Parents required to buy $5000 in gift cards?

In this article about a school’s gift card fundraising program, Sarah Lorge Butler writes that she is not only required to participate, but is obligated to buy $5,000 worth of gift cards to net the school $250. While Butler has the option to write a check to the school for $250, the program gives parents a way to buy things they’d normally buy without spending additional money. In other words, buy $5000 in gift cards to the grocery store, hardware store, office supply store, and so forth. Then use the cards every time you shop. Proponents of the plan say it’s better than pressuring parents into buying wrapping paper, cookie dough, or other fundraising products they don’t need. I get it. But the limit is way too steep for my budget.

In addition to personal shopping, here are a few ways Butler can meet her obligation:

1. Offer to buy the group gift. Think about upcoming baby showers, bridal showers, coach gift, teacher gifts, and other occassions where people pitch in to buy one big gift. Collect money from participants and buy the gift card through the fundraiser program.
2. Give gift cards to her kids. I use gift cards to teach my kids about money because it helps them learn that plastic money (credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards) isn’t limitless. It may seem that way to little eyes when mom pulls a card out at every cash register, but not so. Gift cards help kids learn to shop within a budget. So Butler might consider getting gift cards for times when she might otherwise give her kids cash–allowance, vacation spending money, birthdays, etc.
3. Plan ahead. Think holidays, birthdays, graduation for the year and buy gift cards in advance so you don’t end up buying other things at the last minute. Don’t worry that gift cards will feel impersonal, most people love to receive them and you can add a personal touch using one of my many ideas. And don’t worry about these gift cards expiring because gift card laws have changed. No fees for a year and no expiration for at least five.
4. Build a stash. Buy extra gift cards to pull out for birthdays and special occasions you hadn’t planned for. I usually have a few extra iTunes gift cards on hand because it is a gift card nearly everybody enjoys and can be used anywhere. Amazon.com, Fandango, and online bookstores would also be good.

For any gift card purchased, I’d be sure to enter and track them in an app like Tango Card. This will not only help Butler use the cards purchased, but could speed check out processes that sometimes work faster if you know the balance on the card before starting the transaction.

The whole family makes a sacrifice when a parent is the coach.

Last year, my husband helped coach my son’s basketball team. At the end of the season, one of the moms gave me an orchid and said, “We know it’s a sacrifice for you to have your husband coach.” This sweet gesture has stayed with me ever since–recognizing that coaching is a family commitment.

I’m in charge of the coaches gifts for my older son’s baseball team. Following her example, I got each coach a gift card to the movie theater and a bowl full of movie-themed treats. On the card I wrote, “We know the family gave up a lot to have you coach our boys. We are grateful for your family and hope you enjoy a nice night out. You all deserve it!”

Check here for other Thank You Coach ideas.

I love baseball season. As much as I tire of washing uniforms and struggling to feed everyone a healthy dinner on game night, I’m a little sad to see it end. My youngest, who waited three years to be old enough to play in the league, would also like to stretch this season into extra innings. He had a great year and especially enjoyed having his Dad for a coach.

At the team party, the parents gave each of the coaches a gift card to REI attached to a bag of trail mix. This gift, though not baseball related, is perfect because it demonstrates that the parents recognize coaching means giving up a great deal of your time. Paul certainly would he would spent more time bike riding, working out, or hanging out by the pool had he not been teaching these little tykes how to play baseball. He’s very excited to use the gift card and to re-engage in some of his favorite past-times now that the season is over.

If you’re thanking a coach, think of what he or she might have done had they not been out on the field with your child. Then get a gift card they can use to return to that activity. If you’re not sure, movie tickets, music, or other entertaininment gift cards will work.

Check out the “Thanks Coach” section for other ideas.

I’m newly addicted to tennis. Growing up, I played basketball, softball, and volleyball. But as I’ve gotten older, finding these sports in an exercise format has gotten increasingly difficult. I’m pretty athletic, so I arrogantly thought I’d throw on a skirt and just start playing tennis. I had intended to pick up golf after that…but forget it now.

Learning tennis has been utterly humbling. Losing to a lady who is so old she carries her racquet in a rolling suitcase and needs her partner to help her down the stairs is just one of many humiliating experiences I’ve endured. There have been times I honestly thought my ego couldn’t take another match. But here I am, still trying to get my toss out in front, brush up the back of the ball, hold my racquet like a snow cone, and keep my feet moving. I vow to beat that old lady one day, even if I have to go to the nursing home to throw down the gauntlet.

Despite all this tennis frustration, today was a good day. My teammates surprised me with a thank you gift for captaining the team. They gave me a new visor and a Visa gift card to buy something from the Nike Summer Line I’ve been eying. Frankly, I should be getting them a gift for allowing me on the team. But I’m thrilled for the opportunity to up my tennis style and very much appreciate their generosity.

I’m especially grateful to my pal Stace who remembered that 2010 is the year I promised to start wearing a visor to cut down on the UV exposure. Stacey is one of the best gift givers I know. She doesn’t need my rules for gift card giving, because everything she does is thoughtful. (And she never gives me a dirty look when I double fault.)

Here are some other ideas for coaches and captains you’d like to thank.