4. Tokens:  If you want to be considered “cool,” give this gift.  Take one of your old change purses or a drawstring clothe bag and fill it with $10 of tokens from the local arcade.  If you have coupons for a free or reduced sandwich at a place near the the arcade, put that in the bag, too.  Kids can enjoy a real afternoon treat. 

5. Pizza with a Buddy:  Want to make your kids feel special at school? Arrange for your children to have a buddy lunch.  Call the teacher and make sure it is not against school policy.  Tell the teacher you are sending a pizza for your child and one other child of his/her choosing.    Then, order a one topping medium pizza and have it delivered to the school at lunch time with a couple of cold drinks.  Pizza places have coupons and specials all the time, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding a deal for around $10.00   You will be combining two of your child’s favorite treats:  pizza and a buddy lunch.    If your child is having trouble with something in school, this is an excellent incentive.

6.  Chips and Dip:   Another great school treat is chips and dip for the class.  You can use it to celebrate something your child has done or something the class has done as a whole.  Send about 2 to 5 bags of chips, depending on the age of your child, and a couple of jars of ranch and cheese dip.  Again, to avoid problems, always make sure you clear it with the teacher, first.   Also, don't forget the papertowels for the chips and plastic bowls for the dip, along with a couple of spoons.

7. Treasure Bags:   Take brown paper bags and decorate them with stickers or colorful pictures.  Fill them with 2 hands full of candy, gum, coins, and small toys.  Staple the tops.  When you want your children to have a treat, let them pick a bag.  You may want to make one or two bags extra special with a nicer toy or a $5.00 bill.   This is even a good idea for birthday treat bags.  The mystery adds to the fun!