When I was a kid, my sister and I loved to “play” paperwork. We used to play library, not so we could read books, but so we could make a check-out log. We’d start new businesses selling rocks (or something equally desirable, like chunks of old drywall left over from construction). And for every business we started we’d make tri-fold brochures, order forms and business cards. I think it might be because my Dad was a graphic designer, but we loved creating beautiful coordinated paperwork.
Now it’s Christmas, and I’ve been brainstorming what I can do for my nephews. They all really really REALLY liked the treasure maps to their pirate pouches last year. I’m making them find their presents again this year (hiding gifts = no wrapping! Woo hoo!). But I’m getting nephews that are 8 years old now. Pirate Pouches aren’t going to cut it much longer. Dude, these kids have DS systems. They don’t need no stinkin’ pirate pouch! (Oh, the pressure!) So my creativity was tested sorely. With the help of my uber-talented sister Adrianne, we made the most awesome gift.
SUPER HERO KITS. With business cards. And incident report forms. Paperwork and Super Heroes. Can it get any funner? I know.
THE PLAN: They’ll get this letter here ( Federal Super Hero Welcome Letter ) that tells them they’ve been inducted into the Federal Bureau of Super Heroes. Then they’ll be directed to find their Secret Super Hero Kit in the cereal cabinet. Their kit is a 10×13″ envelope with an ID badge, business cards, a tri-fold brochure of commonly used “Spy Words” (we couldn’t resist the tri-fold), a clipboard full of Incident Report Forms ( Federal Super Hero Incident Form ), and aviator sunglasses from the $1 store.
ALL I HAD TO BUY: Aviator Sunglasses, 10×13″ manilla envelopes, ID badge holders & aviator sunglasses. Dude, so worth it…
The Incident Report Form (Yes, that does reference a “Yo Gabba Gabba” uprising. It’s coming people, are you ready?):
Badge (mustaches on kids = hilarity):
Another Badge:
BUSINESS CARDS!!!
Here’s a template for the badge if you want to make a kit too. It’s sized to fit into the standard “Name Badge” holders they have at most office supply stores:
Yay for $5 gifts! And kids with cop ’stashes!
How awesome is that? Have you seen the package of mustaches they are selling? Super cute, but would break the $5 budget.
Comment by Stacie Smith — December 12, 2009 @ 7:44 am
[...] sister Apryl has templates of all the paperwork for the Superhero Kit on her blog. It’s a good read (my favorite line item - “communications with sea lions in order [...]
Pingback by Superhero Kit for Nephews and Nieces — December 29, 2009 @ 9:46 pm
cracking up a the ‘cop’staches!
Comment by Tiffany — June 3, 2010 @ 7:01 am
Thanks for this video…I have been brain storming for something just like this and thanks to you I have what I was looking for and not all those spam looking links that make you want to click them just to see what they lead too…my pet peave.
Comment by compare lcd tv — July 2, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
sometimes i give cash as Christmas gift if i can’t think of a great gift idea,:”
Comment by Maria Rogers — September 30, 2010 @ 11:52 pm