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Gift Cards Are Fine, But TIME Cards Are A Sure Hit

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Contributed by: Dianne Perea on 12/10/2007

I asked my kids to write down what they wanted for Christmas. They promptly went into their rooms and about 30 minutes later emerged with a piece of paper with nearly impossible to read items...except the very first one.

1. More time with mom and dad.

Holding back tears, I said, "I am 100% sure we can make your #1 wish come true." Following this was the typical toy list that you would expect from a 6-year-old and 10-year-old. Later that night, I went to my computer and designed some cards that were business card sized that said the following:

The Bearer of This Card Is Entitled to an Evening at the Mall with the parent of their choice, orboth. No Expiration Date!

I fancied it up with a nice Christmas border and some cute clip art. I got about 10 on a page (you can do this is Word or Publisher), just make sure there is enough room in between for you to cut them out as individual cards. Other ideas I had were "A Girls Night Out," "Shoe Shopping," "Manicure and Pedicure," for boys it could just be hanging out at their favorite spot, going to the mall, going to a movie, I think you get the idea. So, after you have all these cards on the computer, print them out (black and white or color), and if you have a laminating machine, laminate the page. Cut them each out and wrap them each in the most beautiful way you can. Remember...presentation is everything! I will tell you that out of all the gifts I've given my girls, these were the ones that they treasured the most. They've cherished them, used every one of them, and felt like they received the golden ticket when they got them.

Friends, our kids only want time with us. And this is the perfect present to not only acknowledge to them that we know this, but to give them the opportunity to let us know when they need us. You could give it to them as a sheet or one at a time, you know, like a stocking stuffer.

I hope this tip inspires you to think about the kinds of time your kids want to spend with you, and it sure is an easy and fun way to say to you kids, "I love you, I like you, I want to spend time with you, and now you have the power to tell me when you want me to stop and be with you.

It truly is the simple things in life that make the greatest impact on us, isn't it?

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Dianne Perea

Colorado Springs , CO

Dianne Perea has posted 127 stories and 6 comments since joining on 6/26/2007. Dianne Perea 's average story rating is 4.91.

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