Toys, Trinkets and School Supplies for Year-Round Giving Fun

Rather than throw them out, throughout the year, collect packages of stickers, children's meal toys, gumball machine toys, temporary tattoos, party supplies, and school supplies like pencils and erasers that are in fun colors and designs. Look for clearance sales and bulk-buying opportunities.

The goal is to amass a lot of these fun items for the least amount of money possible. Sheets of stickers and temporary tattoos can be cut down into strips or if they are larger in size, separated individually. Continually adding to and using up the items in the Treasure Chest keeps it fun and interesting for everyone.

Treasure Chest

Place all of these items in a family Treasure Chest. This is where little rewards for good behavior come from for the kids and their friends. Those special things they do to be especially kind, helpful and generous are all worthy of a reward from the Treasure Chest. This is only to be used sparingly, as children should be taught to do good for the sake of doing good - not getting stuff.

Birthday Party Goody Bags

When its birthday party time, items form the Treasure Chest can also be put into birthday party goody bags. Leftovers go back into the Treasure Chest.

Trick or Treat Bowl

When Halloween rolls around, toss some of the Treasure Chest items into the treat bowl for trick or treaters. You'll be surprised at how many children will prefer stickers, a colorful pencil or eraser to a piece of candy. If there are any items left over, put them back into the Treasure Chest.

Stocking Stuffers

Need a few fun things to put in the Christmas Stockings? Items the kids have been eyeing but have not yet 'earned' from the Treasure Chest make fun surprises for Christmas Stockings. In addition, items in the Treasure Chest may work well for small White Elephant gifts and 12 Days of Christmas giving.

Donations

At Christmas, many places collect toys for children. Fill some stockings with Treasure Chest items and a few treats, and then donate them to a family in need or local charity. Get the kids involved in choosing items, filling the stockings, and donating them.

Bingo Grab Bags

Whether it is Event Bingo or regular bingo, having bingo grab bags containing small prizes is a creative way to use up Treasure Chest items and add to the fun of the game.