How to make a memory game from your photos
- Add one photo per pair. Each photo is printed twice.
- Add captions if you like: names, words in another language, or animal names for little ones.
- Choose the card size (2, 2.5 or 3 in square) and a back: patterned with a name, or one of your photos.
- Print double-sided on card stock and cut along the crop marks.
How many pairs, and how many sheets
| Age | Pairs | Card size |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 years | 4–8 | 3 × 3 in |
| 5–8 years | 8–15 | 2.5 × 2.5 in |
| 9+ and adults | 15–30 | 2 or 2.5 in |
On A4 or Letter, 2.5 in cards fit 12 per sheet and 3 in cards 6; 2 in cards fit 15 on A4 and 20 on Letter. Fifteen pairs (30 cards) of 2.5 in cards take 3 sheets of fronts.
How to play
Shuffle the cards and lay them face down in a grid. Players take turns turning over two cards. If they match, the player keeps them and goes again; if not, they are turned back over. The player with the most pairs at the end wins.
Ideas
- Family and grandparents: faces of relatives help young children learn names.
- Classroom: pictures with words for vocabulary, or a photo of each classmate at the start of the year.
- Reminiscence: familiar photos with large cards for people living with memory loss.
- Travel and pets: a game made from your favourite holiday or your pets.
Frequently asked questions
How many pairs should I make?
6–8 pairs for toddlers, 10–15 for school-age children, 18–30 for older children and adults. Each photo becomes one pair.
Why should I print the backs?
With backs on the reverse, light can’t shine through and nobody can see the pictures while the cards are face down. Print double-sided, or glue the fronts onto plain card.
Can I add names or words?
Yes, each photo can have a caption, for example family members’ names, or a word in another language for vocabulary practice.
Is it good for people with memory loss?
Many families and care homes use photo memory games with familiar faces for reminiscence activities. Start with 4–6 pairs and large 3 in cards.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. The cards are made in your browser, so your photos never leave your device.
Last updated 2026-10-24.