There is nothing more satisfying than seeing your kid's face light up to a random secret surprise on a random day. A surprise that you concocted for no rhyme or reason, but just because.
Quite frankly, surprising my son has always been a treat for me as well. The anticipation of genuine happiness on his face gets me all excited, and it's truly worth it. It's the best because there's no purpose, no birthday, no holiday, nothing so he least expects it - just totally random.
These little unexpected gestures light up their faces and will surely brighten up their day. It's not so much about grand gestures or elaborate plans, it's the simple things, that show them how much we love them.
So if you're looking for ideas on how to sprinkle some extra magic into your kids' lives, here are 20 ideas you can try.
20 Fun Surprises For Your Kids
01. Breakfast in Bed
Imagine the look on your child's face when they wake up to their favorite breakfast served to them in bed. It doesn't have to be anything fancy - even a bowl of cereal or jam on toast would make them feel special.
02. Secret Notes
Slip a little note into their lunchbox or backpack, in the coat jackets, or even under their pillow. It can be a funny joke or a sweet message to make their day a little better.
03. A Picnic in the Living Room
Layout out a blanket in the living room, pack some sandwiches and snacks, and have an indoor picnic! It's a great way to make mealtime exciting. It's especially good on rainy days as well.
04. Stargazing Night
Stay up past bedtime, get some blankets, go outside, and lie down on the grass together for some stargazing. Tell stories and just spend some quality time together.
05. Afternoon Adventure
Pick them up from school and surprise them with an impromptu trip to the park, the zoo, the beach, or even a walk around the neighborhood. The spontaneity of it will make it all the more exciting.
06. Art Showcase
Display their artwork all around the house, turning it into a mini art gallery. It'll make them feel proud to see their creations on display for all to see.
07. A Treasure Hunt
Create a treasure map with clues leading to hidden treasures around the house and in the backyard, if the weather allows for it. It's a great way to keep them entertained.
08. A Letter from the Tooth Fairy
Leave them a magical letter from the tooth fairy if they've recently lost their tooth congratulating them on their bravery. Leave them a small surprise and don't forget a sprinkle of fairy dust!
09. Have a Yes Day
They'll be excited for this one! Dedicate an entire day to saying yes to their requests, of course within reason. Let them call the shots for the day.
10. Create Homemade Coupons
Create homemade coupons that they can use which they can redeem whenever they please. It can be anything from getting out of chores, picking their movie of choice on movie nights, a trip to the ice cream shop, or even a coupon to redeem $1!
11. Breakfast Outing
Surprise them to a breakfast at their favorite cafe or diner before school. It'll let them start the day off on a delicious note.
12. Pajama Day
Declare a pajama day where everyone stays in their comfiest pajamas all day long. Play games, watch movies, tell stories and enjoy a day relaxing together.
13. Camping in the Backyard
Set up the backyard like a campsite. Make s'mores, drink hot chocolate, read books, play card games and tell stories.
14. A Dinner Date
Surprise them with a mommy and me dinner date. Dress up and take them on a proper date for some one-on-one quality time.
15. Play Hookie For the Day
If you can! Surprise them with a day off in the middle of the week. There's something special about going out to the zoo or the park when everyone else is at school or work. I did this when my son was younger and it's one of those memories that have stayed with him.
16. Send them a Letter
Literally, send them a letter in the post. They'll get a kick out of receiving mail that has their name on it. Their grandparents or cousins can also play a role in this.
17. Meal Swap
Let them have a day where they can swap their meals i.e lunch for breakfast, breakfast for dinner, or breakfast for lunch and dinner! It won't kill them!
18. Spa Day
Prepare a luxury bubble bath for them, light some candles, and play their favorite music. They'll also love a gentle mask and a mani-pedi. Boys and girls love a spa day!
19. Play in the Rain
Rainy days are always indoor days. Why not put their raincoats and rainboots on, if you have to, and let them play in the rain (the safe kind of rain without thunder and lightning!) and join them!
20. Unveil your Memory Box
If you have a memory box of all things related to your child since before they were born, go through it with them. They'll love going through it with you and hearing stories about it. Let them add one of their favorite things of the moment to the memory box for safekeeping.
In our hectic schedules and restrictive routines, we set for ourselves and our kids, sometimes, the out-of-the-norm is so welcoming, so refreshing. Remember, it's the little things that often mean the most to our children. So go ahead, sprinkle some extra magic into their lives with a random surprise on a random day just because – you'll be amazed at the joy it brings, not only to them but to you as well.