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.

Jiffy Lube sent me a couple of $50 gift cards–one to give away and one to test drive. Ally and I ditched the boys last Saturday to get the “Hottesy” all tip-top again before going on a little shopping trip. Rex and the guys at my local Jiffy Lube took care of us right away–fast and friendly. (You can watch our video and read about the adventure in my next blog.)

For the give away, I love the idea of partnering this “on the go” Jiffy Lube card with the popular Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The combination would be wonderful as a:

• Graduation gift
• A going away present
• Congratulating someone starting a new chapter in their life
• Birthday gift for a new driver or someone who just got their first car
• Wedding gift for a young, newlywed couple

To enter this contest, leave a comment and tell me how you would turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift. How would you package the Jiffy Lube card? What items would you put with it and who would you give it to? (This is a family show, so keep it clean.)

Legal Stuff: Contest open to continental US residents only. Contest ends April 15, 2010 at midnight PST. Winner will be posted on the site for one month and notified by e-mail. Be sure our e-mail address (@giftcardgirlfriend.com) clears your spam filter. If winner doesn’t respond within one month, a runner-up will be chosen.

Ok, answer the question! How would you turn a Jiffy Lube gift card into a thoughtful gift?