Want to give your family an extremely unique experience gift this year?

Since November is all about prep, I decided I am going to use some time to prep a unique gift idea that I found on Pinterest. Even trying to search for the idea, I am coming up empty now. Otherwise, I would add a link. But, the idea is well ingrained in my head!

It’s a year of family fun!

Here is how it all breaks down.

Label the envelope and add whatever information or money you might need for the outing or adventure. You can put all the envelopes into a book or basket for the ‘presentation’ of the gift. Each label could start with something like, “When you need…” Then add the name of the treat or outing.

Here are some examples for you:

When you need something sweet – tuck in some money into the envelope for an ice cream outing for the family.

When you need to celebrate – Grab a gift card or some money for a favourite restaurant.

When you need adventure – tuck in a picture of a place your kids love to go, like a bowling alley, a trampoline park, or something else that kills a couple hours of the day.

When you need some time with Mommy – write some ideas about what you can do one on one with each kid on separate pieces of paper.

When you need some time with Daddy – same thing as above – write down ideas that Daddy can do with each kid one on one.

When you need to skip town – print off a picture of a hotel in a nearby town or add a map with a location highlighted and stay for a weekend. Make sure there’s something for everyone at the destination town. Write down some of the fun things about the town or place you’ll stay.

When you need an afternoon in the sun – suggest a nearby beach.

When you need some time with a friend – write out an adventure that each kid can do with their friend.

When you need to recharge – you can write out a specific hike if that’s how your kids recharge or some other activity they may love.

When you need to be one with nature – book a camping trip and include a map of your route or the site.

When you need some grandparent time – plan a sleepover with a grandparent ahead of time, for some one on one special bonding time.

When you need a big splash – have a day at a waterpark!

When you need some ‘amusement’ – have a day at an amusement park – get it…?? Ha!

When you need time to chill – name a few favourite movies that the kids could pick from to watch and include a list of special snacks they could pick as well.

The list can go on and on! AND, depending on your budget, you could come up with lots of creative ideas that your family will love!

You could create different sets of envelopes for each kid – but what I love most about doing it as a family is that it can help to create lots of great family bonding opportunities. The best thing about a gift like this is that it’s so personal! You could give it to young kids by adding lots of pictures in each envelope about what the “gifts” are. You can give it to teens, because you can tailor it to suit their interests. You can even give it to college students or young working adult kids. You can even just give it to your spouse or close friends with a bunch of shared adventures to enjoy through the year!

It’s so versatile and exciting to put together. BUT, it does require lots of thinking ahead and some money up front to help pay for the adventures so they don’t impact your pocket as much through the year.

One of the greatest parts about this gift is that it’s easy to pull out a random envelope when you don’t have anything on for a particular day. You know, one of those Saturdays where there’s finally no scheduled plan. Instead of letting the day get away from you, just grab an envelope and make some family memories.

So have fun creating a year of fun with your kids, friends, or spouse!

Thanks for coming home!