It’s about this time every year that we need to ramp up our efforts to get our homes organized and looking awesome for holiday guests. It’s like, what the heck happened to all that spring cleaning I did six months ago? Yeah, well, welcome to parenthood. And one of the organizing solutions that can be the biggest bane for families is all those gadgets, video games and controllers; especially if you know that a few more of them may end up in your homes around oh…say, December or so?
So we’re really happy, on behalf of our sponsor, the brand new VTech InnoTV, to share 9 of our favorite smart ways to organize your game controllers, cartridges and other equipment.
– Don’t miss an exclusive InnoTV giveaway just for our readers. Details below! –
We imagine more than a few kids are going to be opening up brand new InnoTV systems this year, especially considering how smart and affordable this new educational, TV-connected gaming system is. It’s a great holiday gift idea for kids 3-8, and we love that not only are there a ton of games available for download or streaming, but that it’s compatible with many of your existing InnoTab cartridges too. Plus lots of the games are collaborative, designed to get families playing together. We’re all for screen time that becomes family time.
But hey, as much as we love the awesome look of those cool, kid-friendly InnoTV controllers, we also know that they’re going to need a home when family game night is over. We really hope these ideas help!
Toss Game Controllers in Pretty Storage Bins
Just toss it? Yep. Getting your kids to clean up their gaming equipment can be easy as just stashing it all in a roomy storage bin. We are liking these colorful storage bins and baskets at Land of Nod, though they have lots of options so you can pick out the size and color that works best with your room decor and storage needs. You can even choose different colors for different kids, or label one bin for cartridges, another for controllers, and so on. A few of their options even have lids in case you want all those devices out of the way of company — and not underfoot — when they aren’t in use.
Organize Gaming Equipment with a Kid-Sized Shelf
Sometimes a small storage unit, kid-height, is all it takes to keep organized. The handmade storage shelves from Etsy’s Turquoise WoodWorks come in so many fun colors. And we love that this husband-wife team of woodworkers can even take custom orders to fit the exact size space you have.
Alternately, use the bottom shelves of an existing media tower that may already be in your living room to stash your most-used controllers; with so much streaming media these days, we bet you don’t even use a lot of those DVDs and CDs these days, and you could probably stash them somewhere less accessible and not miss them at all.
Related: An educational gaming system from VTech that turns screen time into learning time.
Repurpose a Shoe Organizer for Gaming Controllers
We like looking at alternate uses for existing organizing solutions you might already have at home. One smart option: Try a low shoe organizer shelf like this one at The Container Store in your gaming area. The small compartments are the perfect size for controllers, and they cost way less than a lot of dedicated gaming controller storage shelves which can be pricy but yield the same results. It’s also a good size to stash smaller gaming cartridges like the ones for the InnoTV.
Repurpose a Magazine Rack to Hold Gaming Controllers
Another way to repurpose one organizational tool for another is by using something like Winsome Wood’s versatile canvas magazine storage rack, which we spotted at Amazon. It’s the perfect size for video game controllers, and you can mount it on the wall near where your kids (and grownups) like to play games. Each 10″ canvas basket is just large enough to hold most gaming controllers, and the entire unit can be hung in rows as shown, or as one long vertical unit if that works better in your space.
Convert a Shoe Bag into Over-the-Door Gaming Storage
If you have limited space by your television, or if you just don’t want to have to see all your kids’ controllers out all the time, this game controller storage idea from Time2Save Workshops is really smart. With loads of individual pockets, a hanging shoe organizer gets everything off your floor and tucked out of the way in a nearby closet or over a door where it’s not too obtrusive. Visit her site for a few retailer options for bags like this one.
Use a Personalized Game Controller Tub
If your kids haven’t yet amassed an arsenal of gaming controllers, it’s easy to encourage your child to pick up after him or herself with their own personalized game controller tubs. Of course any bin or basket would do, but we think this 12″ one from Aly Chris Boutique on Etsy is so cute. And if you have more than one child, they could each have their own personalized tub so they can keep what’s theirs, theirs. Plus, it’s easy to look at the empty one and know just which kid to yell at for not cleaning up. (Kidding. Mostly.)
