Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Negotiating My Own Coupon Book

“Just a hug.” 

That’s my standard answer each year when my boys ask me what I want for Christmas.  They usually smile, shake their heads, and then they say, “No, really, Mom, what do you want?”

So this year, I suggested, “Why not make a coupon book of things you are willing to do for me.   It would mean more than anything you or your dad could buy because you are giving of yourself and your time.”

So here is a cover and coupon pattern I made for them to print out and use.  If you like them, feel free to copy, paste and print as many as you like.

coupon book cover

Coupon page

Here are some things we thought of for my coupon book:

  • Oh how I would love to have someone vacuum my car.
  • Or clear the table—completely, including the wiping.
  • Make a batch of cookies for lunch snacks. (My 12 year old loves to do this anyway.)
  • Give me complete control of the remote (or pick a movie of MY choice) for a whole night.  (I’d settle for an hour slot, though.  And pretty much anything but Star Wars or the History Channel)
  • A dinner date where my children make and serve dinner for my husband and me.  Whatever they choose.  :)  (I’m good with PB & J.  But I’m hoping for Omelets!)
  • Vacuum my bedroom.  I’m embarrassed to say that it hardly ever gets done.
  • Wipe down my kitchen cabinets.  (They used to be white…)
  • A totally fight-free night.  (a highly valuable coupon when you have three boys)
  • How about a free tub scrub/shower cleaning?
  • Organize the linen closet

I’m still trying to get them to throw in a “multiple use” clause.  But my oldest isn’t buying it.  Smart kid.

My boys liked the idea so much that they asked if I could make them a coupon book too!  Although they have just begun their lists, they put in requests for such things as:

  • A sleepover with up to three friends.  Terms to be negotiated.
  • One junk food item.  Our treat.
  • A Saturday play date with up to 6 friends.
  • A movie night with favorite snack.
  • A stay up as late as you want coupon.
  • Ice cream for dinner.
  • Dinner at Krispy Kreme  (Hey, that’s a GOOD one!  Add it to MY list)

…You get the picture.  :)

What are some other ideas you could put on a coupon??  I’d love to hear them!

P.S. Boys, I still want my hugs.  :)

This week’s Works For Me Wednesday is Themed: Gift Ideas: handmade, homemade, unique or frugal! Go check out all the great ideas!

7 comments:

Diane said...

I would love a coupon that says One hot bath with no interruptions...i hate trying to relax only to have someone ask me where their homework, shoes,dinner is.

The Prudent Homemaker said...

Oooh ooh ooh!

My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I didn't have anything to say. If my children ask me, I have something to say now, thanks to your idea!

I would like my bedroom to be dusted, including the dust bunnies under the bed; the bathroom cabinets to be wiped; the bathroom floor and bedroom floor to be mopped.

Fun ideas!

I read something about coupon books the other day where the children were given coupon books for mom making their bed or cleaning their room. They said that they were such huge hits that their children asked for them again!

Anonymous said...

This DEFINITELY works for me!!! Great idea and I just may use this as a stocking stuffer! :)

Brenda @ Tie That Binds Us said...

I love it when my kids make me these kinds of books. : )

I'm posting a lot of frugal hand made gift-giving ideas at my holiday blog. Come check it out: http://www.2008jessetree.blogspot.com

Kimberly said...

My husband asked me what I wanted and I told him I wanted a night off. Just one. I love my kiddos, and they really are the best gift ever, but sometimes it is a bit much.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea, I love the dinner at Kripy Kreme! :) Your boys are funny! And my bedroom rarely ever gets vacuumed either!

I would want a coupon for someone to match ALL the unmatched socks, and someone make a nice dinner and clean up.

Anna said...

Great ideas. I love service gifts!