Valentine’s Day is two days away and I have nothing at all planned for the children. It shouldn’t matter, except that they really look forward to something special. That’s of course my fault entirely for having spoilt them so. However, I do believe we should celebrate every occasion we can, as long as it doesn’t become a compulsion or a pressure. This year with exams coming on early and the pressure of tests and projects, we’re in dire need of cheering up but I’ve hardly had time to think of anything.
That is why I was looking for something quick and easy (and also free) that they would love. I’m taking a cue from something H did once. There’s a little bit of a story here, hear me out and then I’ll share my idea. So the thing is while H is the huggiest child when it comes to immediate family, he’s extremely shy when it comes to friends and extended family. It’s a joke of sorts, with everyone trying to hug him while he runs around trying to avoid them. Once when he was clueless about ideas for his aunt’s birthday, he made ‘Huggie Coupons’ for her which she could ‘encash’ at will in exchange for a hug from him. They were essentially bits of paper with ‘One hug’ written on them since H isn’t the crafty kind but his aunt loved the intent.
Privilege Coupons
That’s what I’ll be doing this year for the children. I’m making coupons which they can encash for special privileges. I like that it gives them a sense of choice, which is something teens are always fighting for. That said, I really thought through my ‘offers’. The option of not being able to fulfil any of them doesn’t exist. Both H and N are absolute Shylocks when it comes to extracting their pound of flesh and I shall forever be labeled ‘unfair’ and a ‘promise breaker’ if I dishonour a coupon.
Here’s my list of offers:
1. Weekend Movie Night Pick
2. Chore Free Day
3. Order Out Day
Cannot be used the same week as Pizza Night
4. A meal of your choice
24-hour notice required
5. Pizza Night
Cannot be used the same week as Order Out Day
6. Mama Hour
An hour of Mama’s undivided attention for an activity of your choice
We could read along, craft together, watch videos, your pick. It has to be on a weekend.
7. Weekend Coffee Date
8. Weekend Breakfast in Bed
9. Get Your Room Cleaned
10. Weekend trip to the mall
I included this one only because we have a small, very functional kind of mall right next to our apartment complex and I know the children love going to the mall but aren’t big on shopping.
I made my coupons on Canva. Click here if you want to try making your own. This is what they look like. I shall staple them together into a booklet, from which they can be torn out and given.
That’s the cover of the Coupon Booklet
This is a sample of the coupon
There are also loads of love-coupons-for-kids printables on the Net. You could try those. Or you could design your own or, if you want to keep it really simple, cut out squares from fancy paper, write down your ‘offers’ and staple them together into a booklet. Easy Peasy.
A few pointers:
- Think in terms of activities (not things).
- Give them options you can see through.
- Add condition wherever you need to.
And you’re done.
Let me know if you try it.
Note: The coupons work for any age-group of kids and even for adults.
This is a great post on Valentine’s day gift ideas. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Obsessivemom,
Very good ideas thanks for sharing this blog.
Happy to read this.
Awww..that was sooo sweeeet of H 🙂
Love this idea OM..thanks for sharing !! your twins will be very happy i’m sure 😀
Priya recently put up this amazing post…New leaves…the magic of new beginnings! #ThursdayTreeLove
I like the idea. But my kids are 14 and 20. Any suggestions?