BUTCHER PAPER GAMEBOARD
We made a quick gameboard out of four sheets of butcher paper, laid in a square, on which we painted red, blue, and green stars and circles. Sometimes it's the stars that matter, sometimes it's the colors, sometimes both. We intend to make a more permanent game board out of painted canvas when this gets utterly destroyed, but so far (thanks to insistance on socks only) it's holding up. The nice thing is it is very light weight and can be rolled up and stored easily.
USE INTERESTING COLOURS SHAPES
I agree with Kim. Definitely the key is thinking of interesting color/shape combinations so that the board can be used a variety of ways, for a variety of games.
GAME PIECES BODY SOCKS
An added fun thing we do when we play games is the children wear body socks upside down so their heads peek out. They look like giant colored game pieces. I wouldn't make body socks for this alone, but it's a fun way to get extra use out of them for those who have them. (Helps coordinate "teams," too.)
Peace,
Lisa