Tray Variety Pack vs Custom Inserts: Which Is Better for Organizing Your Games?

Quick Answer

If you want a flexible, budget-friendly way to organize multiple games without waiting for custom inserts, the Tray Variety Pack is a solid choice. For a perfect fit that speeds up setup and tear-down for a single game, custom inserts are worth the investment. Your decision hinges on how many games you need to organize and how critical speed is to you.

Board game organization can feel like a puzzle itself. Between setup, tear-down, and keeping components from mixing, the right storage solution saves time and frustration. Two popular options are Stonemaier's Tray Variety Pack and custom inserts designed for specific games.

This comparison breaks down the practical differences so you can decide which fits your collection and habits. We'll look at flexibility, cost, and how each affects your game night experience.

What the Tray Variety Pack Offers

The Tray Variety Pack is a set of assorted plastic trays designed to fit a range of component sizes. They're not game-specific, so you can mix and match to suit whatever you're storing. This makes them a versatile addition to any game shelf, especially if you own multiple titles that need light organization.

Because the trays are generic, they work across many games. You can use them for tokens, cubes, or cards, and rearrange them as your collection changes. This flexibility is their biggest strength, but it also means they won't snugly fit every component type perfectly.

• Ideal for storing loose components like coins, cubes, or meeples.
• Works with multiple games, so you don't need a separate insert for each.
• Easy to swap between boxes when you rotate your game night lineup.

What Custom Inserts Deliver

Custom inserts are designed for a specific game, with precisely shaped compartments for each component type. They often include designated spots for cards, boards, and tokens, so everything has a home. This can dramatically reduce setup and tear-down time because you know exactly where each piece goes.

The downside is that custom inserts are usually more expensive and only work with the game they're made for. If you have a large collection, buying one for every game adds up quickly. They also take up more space in the box, sometimes requiring you to remove original packaging or use a larger box.

• Perfect for games you play frequently and want to set up fast.
• Provides a dedicated spot for every component, reducing sorting time.
• Higher upfront cost and limited to a single game.

Cost and Flexibility Trade-offs

The Tray Variety Pack is generally more affordable upfront and can be used across multiple games, making it a budget-friendly option for gamers with varied collections. You can buy one set and apply it to several boxes, which spreads the cost out. However, you may need to supplement with additional trays or bags for odd-shaped components.

Custom inserts cost more per game but can save time every time you play. For a game you love and play weekly, the convenience often justifies the price. But for a game that hits the table rarely, a generic tray or even zip bags might be enough.

• Calculate cost per game played: custom inserts pay off for frequent plays.
• Consider how many games you need to organize before committing to custom options.
• Mix approaches: use custom inserts for favorites and trays for the rest.

Trade-offs at a Glance

• Flexibility: Tray Variety Pack adapts to any game; custom inserts are rigid and game-specific. Choose trays if you rotate games often.
• Cost: Tray Variety Pack has a lower entry price; custom inserts cost more per game. Invest in custom inserts only for your most-played titles.
• Setup Speed: Custom inserts speed up setup with dedicated spots; trays require some sorting but still help. If you value quick setup, custom inserts win.

Product Facts

• wingspan-pocket-8258489efaf33d2cf498418d-898326">Wingspan Pocket: Wingspan Pocket distills the Wingspan experience down to a lighter, shorter, card-driven game that has each player activate a single row of cards on each of their turns. Even a compact game like Wingspan Pocket benefits from organized storage. A tray variety pack can keep its cards and tokens tidy in a small box without a custom insert.
• Between Two Cities Essential Edition: Between Two Cities is a 30-minute tile-drafting game for 1-7 players in which each tile is part of a city. This game has many tiles that need sorting. A tray variety pack can separate tile types for quick setup, while a custom insert would offer a precise fit if you play often.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Gamers with a diverse collection who want a budget-friendly, multi-game solution.
• Those who prefer a low-cost way to organize components without waiting for custom inserts.

Not for

• Players who want a perfect fit and maximum setup speed for a single game.
• Collectors who prioritize a pristine, tailored look inside each box.

Ultimately, the Tray Variety Pack and custom inserts serve different needs. If you value flexibility and versatility, start with the tray pack. If you have a game you play constantly and want to shave minutes off setup, a custom insert is worth it. Many gamers find a mix works best—custom inserts for favorites and trays for the rest of the shelf.