How I got out of paying allowance- or, a creative use for Borders gift cards!

I got 2 more $10 gift cards today from Gather (Thank you!!), which left me with $50 in $10 cards, and 1 card with $7.98 left on it. With $57.98 burning a hole in my pocket, I wanted some new books. Or, Christmas shopping. Hmm... Then the idea hit me...

 My older two kids each get a $2 a week allowance, based on whether or not they do their chores in a timely manner. Raegan just has to unload then reload the dishwasher every night, and do her homework. Chris has to feed all the hamsters and do his homework. Both have to keep their rooms picked up, as well.

I figured that this week, I'd give them a bonus- if they chose it. When they got home, I gave them this offer- $2 in cash they could spend where ever, or a $10 gift card to buy books with, which would cover this week AND next week's allowance. They were faced with the dilemma of having to spend the money in 1 specific location and gaining an extra $6, or being able to spend the money anywhere.

Raegan jumped at the oppertunity, but Chris is still hesitating. I told him we would go there soon, he could look around, and then make his decision based on whether he found any books he wants. He DOES keep asking if they have Artemis Fowl books, though. He has books 3 & 4, and is reading book 1 from the library, though, so he might go for that. I also told him that they have Naruto books. He likes Naruto. ;)

So, out the door, on our way across town to the book store. :)