In continuing my theme of working ahead on gifts for next year, I remembered fun little coupon books my Mom used to make us when we were younger. She always used the same ivory paper stapled together on one side that had been perforated with some sort of sewing notion I'm speculating. At any rate, they were always fun and we are hoping to lessen the "stuff" next Christmas so I thought this would be a fun tradition to revisit in our home.
Also fun was making the little pockets to hold their monthly coupons and of course, making these look cute! I started by picking out scraps of paper that I thought fit the style and/or personality of each child.
To begin, choose your papers and cut squares that are 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches. If you are doing one per month as I did, of course, you will need twelve squares per card you want to make.
Cut a little slit at the two bottom corners as shown above.
Fold back the two side flaps like this.
Trim off the pointy corners that stick out.
Fold the bottom edge up to create your pocket.
Repeat for each pocket. Glue onto a piece of card stock using a line of hot glue around the three folded edges.
Now for the fun part - coming up with your coupon ideas! I had a couple of criteria in choosing these:
* not something I do all the time anyway
* not expensive
* not difficult to execute
* definitely something fun and enjoyable!
I tried to choose things I know my children love doing but that I might be reluctant to do on a regular basis.
Here are the coupons included:
January: pick out your favorite treat from the grocery store
February: Tea Party
March: Breakfast in Bed
April: Play a game with Mama
May: Go out for ice cream
June: Go to the beach
July: Go swimming
August: Movie Marathon with snacky's!
September: Camp out in the living room
October: Picnic and Park
November: Go out for breakfast
December: Pick a fun holiday thing to do together
Next, I wrapped up with wax paper and some cute string/twine and on the girls some tiny brads to hold the sides closed. I didn't spend anything to make the cards, but of course a few of the coupons will cost a little bit.