Hide Video Game Controls in a Storage Ottoman
The bonus of hiding game controls in a comfy storage ottoman, as shown in this photo from BHG.com, is that you get extra seating too. Not a bad idea for family game night when you’re all around the TV. Plus, it’s roomy enough for larger accessories like gaming instruments or paddles. The smaller boxes inside this one are a clever way to help keep it all from turning into a jumbled mess.
Hang Game Controllers on the Wall
Get all your video game controllers and accessories up and out of the way by using your open wall space as storage space. Whether you feel up to DIY-ing the versatile wall clips shown above or if you’d rather just buy them in one of many available colors, Instructables has information on both options. We like this idea most for an informal play room or maybe down low against a wall by to the TV in the family room; this way it’s not at adult eye-level making it a focal point of the room, and your kids can still see where their stuff is at a glance.
Store Smaller Game Accessories in Vintage Suitcases
We love these vintage-style suitcases at Land of Nod that come in a bunch of color combinations. It’s a clever gaming storage idea we still like since we first suggested it in our post about 6 Creative Ways to Store Video Games. This is probably a better idea for those smaller game units with the tiny games that tend to get lost in couch cushions or under the car seat. But this trio of suitcases looks neat enough to be stacked in a bedroom, playroom, or an informal den.
If you want something authentically retro, search eBay or Etsy for vintage suitcases like this gorgeous green one from AirFare. Find the perfect one to match your decor, and it will look so awesome, you’ll even forget that it’s containing a big collection of games and controllers when it’s closed.
Thanks so much to our sponsor InnoTV Educational Gaming System for making a smart, affordable option for families with hundreds of expert-curated educational games. And yay for backwards compatibility with your existing InnoTab cartridges! You can visit VTech Toys on Facebook for more information and be sure to check out the InnoTV in action over on YouTube.
EXTRA COOL: WIN IT! We’ve got one InnoTV console up for grabs for one lucky winner. Congrats to the lucky winner! THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
My Nephew Would Love The InnoTV, He Enjoys Interactive Learning And Games So He Would Really Love This!
My nephew would love an InnoTV! He’s going to be 4 soon and his dexterity is really improving- he wants to play his parents video games. This would be great for him to use and learn at the same time!
My son old love the innotv. He’s the perfect age for it (he’s 4), and he’s just starting to get into playing games! And his little brother will be there soon, too! Plus, I like that we could all play together.
Would love this for our wee-one since she’s interested in gaming and I’d love it to be educational.
I would love to introduce this to my son for more fun but educational games!
My daughter’s birthday is coming up next month and this would be an incredible gift to give her! Thanks so much for the chance!
My daughter would love to have one of these systems! I would love it too for the learning and family time!
My kids would love the innotv. They love to learn and play video games… but it’s hard to do both at once with traditional gaming systems.
This would be perfect for my 4 year old niece & nephew! When they are at my house, they always want to play my son’s video games. His games are too advanced for them. I’d love to have this for them at my house!
I think the system would be great for my nephew. He’s 3 1/2 and it’d be a great activity for both fun and educational purposes! Thanks for the opportunity!
My two little girls would love this! They are always trying to play their teenage brother’s X-Box. But they are too young. So this would be perfect!
My 3 year old watches her brother play “big kid” games on the Wii all the time so I know she’d love a game system just for HER!!! Thanks for the chance.
Our 4 yo has been asking for a video game lately. Not sure she even knows what that is but she loves interactive learning games. I’d love to let her use a video game system which wasn’t mindless!
My sons would love the innotv. They are the perfect ages (3 and 5) and are starting to get interested in gaming.
I’m always looking for ways to keep my 4 year old interested in learning. He’s a super fast learner and sometimes loses interest quickly if he’s not being challenged. This would be an awesome way to switch things up!
My daughter is totally into gaming and some of these ideas would make her gaming space unique, and a more organized.
My son loves video games…..I love that this is educational too!!!
My kids would love a new gaming system for the Holidays!
My 3 year old son would love this! His big sister plays games on the Wii and he wants to play too!
