Make "Elf Tickets" for Holiday Giving
Want to send big love on a small budget? Here’s a holiday gift that calls for just a few inexpensive supplies, but delivers big results to a special person in your child’s life. In the process, this activity also offers an opportunity for your child to build those writing skills that are so important in school.
What You Need:
- Cardstock in a festive color
- Photograph of your child
- Elf Ticket Template (download ours here!)
- Scrap paper, pencil for brainstorming ideas
- Pen (especially in a bright, festive color, like metallic gold!)
What You Do:
- Explain to your child that this will be a special gift for a beloved friend, teacher or relative. Sometimes we buy our presents and sometimes we make special objects; this time, your child will give an especially precious gift of time, attention, and love. She’ll be a helpful “elf” several times over!
- Start with your scrap paper and pencil, Select the person who will receive these “elf” tickets. Then pull out your scrap paper and pencil, and brainstorm together about special favors, chores, or special adventures you might offer together. Does your child like to read aloud? Grandmas often adore that. Would Dad really appreciate if you’d help him rake the yard? Think it over and enjoy the possibilities.
- Print your elf ticket templates onto a festive color of cardstock paper. You may print as many as you like, but usually 5 or 6 is plenty! Cut them out and have your child complete them.
- To make a “ticket book,” download our cover template, or just use a blank piece of cardstock. Glue your child’s picture to the cover, and fill in the blank lines. In the “because” section, make sure your child writes why this person is so special.
- Staple your book together and give as a special holiday gift!
Julie Williams, M.A. Education, taught middle and high school History and English for seventeen years. Since then, she has volunteered in elementary classrooms while raising her two sons and earning a master's in school administration. She has also been a leader in her local PTA.