The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for thoughtful gifts that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
But here’s a thought. What if some of the best gifts we could give aren’t things at all?
What if they’re the gift of our time?
That’s exactly what inspired this week’s project—a DIY Gift Coupon Book that’s easy to make, fun to personalize, and perfect for just about anyone on your gift list.
And while I created mine with Christmas in mind, this is one of those projects you can use all year long!
A Little Book Filled with Big Possibilities
The idea is simple. Create a little handmade booklet filled with coupons that the recipient can redeem for special activities, experiences, or even a helping hand.
My sample has four coupons, plus a special first page where you can write a personal message. But there’s no magic number here. You can include as many coupons as you’d like!
Each coupon page has a perforated edge, so the recipient can tear out a coupon whenever they’re ready to redeem it.
And the best part? You get to decide what goes inside.
Coupon Ideas for Everyone on Your List
One of the things I love most about this project is how easily you can personalize it.
For your spouse or significant other:
- Breakfast in bed
- Dinner for two
- Movie night at home
- An afternoon adventure
For young children:
- A YES Day
- Baking cookies together
- A family game night
- Building a blanket fort
For parents or grandparents:
- Help with yard work
- An afternoon playing cards
- A homemade meal together
- Help with a household project
For adult children:
- Your Choice – My Treat
- Coffee and conversation
- A family recipe cooking day
- An afternoon adventure
For friends:
- Lunch together
- A crafting afternoon
- Homemade cookie delivery
- A walk and talk
See where I’m going with this?
Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that mean the most. And I especially love the idea of children making these for their grandparents. It’s a wonderful way to teach them that giving doesn’t always have to involve spending money.
Let’s Make a Coupon Book!
For my sample, I used Poppy Parade and Peaceful Pine cardstock along with the Timeless Christmas Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!® You can purchase these supplies from my Stampin’ Up!® store here.
The Christmas paper worked beautifully because I could cut out some of the designs and use them to decorate the individual coupons without a lot of extra work.
The booklet itself is made from a piece of cardstock that’s scored to create a front cover, back cover, and a narrow binding along the side.
Inside, I added alternating red and green cardstock pages. Using the serrated attachment on my Take Your Pick Tool, I created perforated lines so each coupon can be torn out.
A length of ribbon holds everything together and adds a pretty finishing touch.
For the cover, I used the Scalloped Christmas Cheer stamps and dies to create the “A Gift for You” sentiment, along with a little holly and a few embellishments.
It’s a simple project, but the finished book looks like something special.
And remember, you don’t have to use Christmas papers. Change the colors and decorations, and you’ve got a wonderful gift for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just because.
Watch the DIY Gift Coupon Book Tutorial
Want to see how it all comes together?
In this week’s video, I’ll show you how to create the booklet, add the perforated coupon pages, decorate the inside, and assemble everything with ribbon.
Get the Measurements and Printable Coupon Ideas
If you’re ready to make your own coupon book, I’ve created a coordinating Inspiration Sheet for members of my Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault.
The sheet includes:
- Complete cutting and scoring measurements in both imperial and metric
- Coupon ideas for couples
- Ideas for parents and young children
- Coupons children can give to parents or grandparents
- Ideas for parents to give their adult children
- Friendship-themed coupons
- General coupon ideas that work for just about anyone
The coupon ideas are arranged on printable pages, making it easy to print them on cardstock, cut them out with your favorite punches or dies, and add them to your book.
The Inspiration Sheet is included with your Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault membership, which is just $9 per month. You’ll also have access to more than 40 other Inspiration Sheets featuring card templates, fun folds, techniques, and creative projects.
JOIN THE CRAFTY KLOCK INSPIRATION VAULT
It’s Not About How Much You Spend
I think sometimes we get so caught up in finding the perfect gift that we forget what really matters.
A coupon for an afternoon together, a favorite home-cooked meal, or even a little help around the house might not cost much, but it can mean an awful lot to the person receiving it.
And those are the kinds of gifts that create memories.
So tell me, who would you make a coupon book for, and what would you put inside?
I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments. You might just inspire someone else!
Stay Crafty,
Judy