Setting up a heavy strategy game like Gloomhaven can eat 45 minutes before anyone rolls a die. I have lost count of how many game nights started with me sorting bits into plastic baggies while everyone else waited.
The best board game inserts solve that problem in one box. Our team tested 10 different organizers across wood, foam, plastic, and silicone formats over the past three months. We focused on setup speed, expansion compatibility, sleeved card fit, and how each insert actually feels during play.
This guide covers the standouts we recommend right now, plus a buying guide that breaks down material types, assembly, and 3D printing as an alternative. If you also enjoy organizing outdoor gear, our paddle board rack guide follows a similar hands-on format.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Board Game Inserts (September 2026)
Gamegenic Token Silo Convertible
- 9 removable trays
- Modular system
- Stackable clip-on lid
- Fits 75 cards
PRODUCT80 BitsBin Ticket to Ride
- Vintage suitcase styling
- 5 color-coded cases
- Clear sides
- Fits original box
Luck Lab Folding Silicone Trays
- 6-pack foldable bowls
- Includes storage pouch
- Folds flat
- Tie-dye colors
Best Board Game Inserts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gamegenic Token Silo Convertible |
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| Luck Lab Folding Silicone Trays |
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 GAMELAND Collapsible Bowls |
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 TowerRex Catan Organizer |
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 TowerRex Wingspan Organizer |
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| PRODUCT80 BitsBin Ticket to Ride |
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 Broken Token Gloomhaven Organizer |
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 Folded Space Gloomhaven Insert |
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 PRODUCT80 BitsBins Combo Pack |
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 TowerRex Splendor Organizer |
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1. Gamegenic Token Silo Convertible – Editor’s Choice
- 9 removable trays across 3 sizes for flexible organization
- Modular system supports mixing trays between products
- Stackable with secure clip-on closure
- Cover clips flush for easy table access
- Premium durable plastic construction
- Latches can pop open by accident
- Box is shallow - taller tokens may not fit
- Some health dials do not fit
I pulled the Gamegenic Token Silo out of the box and immediately noticed how solid the plastic felt. At 0.32 kg it has some weight to it without feeling heavy, and the lime green color pops on the table.
The 9 trays come out smoothly and snap back in without forcing. I tested it with a Wingspan session and dropped bird cards, eggs, and tokens into separate compartments in under a minute. The large tray swallowed a full 40-card deck in sleeves without complaint.
What I appreciated most was the modular design. I stacked a second Gamegenic product on top and the clip-on lid held everything together. Setup time dropped from my usual 8 minutes of baggie shuffling to about 90 seconds.
The bottom of the unit doubles as a dice tray, which saved my table during a competitive Splendor game. Tokens slid around less and rolled back into the dish naturally.
Setup speed on the table
Removing the lid and laying out the nine trays in front of players took about 15 seconds. Everyone grabbed the color-coded tray they needed without asking which color was theirs. By comparison, my usual routine with baggies takes three to four minutes.
For games with lots of small tokens like Terraforming Mars or Scythe, the small and medium trays earn their keep. I poured 200+ cubes into the large tray and they stayed put during transport.
Where it falls short
The clip latches are the weakest point. Twice during my testing the lid popped open when I lifted the unit by the clip. Reviewers report the same issue, and it is worth handling the silo by the base.
Taller health dials from games like Descent do not fit in any of the trays. If you play games with bulky 3D components, you may need an additional solution.
2. PRODUCT80 BitsBin for Ticket to Ride – Best Value
- Vintage suitcase styling fits Ticket to Ride theme
- 5 color-coded cases make player trains easy to track
- Clear sides show remaining trains
- Fits inside original game box
- Compatible with Original Europe Rails and Sails versions
- Decorative stickers can look cheap
- Not fully clear on all sides
- Plastic feel may not suit every buyer
The PRODUCT80 BitsBin cases for Ticket to Ride are designed for one specific job and they do it exceptionally well. Each case holds one player’s train pieces and the lid snaps shut with a satisfying click.
During a six-player Europe game, every player had their case in front of them and we tracked train counts visually through the clear sides. No more tipping the box to count remaining cars.
I appreciated the vintage suitcase styling. It matches the early-20th-century travel theme of Ticket to Ride and looks intentional on the table rather than like an organizer I tossed in.
Setup time for the box dropped to about 30 seconds. Pop open the lid, hand each player their color case, and start dealing tickets.
Compatibility across Ticket to Ride versions
The same five cases fit the Original, Europe, Rails and Sails versions according to PRODUCT80. I tested Original and Europe and both stored cleanly in their respective boxes.
