Conversation Starter Cards on my $0 budget

Before I start I want to let everyone know that due to such positive support, I will be hosting a $0 Budget Party at the end of the month. Since this will be my first party, I would really love it if everyone who has any ideas (no matter how big or small) to remember to stop by and share them.  I will finalize the date soon but I was thinking April 1st. What do you think?


Here my fun $0 family building craft.

Last summer, my daughter and I had a girls day out in New York City. We went shopping and I took her to the American Girl restaurant for a special dinner. We had the most amazing time! If you have ever been, you know they have a box full of cards on the table with questions or conversation starters to ask the other people at your table. My daughter loved this and I really enjoyed giving her answers to questions we would never have thought about. Like "What is your favorite childhood memory?" or "If you were able to give up one chore for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

This past weekend my daughter asked if we could write up some questions and discuss them at the dinner table.  I thought it was an amazing idea. We wrote our own questions and then went on the internet and searched for "conversation starter questions" and found hundreds.

Materials:
Questions
Scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
Small box

Method:
I put all the questions in one Word file and then converted the text into a table with 2 columns. I formatted the rows to fit 8 questions on each page. We selected a font we loved and started printing them on light colored scrapbook paper. In total we had 20 pages or 160 questions.

Since I could not run to the Dollar store to buy a cute little box to store these in (doesn't fit in my budget of $0), I got resourceful. I used a cup a soup box to create a custom sized holder for the 160 questions.

I covered the box with a piece of scrapbook paper she selected and Mod Podge. I punch 2 holes in the top flap and on the body of the box so I could thread a piece of ribbon through. I used a large bead (doesn't match 100% but she loves it) to slip through the bottom loop to keep the lid closed.

We have put this on our lazy susan in the middle of the table so that when we sit down at dinner we can ask each other questions. It really is fun!

A small project but it still falls within my $0 budget.

If anyone would like me to email them the 20 page Word file (so you can print them yourself or change them to best suit your family), please download it here or leave me a comment with your email address and I would be happy to send it to you.

Side note: I have found we have gotten closer as a family since we started this spend free month. We have spent 2 full weeks without going shopping. We play games, talk, do crafts together or simply lay on the couch and watch a movie. The money saved this month will be nice, but the family bonding time is truly priceless!


Thanks everyone!

Comments

  1. Another fantastic $0 project that benefits the whole family. This is a lovely idea.
    Anne xx
    P.S. Recycling the soup box is fab.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great idea, I would love it if you could email me the file. Please email to klscupboard@comcast.net.

    Thanks so much for sharing this!

    ~KerrieLynn ღೋ☙❤
    KLsCupboard.blogspot
    KLs Cupboard on Facebook
    KLs Cupboard on Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love it! This is a perfect idea for getting my family back around the table together. I'd love the file since you've so graciously offered. :) My e-mail is rosebug40hive@gmail.com.

    Thank you!
    Susan

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  4. I've been pondering doing this idea for a while! If you would please share it with me that would be great!

    Adorable!

    Morrest1101@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I would love to start this with our little family of 3; so, if you would be so kind to e-mail your file, that would be fantastic!
    Thanks for the offer, Kendra
    burns (at) jwstucki (dot) org

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is so creative - and just my kind of thing! I'd love for you to link up at my new Tuesday Time Out!

    http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com/2011/03/tuesday-time-out-link-up-party.html

    Smiles,
    Melanie
    http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you so much for being willing to share. I would love it if you would send me the file. My email address is stephanieruth1983@hotmail.com. Really enjoying your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love your ideas, how creative. Please send me the file when you have time. Thanks so much!
    cameron_d_harris@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a great idea to illiminate frivulous spending! And you get to spend great quality time together! I would love for you to stop by and link up to my Ten Buck Tuesday link party!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I would also love if you sent me the 20 page document :)

    youngnester(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are such a cool Mom! I would love this file. It will be interesting to hear some answers.
    tanyapoohbear@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is awesome. Please send me the list! jsbrownca@gmail.com

