Coupons - Guidelines for the Activities

The write start - Jennifer Hallissy 2010

Coupons
Guidelines for the Activities

WHEN IT COMES to gift giving, children want to know how to make something all by themselves, from start to finish, without having to ask for help. That way, they can maintain the element of surprise.

Enter the coupon booklet. Customizable for any occasion, a cute coupon book is a gift that keeps giving. Show kids how to make their first one, and they’ll be able to craft a made-to-order gift for any special occasion or just to show a little everyday appreciation.

Don’t be fooled by how easy it looks, though. Children put a tremendous amount of thought into their various offerings. And as economical as it seems, that’s an illusion as well. Receive a coupon for “one free anytime hug” or “breakfast in bed with all the fixings” and, no doubt, to you it will be priceless.

MATERIALS

copies of coupon template (see “Coupon” in the templates section) or strips of blank paper

scissors

colored card stock

pencil

crayons, markers, or colored pencils

stapler

HOW-TO

1. Make several copies of the coupon template and let your kids cut out the coupons.

2. Cut two pieces of colored card stock slightly larger than the coupons. These will be the front and back covers of the coupon booklet. Kids can decorate them with crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

3. Encourage your children to think of a special thing they can do for or with their beneficiary: a favor, a sign of affection, something helpful, a place to go, or time to spend together.

4. When they have all their coupons filled out, show your children how to gather them in a small stack. Then place one piece of card stock on top of the pile and one on the bottom. Staple the whole stack together along the left-hand edge using two to three staples.

5. If, as they say, it’s the thought that counts, this gift will be a hit!

Variations

For Scribblers: The only thing that thrills those little Scribblers more than scribbling is doling out hugs and kisses. Show them how to write Xs and Os all over those promissory notes, and enjoy cashing in!

For Spellers: Simplify coupon writing for Spellers by helping them brainstorm a master list at the get-go, so they can refer to it as they write.

For Storytellers: Storytellers will certainly get creative with this one. Encourage them to take a moment before they begin to imagine the giftee in vivid detail, and then envision all the things that would make that person happy.

For Scholars: Scholars can use their coupons to plan an adventure, outing, or event with the recipient, with each coupon representing a part of the plan. Sounds like a win-win kind of gift to me!