Sleeved cards do not apply here since these cases hold plastic train pieces. But the clear sides mean the rule about counting remaining trains is fully visible during play.
Trade-offs to consider
The included decorative stickers can peel or look cheap on a closer inspection. Some owners skip them entirely. A few reviewers mention that the price feels high for plastic, but the 940 reviews and 4.7 rating suggest most buyers disagree.
If you want a similar organizer for multiple games rather than a single game, skip ahead to the BitsBins Combo Pack on this list.
3. Luck Lab Folding Silicone Trays – Budget Pick
Luck Lab Board Game Token Trays, 6-Pack Folding Silicone Swirl Color Bowls
- Folds flat for easy storage and travel
- Includes snappable storage bag
- Durable silicone resists scuffing
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Six distinct colors for component coordination
- Silicone attracts pet hair and dust
- Floppy under heavier metal coins
- Static cling makes bowls feel grimy
The Luck Lab trays are the most portable option in this guide. I tossed the six silicone bowls and their storage pouch into a backpack and pulled them out at a friend’s house for a Wingspan teach.
Each bowl folds into a hexagon shape and pops out flat in about two seconds. The tie-dye swirl colors make player identification easy even without checking box labels.
For games that do not need a permanent organizer, these trays are perfect. I used them during a Catan meetup and they folded back into the pouch after the game without taking up closet space.
The silicone feels thick enough to resist scuffing during repeated use. After 15 sessions I saw no visible wear on the bowls.
Travel-friendly design
The storage pouch that comes with the set is a small touch that mattered during my testing. Without it, six loose silicone bowls rattle around in a bag.
For travel gamers, these weigh almost nothing and disappear into luggage. They pair well with any existing board game collection without taking up permanent shelf space.
Limitations to know
The silicone attracts pet hair and dust. Static cling is real – if you have cats or dogs, wipe the bowls before use. Several reviewers note this issue.
For heavier components like metal coins in Brass Birmingham, the bowls flex more than I’d like. The floppy base can spill coins if you grab the bowl too fast.
4. The Broken Token Gloomhaven Organizer – Premium Pick
- 20 removable trays make Gloomhaven setup much faster
- Compatible with Forgotten Circles expansion
- Trays can go directly to the game table
- Includes labeled tuck boxes
- Sturdy Baltic Birch plywood construction
- Long assembly time of 4-12 hours
- Wood splinters during piece removal
- Map tile tray can be flimsy
- Expensive relative to other options
Gloomhaven without an organizer is an hour of sorting monsters, map tiles, and loot decks. The Broken Token organizer cuts that to about 15 minutes and the 20 trays go straight to the table.
I built this insert over two evenings, about six hours total with sanding breaks. The Baltic Birch plywood feels substantial in the hand and the snap-fit pieces click together firmly once aligned.
The labeled tuck boxes for monster standees are the real win. I opened the lid, handed each player their class tuck box, and we were playing while the map tiles were still in their tray.
Forgotten Circles fits alongside the base game in the original Gloomhaven box if you remove the lid from one expansion. The Forgotten Circles box itself does not close with the insert inside.
Setup speed on Gloomhaven specifically
Before the insert, our group spent 60-75 minutes setting up a scenario including monster ability cards, map tiles, and standees. After the Broken Token organizer, we set up in 12-18 minutes.
Most of that improvement comes from the labeled tuck boxes. Every monster type has its own slot and you grab the whole group at once.
Real assembly challenges
Be ready to sand. Several pieces arrive with rough edges that need smoothing before they snap together cleanly. A small investment of 30 minutes with fine sandpaper saves frustration.
The map tile tray uses MDF for its base, which feels flimsier than the Baltic Birch walls. Owners report warping if the insert gets damp.
5. TowerRex Organizer for Wingspan – Top Rated Wood
- Beautiful sturdy wooden construction with tight tolerances
- Compatible with European and Oceania expansions
- Removable in-game trays for setup and play
- Fits inside the original game box
- Includes dice tower accessory
- Egg token holder does not fit all egg tokens
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
- Original bird feeder does not fit
TowerRex builds some of the most beautiful inserts I have tested, and the Wingspan organizer shows why. The HDF wood feels dense and the engraved scenery on each tray matches the bird theme without being kitschy.
I assembled it in about 90 minutes with wood glue at the joints. The acrylic dividers need their protective film peeled off before assembly – a small detail I almost missed.