My boys play on leappads side by side, and they would love the chance to play together! I would like to be able to play with them as well, And I love that this game system allows that. I also like the kid-friendly equipment.
My nephew loves games and learning. This would be amazing new way to learn. I love that its wire free and can save games.
This is right up my son’s alley – hes loves math and puzzles and of course video games!!!
My son has just started on videogames and his sister is ready to start playing with him. This would be perfect for both of them.
My son loves all things electronic and I love when he is learning new things! This is the perfect answer for the both of us! Thanks!
She would love it because she watches her sister play video games and she will feel as though she has the same thing but more suitable for her age.
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My 4 year old would LOVE an InnoTV system! He loves to play games, and I love him to learn. Perfect combo on the InnoTV!!
My boys love playing video games.This would be a great educational way to cognitively challenge them while still having fun playing games. Thank you for the opportunity to enter!
My son would love this under the Christmas tree! I predict some fun winter days spent indoors with the InnoTV!
My son loves games and I love that it’s educational.
My son is 6yrs old and this would be his very first video gaming system! He would absolutely love it!!!
with three active boys – we are always looking for ways to keep them engaged – and we especially love that this is educational!
My youngest son would love it…would make him feel like his older brothers being able to play “big boy games”
My two sons would love the Inno TV Gaming System. They love all types of electronic games and I look forward to joining them for educational family play time.
I enjoy playing games with my daughter- especially if it’s educational. Anything that can keep her interest and teach her something at the same time is a great addition to our house.
I would love to have the Vtech Inno for my son, we love all our other VTech toys and they last, are educational and I can even get interactive with them! This would be a good, educational way to introduce him to a more advanced level of technology
My 4 year old has been asking for one! I would love to win this for her, it would be her Santa gift.
Why would they not love it? We are such a video game household.
My 4 year old would love this! Sometimes he gets frustrated with the Wii or PS3 so this would be perfect. I’m sure my 7 year old would love it, too!
This is the first I’ve heard of this! Love a new educational and interactive activity for my 4 year old.
I would love to win this to give to my granddaughter for Xmas. She loves electronic gadgets!
My younger son is 5 and he doesn’t have his own video games. His older brother has an Xbox but my youngest can’t really play the games his older brother does. This would be perfect for him and he’d love having his own system!
We don’t have a gaming system for the kids but are looking for something to help challenge them differently in a FUN way — this system looks to be the perfect answer for my three little ones!!!
We don’t have a video console. I love that this one is about learning and my daughter just starting preschool, I think she could really benefit from it.
I think my 4 year old daughter would love her own InnoTV, because she never had something like this before, not even a game console, and this would be something new for her. Actually, something new for the whole family ! 🙂
he would most like it because it would be his very own
My son would love this gaming system. I don’t let him play on the other systems because those systems are too advanced. Thanks for the opportunity!
MY GRANDDAUGHTER IS 17 YEARS OLD AND VERY UNORANIZED WOULD LOVE TO HAVE TO KEEP HER IN SHAPE AND CLEANED UP!!!!
The kids love games.
My son would love this! He is just starting to get into interactive games.
I think my daughter would think it was great fun!
This would be perfect for my grandson Gabriel. He wants so badly to be able to do whatever his brother does, and since Ian and Auntie are gamers, this would give him the opportunity to “game” with them. He would just love the InnoTV.
My kids love to play games!
InnoTV looks like it would be another great way for our family to play together.
My daughter would love this! She really wants to play video games with the older kids, but it’s just too much for her, and she ends up frustrated. This looks perfect for her!
Who wouldn’t want one of these cool game consoles. It may be a fight in our house who gets it as a gift – Family sharing time 🙂
My daughter is 5 years old and would love an InnoTV. She’s been asking for her own tablet and I think this is even better! It’s also easier for us to control what’s she’s doing on it and to ensure its educational. Thanks for this giveaway!
My kids would love to play the Vtech system.
My boys would love this. They are to young to play on the xbox with their brothers so this would be perfect!
My daughter would love a game console that was specifically for her age range. The Wii is a bit too much so she just wants to watch us play it instead 🙁
this would be great for our family, we love to play games!
