup easier.
• Customization – Many accessories, such as upgraded tokens, 3D-printed pieces, or playmats, can enhance both aesthetics and gameplay.

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

• Look for Bundles – Some retailers offer accessory bundles at a lower price than buying items individually.
• Check for Sales and Discounts – Websites and stores frequently have seasonal discounts or clearance sales.
• Consider DIY Options – Crafting your own accessories, such as using containers from Michaels or printing your own player aids, can be a cost-effective alternative.
• Buy in Bulk – If you need multiple accessories (e.g., card sleeves for a large collection), purchasing in bulk can save money.

Recommendations for Popular Accessories

• Card Sleeves – Protect your cards from wear and tear with high-quality sleeves from brands like Dragon Shield or Ultra PRO.
• Dice Sets – Whether for role-playing games or board games, a good set of dice can be a great addition.
• Storage Solutions – Brands like The Broken Token offer custom wooden inserts for popular games.
• Playmats – Enhance gameplay with a neoprene playmat, which provides a smooth surface for cards and tokens.

By following these tips and recommendations, you can find the best board game accessories to enhance your gaming experience.

Alternative Options and Considerations

When searching for board game accessories, Michaels may not always be the most comprehensive option. While they do carry general crafting supplies that can be repurposed for board games, there are other specialized retailers and sources to consider. Below are some alternative options and key considerations when shopping for board game accessories.

Specialty Board Game Stores

Dedicated board game stores, both online and physical, often provide a wide range of accessories tailored specifically for tabletop gaming. These stores typically carry:

• Replacement game pieces
• Card sleeves and storage solutions
• Dice sets and trays
• Playmats and gaming boards
• Miniatures and painting supplies

Popular online options include retailers such as Miniature Market, CoolStuffInc, and The Game Steward, all of which specialize in board game-related products.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy offer a vast selection of board game accessories from various sellers. These marketplaces provide:

• Custom and handmade accessories
• Bulk replacement pieces
• Personalized game organizers
• Unique dice and tokens

Etsy, in particular, is a great resource for custom or handcrafted accessories made by independent creators.

Craft and Hobby Stores

If you are looking to create your own board game accessories, craft and hobby stores can be excellent sources of materials. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, and Michaels carry supplies that can be adapted for board games, including:

• Wooden pieces and tokens
• Acrylic paints for miniatures
• Foam boards for custom game boards
• Beads and decorative items for game modifications

While these stores may not have board game-specific accessories, they can be useful if you prefer a DIY approach.

3D Printing and Customization

With the rise of 3D printing, gamers can now create customized board game accessories tailored to their needs. Websites such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, and Shapeways provide:

• Free and paid 3D printing files for game components
• Custom-printed accessories ordered on demand
• Unique upgrades like storage inserts and thematic game pieces

If you own a 3D printer, you can download and print custom components, often at a lower cost than purchasing pre-made accessories.

Gaming Conventions and Local Meetups

Attending board game conventions or joining local gaming groups can also be a great way to find accessories. Many conventions feature vendors selling exclusive or hard-to-find board game components. Additionally, local gaming groups sometimes organize buy/sell/trade events where players can exchange accessories.

Considerations When Buying Board Game Accessories

When selecting board game accessories, it's essential to consider:

• Compatibility: Ensure that replacement pieces or upgrades fit the specific game you own.
• Material Quality: Higher-quality materials often result in longer-lasting accessories.
• Storage and Organization: Consider how accessories will be stored to keep your game components well-organized.
• Budget: Prices vary widely, so comparing options can help you find the best value.

By exploring these alternative options and considerations, board game enthusiasts can find the best accessories to enhance their gaming experience.

While Michaels does not specialize in board game accessories, it offers a range of craft and storage solutions that can enhance tabletop gaming. Whether you need replacement pieces, organization tools, or DIY materials, Michaels provides versatile options. However, for specialized gaming accessories, exploring dedicated board game shops might be necessary. Looking for more places to shop? Check out this guide to buying board game accessories.