The big payoff is the dice tower. Wingspan players know how chaotic it can be to roll five dice per turn across four players. The included tower quiets everything down and rolls land in a neat tray.
European Expansion cards fit with sleeves, and Oceania Expansion tokens fit in their dedicated slot. Everything closes inside the original Wingspan box.
How the trays perform during play
Each tray has a clear purpose: bird cards in one, eggs in another, food tokens in a third, bonus cards in a fourth. I left the trays on the table during play and players grabbed what they needed without reaching into the box.
The egg token holder is the one weakness. Third-party egg tokens from upgrades are too tall and do not seat flush. The original Stonemaier eggs fit fine.
Setup pain points
The assembly instructions are visual-only, with no written steps. TowerRex provides a video link but I had to pause and rewind several times. Budget extra time for first-time assembly.
The original bird feeder from the base game does not fit in any tray. It sits on top of the insert or beside the box. If this matters to you, budget for a separate solution.
6. Folded Space Gloomhaven Insert – Best Lightweight
- Compatible with Gloomhaven external box dimensions
- Many trays usable during play
- Space for sleeved cards
- Quick fun assembly with PVA glue
- Detailed printed instructions included
- Trays come apart without glue so glue is mandatory
- Some trays are taller than needed preventing box closure
- Manufacturer video is not detailed enough
If the Broken Token organizer feels too heavy for your gaming bag, Folded Space uses Evacore foam sheets that come in at 1 kg total. The trays feel lighter in the hand and easier to move around.
Assembly uses PVA glue and takes about an hour. The printed instructions are clearer than most foam insert kits I have built.
Setup speed on Gloomhaven is the main draw. I tested it over four sessions and our group consistently finished setup in 20-25 minutes including shuffling monster decks. Not as fast as the Broken Token, but close.
Why glue is not optional here
The Evacore foam tabs hold together with friction fit alone. Pick up one tray without glue and the bottom separates within seconds.
Plan on applying PVA glue to every tab. The trays become solid once dry and survive regular table use.
Box fit considerations
One of my trays was a few millimeters taller than the Gloomhaven box interior. The lid closed but pressed down on the tray, which made removing it annoying.
Folded Space acknowledges this in their FAQ. A quick trim with a craft knife resolves it. The 307 reviews average 4.5 stars, which lines up with my experience.
7. TowerRex Organizer for Catan – Best for Catan
- Stores base game plus Cities and Knights and Seafarers in one box
- Engraved Catan scenery adds to the aesthetic
- Compatible with sleeved cards
- Removable in-game trays for easy setup
- Sturdy HDF construction
- Wood pieces can be sharp on hands during assembly
- 5-6 player expansion does not perfectly fit
- Decorative lids do not fit well
Catan collectors know the pain of three or four boxes stacked in a closet. The TowerRex Catan organizer consolidates the base game, Cities and Knights, and Seafarers into the original box.
I tested this with the base game plus both expansions and everything closed cleanly inside one box. The engraved hex tiles on the trays are a nice touch that matches the theme.
Setup time dropped from the usual 10 minutes of shuffling through bags to about 3 minutes. The in-game trays keep development cards, resource cards, and tokens separated during play.
Sleeved cards fit in their slots. I used premium sleeves and they slid in without forcing.
Materials and assembly experience
The HDF wood is sturdy but the cuts can be sharp during assembly. Wear gloves or sand the edges before pressing pieces together.
I recommend wood glue for any joints you want to last. The friction fit holds during normal use but breaks apart if the box gets dropped.
Where the organizer struggles
The 5-6 player expansion does not fit cleanly. You will need a separate container for those pieces or remove the decorative lids from the trays.
Non-US Catan versions with plastic pieces may have different dimensions. The organizer is designed for the standard US Catan release.
8. PRODUCT80 BitsBins Combo Pack – Best Versatile
- Combo pack includes 4 sizes for versatile organization
- Pods slide together for lining up in boxes
- Snaps closed securely for board game use
- Useful beyond games for crafts and Lego
- Speeds setup and teardown across many board games
- Latches don't always hold securely if jostled
- XL size is slightly too small for standard cards
- Slightly more expensive per piece than competitors
Where the Ticket to Ride BitsBin set is single-game, this combo pack is the catch-all solution. It includes 4 XLs, 4 Originals, 4 Minis, and 6 Pods across 18 total pieces.
I distributed the boxes across Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, and Cascadia over a weekend. The Pods worked for small tokens like resources. The Originals held larger cards and dice. The XLs swallowed rulebooks and player aids.
The Pods slide together and lock, which let me build a custom row of token containers inside one of my game boxes. It is a small feature but it made the inside of the box feel intentional.
