An original and creative Christmas gift idea.....involves U.S. Savings Bonds....

I was at the bank purchasing savings bonds for the kids for Christmas presents....the teller ask me did I want I bonds or EE bonds...?

A $50 I bond costs $50 , and can be cashed in at any time for $50.

A $50 EE bond costs $25 and takes seventeen years to "Mature." 17 years until it is worth $50.00

I nearly fainted when they said 17 years !!

(Not a great investment...)

Anyway, I was thinking about buying the kids one of the $25 EE bonds.
The teller gives you a cool looking, patriotic looking gift certificate at the bank...to fill out and put in a gift box for Christmas.

The Savings Bond arrives in a couple of weeks from the Federal reserve bank with the kids name on it, etc.

I was thinking it would be cool to buy one of the $25 seventeen year bonds. I'd tape it onto a legal pad size sheet of paper. Then , I'd write on each line
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015

all the way up to 2020..

And, I'd tell the recipient of the bond that during the last week of each year, he/she had to write one single thing that happened that year that impacted his life the most.

Then, put the bond and legal sheet back in the plastic envelope and notebook for another year. (Back on the shelf with the photo albums.)

I think this could be a real eye-opener and also educational.

Besides, the things that happen TO us - - over a 17 year period;
THINGS that impact our lives positively or adversely;

I'd also want to know
"WHAT did you (the recipient) DO this year that WILL HAVE a positive impact on your life and future?"

What do you all think of my idea ?? I think it needs some tweaking, but I don't know what yet....

Any comments-suggestions....?

Any other original and/or easy gift-giving ideas ??

I like this one....a trip to the bank....take it home, put it in a box and wrap it up ... !!