How to Organize and Store Your Button Shy Wallet Games – Tips and Tricks

Quick Answer

To organize and store your Button Shy wallet games, use card sleeves for protection, keep each game in its original wallet or a labeled pouch, and store them upright in a dedicated box or drawer. Avoid overstuffing and keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Button Shy wallet games are beloved for their compact, portable design, but that small size doesn't mean they don't need proper care. Whether you have a few or a growing collection, knowing how to store and organize them keeps them in great shape and easy to find.

In this guide, we'll walk you through practical steps to protect your games, from sleeving cards to creating a storage system that works for your space. You'll also learn common mistakes to avoid, so your wallet games stay ready for play.

Why Storage Matters for Wallet Games

Wallet games are designed to be durable, but they're still made of paper and cardstock. Without proper storage, cards can bend, fade, or get scratched. Since many games, like Tussie Mussie or Battlecrest: Fellwoods Base Game, come in small wallets, they're easy to toss into a bag, but that can lead to damage over time.

Good storage also helps you keep track of expansions and base games. For example, if you own A Dragon's Gift: Exotic Transports or A Dragon's Gift: Beacons, you'll want to keep them with the base game or clearly labeled. A little organization goes a long way in preserving your investment.

• Keep games in a cool, dry place to prevent warping.
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top of your games.
• Use dividers or labels to quickly identify each game.

Choosing the Right Sleeves

Sleeves are the first line of defense for your cards. They protect against scratches, dirt, and wear from shuffling. Most Button Shy games use standard-sized cards, but always check the product details. For expansions like A Dragon's Gift: Exotic Transports, which comes in a card sleeve, you may want to keep it in that sleeve or transfer to a more durable one.

When selecting sleeves, opt for clear, polypropylene ones that fit snugly. Avoid sleeves that are too tight or too loose, as they can cause bending. Sleeving all your cards, including those from expansions, ensures consistent protection and makes shuffling easier.

• Measure a card before buying sleeves to ensure a good fit.
• Test one card first to see if the sleeve fits without damaging the card.

Organizing Your Collection

Once your cards are sleeved, decide how to store them. The original wallets are great for portability, but they can be bulky if you have many games. Consider using a dedicated storage box with dividers, or repurpose a small craft box with compartments.

If you prefer to keep the original wallets, label them clearly. For games with multiple expansions, like A Dragon's Gift, store all related cards together in one wallet or a labeled baggie. This prevents mix-ups and makes setup faster.

• Use adhesive labels or a label maker to mark each game.
• Group games by series or player count for easier access.

Step-by-Step Storage Process

1. Sleeve your cards: Invest in quality card sleeves that fit your wallet game cards. This protects them from shuffling damage, spills, and fingerprints. Sleeve all cards, including expansion cards, for uniform protection. Check that sleeves are not too tight; if they bend the card, try a slightly larger size.
2. Group games and expansions: Keep base games and their expansions together. For example, store A Dragon's Gift: Exotic Transports with the base game. Use small baggies or labeled sleeves to keep expansion cards separate but nearby. If you have multiple expansions, consider using a single wallet or box for the entire series.
3. Choose a storage container: Select a box or organizer that fits your collection. Options include the original wallets, a dedicated card box, or a compartmentalized craft box. Ensure the container is sturdy and not overcrowded. Avoid overstuffing; cards need a little room to prevent bending.
4. Label everything: Use labels or a marker to identify each game or group. This saves time when you're looking for a specific game and prevents mix-ups, especially with similar-looking wallets. A simple label can prevent frustration during game night.
5. Store properly: Keep your container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid basements or attics where temperature fluctuates. Store games upright to prevent warping. Check your storage area occasionally for any signs of moisture or pests.

Product Storage Considerations

• A Dragon's Gift: Exotic Transports: A 3-card expansion which introduces 3 new transports as well as 3 new gifts for the dragon. New transports can change your routes significantly. This small expansion is easy to lose. Store it with the base game or in a labeled sleeve to keep track of the extra cards.
• A Dragon's Gift: Beacons: A 3-card expansion which introduces beacons. Unlit beacons cost you points at the end of the game. Beacons add a new mechanic, so keeping these cards organized with the base game ensures you don't miss them during setup.
• Tussie Mussie: Based on the Victorian fad that assigned meanings to flowers. A wallet game that uses the language of flowers. This game's theme is enhanced by the artwork, so sleeving cards protects them from wear and keeps the colors vibrant.
• Battlecrest: Fellwoods Base Game: A card-based tactical skirmish game for 2 players, with perfect information. Includes two heroes and the Fellwoods map. With multiple components, using a dedicated storage solution helps keep heroes, map, and cards together for quick setup.

Organizing and storing your Button Shy wallet games doesn't have to be complicated. By sleeving your cards, grouping expansions, and using a labeled storage system, you'll keep your collection in top condition and ready for play. Remember to avoid common pitfalls like overstuffing and exposure to moisture, and your games will last for years.