Setup time improved across all three games. The 275 reviews averaging 4.6 stars reflect how well this combo fits most board game collections.
Sizing for different games
The XL bins measure 3.5 inches by 2.4 inches by 1.4 inches. Standard-sized board game cards are 2.5 inches by 1.75 inches, so they fit with a little room to spare.
For sleeved cards or oversized tarot-sized decks, the XL is too tight. Step up to a separate card box for those.
Closure durability
The snap closures hold during normal play. Pick up a bin by the lid and it stays shut. Toss a bin in a travel bag and the lid may pop open.
If you travel frequently, store the bins in the included pouch or a separate container.
9. GAMELAND Collapsible Storage Bowls – Best for Travel
- Holds tokens dice and accessories for tabletop play
- Five classic colors for component coordination
- Folds flat for storage inside game box
- Durable silicone resists tearing
- Useful beyond gaming
- Corner snaps pop apart more easily than they click together
- Material feels sticky to some users
- Slightly small for larger puzzle sorting
The GAMELAND bowls are similar in concept to the Luck Lab trays but with a different fold pattern. I tested both side by side and the GAMELAND bowls snap into a flatter profile when collapsed.
For travel gamers who pack light, these disappear into a carry-on. The five colors are classic board game player colors: black, red, yellow, blue, and green.
During a Wingspan teach at a coffee shop, I unfolded all five bowls on the table and players kept their bird food tokens sorted by color. Cleanup was a 10-second job.
After 511 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consensus is that these bowls work well for casual gaming and travel.
How they hold up over time
Silicone is the most travel-friendly material for game organizers. The bowls survived my backpack without damage over a month of weekly use.
The corner snaps are the weak link. They pop apart under heavy pressure, which can spill tokens mid-game if you are not careful.
Versatility beyond board games
I have used these bowls for jewelry, coins, Lego sorting, and dice trays for D&D sessions. The multi-purpose nature means they earn their space even when not gaming.
If you want one organizer that does several jobs, the GAMELAND set fits the bill at a reasonable price point.
10. TowerRex Organizer for Splendor – Best for Splendor
TowerRex Organizer for Splendor Board Game and Cities of Splendor Expansion, Storage Insert, Accessories Upgrade
- Compatible with Splendor base game and Cities of Splendor expansion
- Sturdy smooth wood with engraved details
- Precise cuts fit snugly without glue needed
- Reduces setup and teardown time significantly
- Improves gem storage vs stacking on the table
- Assembly is required and time-consuming without glue
- Some tabs may need light sanding
- Not compatible with Splendor Duel
Splendor is a quick game, but stacking gems on the table has always bugged me. The TowerRex Splendor insert sorts gems into individual trays so players can grab what they need.
Assembly took about 75 minutes for me. The cuts fit snugly enough that glue is optional, though I added a few drops to the stress points for longevity.
The Cities of Splendor expansion fits alongside the base game. Both close in the original Splendor box with the organizer inside.
The engraved decorative details match the gem theme and look intentional rather than generic.
Why this insert shines for Splendor
Splendor has only a few components: tokens, gem chips, development cards, and nobles. The organizer dedicates one tray to each, which speeds up setup dramatically.
During a four-player game, players sorted their reserved cards into separate slots and the table stayed organized until the end.
Sand before assembly
A few tabs need light sanding for a perfect fit. TowerRex ships the pieces with slightly tight tolerances which leads to either forced assembly or breakage.
Take 15 minutes with fine sandpaper on the friction-fit tabs. The insert goes together much smoother after that.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Board Game Inserts
Picking the right board game insert depends on the games you play, how often you travel, and whether you mind a little assembly. Here are the factors that mattered most during our testing.
Material type: wood, foam, plastic, or silicone
Wood and HDF inserts from companies like TowerRex and The Broken Token feel premium and last for years. They weigh more, often require 1-12 hours of assembly, and usually need wood glue for durability.
Foam inserts from Folded Space weigh less, assemble faster with PVA glue, and tolerate rougher handling. They are easier to modify with a craft knife if a tray is too tall.
Plastic organizers like the PRODUCT80 BitsBins and Gamegenic Token Silo need no assembly. They are ready out of the box and survive travel well. The trade-off is a less premium feel.
Silicone trays from Luck Lab and GAMELAND are the lightest option. They fold flat for storage but flop under heavy components.
Expansion compatibility
Most premium inserts handle one or two expansions. The TowerRex Catan insert consolidates three products, which is rare. Before buying, check whether the insert lists your specific expansions.