    you have inspired me to go on a spending freeze. I realized I have so much stuff I need to use up and i think I have a ton of things I can make for free just need inspiration and time! Keep these awesome ideas coming.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is so neat! Please send me the list. skadams80@msn.com
    Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi, I would love a copy of the questions, we did a similar craft for our MOPS group, but we have gone through the questions too many times. Thanks. Lesley brightonfamily4@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. That is a wonderful idea! I would love a copy of the questions! Thank you SO much! MalissaAnne@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. I absolutely love the conversation starter box idea and would be so happy if you would email it to me. I am a sahm and am always looking for fun ideas to do, make, engage with the family.

    jmason_3@yahoo.com

    Jen :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Love the conversation starter idea...we've been trying to come up with ways to get our children's grandparents to tell stories about their lives. Maybe something like this would make it easier. THanks for the idea and i would appreciate a copy of your questions.

    Connie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Me, too! I'd love a copy!

    jenclair(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi this is Nicole from Colie’s Kitchen I just discovered your blog and wanted to drop by and say hi. I am now a new follower. I would love to have you stop by Colie’s Kitchen if you get a chance. www.colieskitchen.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Linda P ladyljp@comcast.netMarch 17, 2011 at 12:32 AM

    I would love to have a copy of your questions, not only for family gatherings, but also for my Activity Day Girls. What a wonderful way to welcome new girls. Thank you so very much.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love the $0 busget ideas. Would you please snd a copy of the questions. Thanks you --
    mchoules@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. I too would love a copy of the questions! It's really interesting to hear the things kids come up with...great family bonding time! beccagwin@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I adore this idea! I saw something like this in a cutesy store, picked it up and nearly dropped it when I saw the hefty price tag. I'd love to have the file; thanks for being so generous! mdschoolmrs(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a great idea!! Please send me the file when you have time. Thanks for sharing.
    barbackerman@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a lovely idea ! I'm also into recycling,reducing, reusing & rethinking ..its so much fun to see what you can create from junk or what people just throw away with out even thinking! so saving the planet and our money.that's a win win in my book !
    Sherrie from Aus at Simpleliving

    ReplyDelete
  26. What a great idea!! Thanks for sharing, please send me the file when you have time.

    rribeiropt2ATgmail.com
    Renata, from Portugal

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love this idea. Thank you so much for being willing to email it to everyone. I would like a copy, swamerican@gmail.com
    I look forward to reading more $0 budget ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow! Love it! would love your file!
    jouellette@ensi.ca

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wonderful! I would love a copy! eannoliver@aol.com Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would love a copy too! I've done these before but I would like to add to my questions...

    heritagerus@sbcglobal.net

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for sharing! I would love to have a copy.

    trebliha@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Awesome! I've thought of making the same... what a great idea!

    I'd love to have you share this at my For the Kids Link Party! Stop by and check it out!

    http://sunscholars.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-kids-friday-3.html

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a great & frugal project, love it! :)
    I'd love for you to email me a copy of your file too.. thanks!
    Can't wait for your first linky party!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Would love a copy of the file if you have time to email to one more person, lol! Thanks for a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I would love a copy of the file if you have time. I work with college students, and while I don't have family-around-the-table time, I'm always looking for ways to get the students to talking.
    award24@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a fun idea! I would love a copy of the file! Thank you so much for sharing!

    tmt678@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I would love to have a copy of the file. Thank you.
    lrineker@sha.state.md.us

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love this..we have a few but so happy to get more. Thanks for sharing!

    Stacey
    sk33071@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I would love to have this file of conversation starters to take on our first ever family vacation in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much!
    Linda
    pioneer588@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Oh I would LOVE if you emailed me that list. I recently made up sets of 'fabric conversation coasters' with questions on and my girls LOVE them at dinner time:

    http://jembellish.blogspot.com/2011/02/talking-coasters-tutorial.html

    I would love some more ideas for more coasters to make!
    Thanks so much for sharing - you have a really interesting blog here!
    Have a lovely week

    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sorry - forgot my email!

    jillinamillion@y7mail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I'd love a copy of the word file. Thanks for sharing!

    flackj@consolidated.net

    ReplyDelete
  43. I would lov copy of the file! What a great idea! I really like the idea of not spending for Lent!
    Smarsalek@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love the idea and can see how it would bring family together, thank you.

