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Mommy Convos

5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year

in Our Favorites, What's Working Wednesday on 07/12/20

I did something drastic to my kids last Christmas and didn’t give them presents. Okay, I gave them a few essential items. But, instead of gifting the never-ending list of toys that are usually forgotten at the end of the month, my husband and I gifted our children with adventures to last the year.

Last year Mommy Convos published several articles, one about my impressions of planning a Christmas as a minimalist and another article on how to gift items that aren’t toys here. In fact, Jennica’s recently published another article about true minimalism and how to achieve the minimalism journey with 10 goals here. Today this article is a report on our yearly experience doing the Family Adventure Coupon Book and why I’d like to continue this tradition this year. But first, the challenges of the coupon book…

The Challenges:

Family: My kids are blessed with lots of family: Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts and Uncles. They want to gift my children with items and for that, I am so thankful, but with a small space, the toy-clutter becomes unbearable sometimes. The biggest challenge we faced with our “gifting adventure and memories over gifts” is getting the rest of the family to follow suit.  So the compromise? My husband and I gift adventures and memories and let the extended family gift how they choose.

Santa: This may seem like a challenge, but how we’ve worked the system from day one has not created a problem for our family. Santa gifts are usually left on the couch Christmas morning with their Santa Boot filled with goodies. And the presents under the tree are from the parents.  Last year, the Jolly Man showed up like usual and under the tree, there were lots of gifted items as well. Also, under the tree was our big family gift- the Family Adventure Coupon Book.

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5 Reasons to Gift Adventures:

1.) Toy-clutter is cut down- yippee!

When you live in a small space, you learn to de-clutter before the holidays. (De-cluttering before or after the holiday is a great idea- follow this guide for help.)  If you know there are no new toys coming in December the stress of de-cluttering is lowered.

2.) Buying with Intention

Have you ever bought something and minutes later regretted that impulse decision? I used to become victim to over-purchasing something because “it was on sale” during Black Friday. Now that my husband and I gift with our family adventures in mind- I know what I’m buying and what I don’t want to waste my time or money on.

3.) Staying Out of Debt OR Be True to a Budget

My husband is our main provider and to make our dollar stretch I purchase gifts throughout the year. We have a set budget we purchase Christmas with and avoid debt at all costs. Ironically, I am writing this paragraph hours after an unexpected car repair that’s costing us over $400… which is totally awesome. (Please note the sarcasm.) BUT you guys- we aren’t going in debt for that car repair either! We budget for unexpected problems, Christmas and gifts and vacation year round. SOOOO no debt for us. Making a budget that you stick with is important- I am living proof of this today! I’m not thrilled about our car repair happening today, but my kids are still getting Christmas- because it was purchased throughout the year and we budgeted for the car repairs.  Yippee for living what I’m actually teaching right?

quality family time. adventure coupon book. how to gift quality family time. spending time as a family. cheap family activities. inexpensive family activities. family adventures.

4.) Grateful for What You Have

Have you seen this video? The fantastic video spins how people take even the simplest gifts for granted.  We should spend more time focusing on the things, gifts and people they have in our lives today then the things we wish we had. Instead, focus on the memories you could make with those you love and have in your life already.

5.) The MOST Important Reason…. Memories Trump Material Things

Think back to your childhood… What do you immediately think of? What comes to your mind? For me, I don’t remember everything I wore. (Though I do remember those blasted ankle stirrup leggings always tugging down my pencil pants.-Yuck!) What memories come to mind are the trips I took with my family. My family was blessed to go on lots of trips, some in the camper and some destinations that got us there by plane. I remember taking that first humid breath in the Honolulu airport. Or, the beautiful watercolors of blue of the Caribbean ocean. And of course, our many camping trips to Canada are ones I still take my children on.  All of these childhood memories are the ones that my sisters and I talk fondly of when we get together. Big adventures, everyday adventures, these are the memories are what bind families together.

How We Did the Coupons Throughout the Year

Date to the Movies the kiddies were gifted plenty of theater candies, a refillable popcorn bucket, and a gift card to the movie theater.

Ice cream Date with Dad turned into an ice cream date with the family.  I mean, you know the song. “I scream, you scream we all scream for…. ice cream.” 😀 We purchased several gift cards to Coldstone and gifted the cards with the coupon.

quality family time. adventure coupon book. how to gift quality family time. spending time as a family. cheap family activities. inexpensive family activities. family adventures.

Hiking with Dad we turned the hiking into bike riding and camping this summer with the kids.

With each coupon, there was a coordinating treat, item(s) and gift cards. For instance: one coupon was for “bowling night” so attached to coupon was a much-needed present of socks and a gift card to our local bowling alley.  Another coupon was for “laser tag” and all the kids got a pair of new shoes. Are you catching the theme? The children still got presents, but attached to those coupons was a gift card to use later. And I loved that we spent money on the gift cards in December so when we wanted to go on adventures with our kiddies we didn’t have to worry about adjusting the budget for those spontaneous dates with the kids. We already had the gift cards ready to go!

Bottom line:

I like to plan ahead. If you know me, you know that I always have an agenda and I always have a backup plan to the plan in case things go south. I believe in being prepared. Having coupons that reminded our family to create memories this year was important. And having gift cards attached to those coupons made the spontaneous family plans less stressful on the money-end. Our pantry is filled with treats ready to go and the Family Adventure Coupon Book hangs on a hook in the kitchen ready for fun. Memories are worth more than gold and spending time together as a family binds us closer than ever. The memories can be simple bike rides or extravagant trips- it doesn’t matter. Spend time together as a family, plan that time with these adorable printables- it’ll be worth your time- promise.

 

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Morgan

About Morgan

Morgan is a domestic goddess in the Dewey household. Wife to her fourteen year college sweetheart and mother to four: a performer, soccer player, Mario obsessed and baby designated daredevil. Morgan keeps busy on her toes with musical theater performances, soccer games and secretly snarfing chocolate down in her closet. Morgan's passion in life is family and faith, belting Broadway songs while cooking, closet quilter, reading fantastic books and writing her own. She loves her four pumpkin heads and most days truly loves being a mother.

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Morgan & Tiffaynee
Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
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•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
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So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
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Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
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Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
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Join Us on Instagram

mommyconvos

We believe mothers can change the world and that happens one conversation at a time. Snag our free "Summer Resources" E-book below 💕🏡

Morgan & Tiffaynee
Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
Load More... FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
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