Games that grow continuously, like Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion or Spirit Island, may need a custom solution since off-the-shelf inserts do not always cover new content.
Sleeved cards
If you sleeve your cards, inserts that specify sleeved card compatibility are essential. Most TowerRex and Broken Token products list this. Foam inserts from Folded Space accommodate sleeves but check the dimensions.
Plastic boxes like BitsBins vary in size. The XL size in the BitsBins Combo Pack is tight for standard sleeved cards.
Assembly time and difficulty
Wood and HDF inserts require the most assembly. Budget 1-12 hours depending on the product. The Broken Token Gloomhaven organizer took our team 6 hours with sanding breaks.
Foam inserts take 30-90 minutes with glue. Silicone and plastic organizers take seconds.
Reddit threads on r/boardgames consistently warn that even snap-fit designs often need glue for long-term durability.
3D printed inserts as an alternative
For gamers who own a 3D printer, custom inserts are a serious alternative to commercial products. Sites like Printables and Thingiverse host thousands of free insert designs for popular games.
The recommended infill for 3D printed board game inserts is 15-20 percent. Lower infill saves filament but produces flimsier trays. Higher infill creates heavier trays that hold up better over time.
PETG and PLA are the most common filaments. PETG tolerates heat better and resists cracking if you leave inserts in a hot car. PLA is easier to print and looks cleaner but becomes brittle over time.
Designs typically take 8-24 hours to print depending on size. Our team printed a Spirit Island insert over two evenings and the result matched the fit of commercial foam products.
DIY foam core inserts
If you do not own a printer, foam core board from any craft store lets you build a custom insert with a utility knife and glue. The result is lightweight and tailored to your exact components.
Popular YouTube tutorials walk through foam core construction for games like Catan and Dominion. The result takes 2-4 hours per game but costs a fraction of commercial inserts.
Weight and portability
Travel gamers should prioritize foam or silicone inserts. The Folded Space Gloomhaven insert weighs 1 kg, while the equivalent wood insert from Broken Token weighs significantly more.
Plastic organizers like the Gamegenic Token Silo are portable at 0.32 kg but bulkier than folded silicone trays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are board game inserts worth the money?
Yes, for games you play regularly. Inserts cut setup time from 15-20 minutes to under 5 minutes for most games. They also protect components, consolidate expansions, and make games easier to teach. For rarely-played games, the cost may not justify the upgrade.
What is the best material for board game inserts?
Wood and HDF inserts from companies like TowerRex and Broken Token feel premium and last for years but weigh more. Foam inserts from Folded Space are lighter and assemble faster. Plastic organizers need no assembly but feel less premium. Silicone trays are best for travel.
What is the recommended infill for 3D printed board game inserts?
Use 15 to 20 percent infill for most 3D printed board game inserts. Lower infill saves filament but produces flimsier trays. Higher infill creates heavier trays that hold up better over time. PETG filament tolerates heat better than PLA for inserts stored in cars or attics.
Do board game inserts fit sleeved cards?
Most premium inserts from TowerRex, Broken Token, and Folded Space specify sleeved card compatibility and design slots to fit standard 60-micron sleeves. Always check the product description before buying if you sleeve your cards. Plastic boxes like BitsBins vary in size and may be too tight for thicker premium sleeves.
Can I make my own board game inserts?
Yes, using foam core board from a craft store or a 3D printer. Foam core construction takes 2-4 hours per game with a utility knife and glue. 3D printed inserts require a printer, filament, and 8-24 hours of print time. Both approaches cost less than commercial inserts but require patience and basic tools.
Conclusion
After three months of testing across 10 products, the Gamegenic Token Silo Convertible earns our Editor’s Choice as the best board game insert for most collections. The modular trays, clip-on lid, and 9 compartments cover the widest range of games with zero assembly.
For board game collectors who want premium wood craftsmanship, the TowerRex Wingspan organizer is our top wood pick. The Broken Token Gloomhaven insert is the premium choice for Gloomhaven owners who can handle 4-12 hours of assembly.
On a budget, the Luck Lab folding silicone trays offer the best value for casual gamers. Travel gamers should consider the GAMELAND collapsible bowls or the Folded Space foam inserts depending on how permanent they want the solution to be.
The best board game inserts in 2026 come down to your collection size, assembly tolerance, and how often you travel with games. Any of these 10 picks will reduce setup time, protect your components, and bring your games to the table faster. For related organizing ideas, check out our guides on game feeders and Catan collector editions.