I think all of my kids would love this. They’re all into video games and especially love games that make learning fun.
The little one is just old enough to get into games and would love something just for himself!
My nephew would love this because he enjoys games and this would be a great way for him to have fun while learning.
My kids would love the interactive games, i would love that i am sneaking in learning!
My niece would love this to have her own special tablet to play with – just like mommy and daddy!
Our great niece would love the InnoTV because then she could game like her daddy. Or maybe daddy would actually like it more than she would, because then she wouldn’t be trying to game on his system!
I have a 10 year old daughter and 3 year old son with special needs… There aren’t a lot of fun things for them to do together but this is something that they could have a great time with. It would be amazing for them!
My youngest would love to receive the InnoTV! Thanks for the chance and for the tips on organizing all the tech. I use baskets for controllers and plastic bins or a bookshelf for games and it works really well.
My 5 year old would love this InnoTv system.. Not only will he learn more, but he will have his own gaming system when the older boys won’t give him a turn!!
my older son would love this, because he sees his dad playing games all the time & would love to be able to play some too!
My son would love to use the innotv to learn. He’s a visual learner. Thank you!
The InnoTV gaming system would be a great educational gaming system for my 2 rambunctious boys.
My Grandson would love it because he always wants to play video games but he’s too young, this would give him a chance to play and learn at the same time.
My daughter would love this to help her learn in a different atmosphere and give her some variety when it comes to her learning!
We would love to have the InnoTV system in our house for our 2 kiddos!
My daughter would love this , she loves the tv and video games!! Thanks for the chance!!
This would be amazing for my son! My husband plays video games and my son has shown an interest in the war games and this would be a fun distraction from those until he’s much older.
I would LOVE to win this InnoTV console for my 3 year old daughter. She is starting to work on her memory and interactive learning. I LOVE how this console comes with four games that introduce language arts, math, science and much more to my daughter.
My son would love to play new games and keep all games organized
My granddaughter would love this, She is learning so quick and she is always trying to play her big brother and big sisters video games. I would love to win it so she can play and learn at the same time.
My 5 year old is obsessed with video games but I am really hesitant to purchase them at such a young age. I love the idea of an educational gaming system.
I’d love this for my nephew, he loves games.
My five year old grand daughter and three year old grandson would adore this! Perfect for learning at home in a tech way they appreciate.
My nephew would love his own video game system. His dad has a PS3 that he wants to play, but I think the InnoTV would be just right for him! <3
My niece would love it. She loves interactive toys and games.
They would love to have another source of entertainment!
Video game. Enough said.
My grandson would love this for Christmas!
My 5year old son would love this! He has 2 older brothers by 7years and 9 years whom both have their own x-box’s that he is not allowed to play! Too many violent games! He would feel absolutely special having his own great system!
My daughter loves playing games on my iPad and I know she would go absolutely bonkers over a gaming system made just for her.
My daughter would love to win this.She would love this because it has Interactive Learning
My son would love this! He is curious about every game and loves learning and telling me all about it.
My son would love this, perfect for his age!
My 4 year old daughter would love the InnoTV system bc she is learning to play video games with her dad. That’s becoming a favorite way for them to spend indoor time together. An educational system designed for her would be ideal, and the community games would give me a chance to get in on the action!
I would like to win this for my 4 year old daughter who loves to play video games with the both of us. I like how she could have fun as well as learn with this system and I know she would fall in love with it.
My kids would love this! They could play together and have so much fun ??
He would love it because He sees his teen brother playing and has tried to take the controller away. He’s only two so he is too little for traditional video games.
I hope 2 win the InnoTV sweepstakes for my grandson who loves to play games and learn @the same time:)
My grandson would love this because he tries to play all the big games on the Xbox with the teenagers.
My daughter would love this because she loves to learn and she loves video games.
My son is 3.5 and just loves playing games on our phones & iPad. Having his own system – stocked with educational games – would be great!
I think this would be a lovely Christmas gift for my daughter, she always tries to play on the bigger systems but can’t. We love the idea of being able to learn and play game with others. Gaming was a huge part of my family time with my dad when I was little and I would love to have to chance to make those kind of memories with my daughter! <3