My husband did a fantastic job getting them set up with a
slew of new toys this year. As I was reviewing their toy requests and
began purging their childish things I couldn’t believe how quickly my kids have
grown out of most of their favorite things. It won’t be long now that the toys we bought
for this Christmas will no longer be cool, or hold any value. So what will hold
value and keep them entertained without bringing a whole bunch of new stuff
into my house to manage?
A calendar already pre-loaded with date days, or fun
activities for each child. Last year I was introduced to a “date calendar” where
you schedule one on one time with each child once a month. I had intentions of
creating an entire calendar and adding to a binder. Instead I put my ideas into
a card and sealed in an envelope. We opened one each month. I included things
we normally do together like a day at the salon or a walk on our favorite
trail, or time at the park together.
I stuffed in coupons and prepaid gift
cards for things like ice cream, the movies and a trip to the toy store. I
presented 12 envelopes in a gift bag under the tree and we used one per month.
My kids loved it! It was like a chose your own adventure and a gift to unwrap
all in one. But juggling 12 cards per kid
was a bit much for me. So this year I’m switching to the binder idea.
I started searching on Pinterest and found an amazing binder
set from the Dating Divas. You can download everything you need to make a
colorful binder cover and enhanced activities to do with your kids for around
$15. However, I’m sure if you keep searching you will find something for free,
or be inspired to create your own. For a small investment of time (and printer
ink) you can create a really unique gift for your child for around $20. The fun
will last all year and there is no new stuff to clutter up your shelves or step
on while walking through the living room.
Most of the date nights are low cost or free like going to the library,
or stargazing.
If you like the idea of presenting a card each month here is
your how to:
1. Purchase a set of 12 pretty stationary cards
(can find these at the dollar store).
2. Subscribe to Hudson Valley Parent's newsletters and receive fun, free activities in your local area. It's free to subscribe and and search their activities calendar!
3. Find free classes at Michael’s (online) or a local sip and paint shop!
4. Grab your calendar and start planning your days
out and your budget.
5. Write inside each card what surprise activity
you will do together that month. Write the month on the front of the envelope
and be sure to stuff any prepaid gift cards or coupons inside before you seal
it up.
Assemble your cards in a nice box or basket, or even a special gift bag and place under the tree. Include a note to explain what the gift is about.
The memories you create during these outings will last long
after your child grows out of the latest fad toy. It’s easy to make this
project your own and you can tailor it to fit your budget. Living in the Hudson
Valley there is an enormous amount of free things to do and see. Get creative
and put this truly unique gift under your tree. No other kids will have one
just like it and you won’t have stand online for hours to get one.
The Whatever Mom is a full-time wife and twin mama living on coffee and wine. She enjoys the pure rush of cleaning the BIG potty between loads of laundry. It is her dream that moms everywhere accept and embrace the Whatever Mom philosophy which can be found here. You can also find her musings and popular shares on Facebook and Twitter. Stay up to date with her creative ideas and outings on Pinterest.