    Please send me the file at Galewiggins@gmail.com
    Thanks again and I can't wait to see what other $0 projects you come up with :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. oo, please send me the file

    hntersmom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a wonderful idea. I would love to have the conversation starters file sent to me as well
    rgrijalva78@gmail.com Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  47. I would love the questions! Thank you!
    elaine_willig (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love this and would love to have the questions sent to me. I am looking forward to using this when my granddaughters come to visit for the summer.
    I would also like to ask, would it be okay if I posted this on my blog?
    Thank you so much.
    Sherree

    ReplyDelete
  49. I'd love a copy of your conversation starters! Please email them to me: bethd802@gmail.com.
    Perhaps a nice complement to this... The Kids Book of Questions (Gregory Stock)
    Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Could you e-mail me your file? nurselambrecht@gmail.com

    Thanks for such great ideas! I've always wanted this game but always found it too expensive!

    ReplyDelete
  51. I just found your blog and love it! I love the conversation starter box and would love if you could email the questions. my email address is casandrastevenson@hotmail.com
    Thanks so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  52. What a GREAT idea! I would LOVE to have your list of questions - thanks for offering. Love your blog!

    lacy286@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  53. I would love to get a copy of these. Wonderful idea!!!

    hofffam2@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Great idea - love it! Please email me the file with the list of questions - conessa_2001@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love this idea! Can you please email me the starter set?

    Galewiggins @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi can you email the list to me? What a great way to spend quality time together! mizzoutiger_76705@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi, our family has used many store bought conversation starter cards but I would love to have your file if you still have it , to make my own set. Thanks for all the great ideas on your site. jimmysann4@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. What a neat idea, I would love a copy.
    wanda_vaughan@hotmail.com
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  59. I know I'm late to commenting on this, but I wanted to say that I'll be doing 2 sets of these: 1 for my family and 1 for my AVID class at school (it's a college prep class - I teach 7th graders)! Good job on the $0 spending. I don't know if I could do it :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. I will really appreciate if u can mail me the file!!!! @ forever_ahmars@ hotmail.com. Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Could you please send me this file?! It would be perfect for my speech kiddos! Amy_phelps@live.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. If you would be willing to send me the file for your conversation starters, I would really appreciate it! This is such a great idea!
    mirandanoll1@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I would love it if you could send me a copy of your file! I just found your blog through a post on pinterest, LOVE IT!

    whetselm@hotmail.com

    Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  64. I'd love a copy of the word file, if you don't mind sending it when you have time. Thanks! Great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea. My granddaughter had the opportunity to have lunch at American Girl Cafe and really enjoyed the questions. We had quite a lively lunch. Her answers were a riot. I was unable to download the questions. If you could email them to be, I would be most appreciative. Carol caw529@optonline.net
    Happy Holidays to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  66. could you send me your list of questions please? Great fun! saracswanson@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Okay, I'm having so much fun on your blog! My productive day has come to a screeching halt. I know this post is a year old, but I can't sign in to Google Docs to download your conversation starter topics and I would love to have them emailed to me if you are still offering. (And if you are not, I am still going to keep having tons of fun on this blog--well done!!!)

    wordwhirler@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. This is an excellent idea! If you don't mind sharing, I would love your document to make some for my family. My email address is eringerhardt@hotmail.com Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Awesome for family time, would you please send me the file at andrea.bruske@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I'd LOVE a copy of this aksamantha@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I'd love a copy as well--thanks so much in advance! I'm planning an American Girl birthday, and it looks like this project will be used long after the party is over! Jxdaugherty@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would love a copy of this as well, I tried downloading but had problems...What a great idea! My husband has been out of work for several months and so I just found your blog and love it. My email is smitty2101@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  73. I am online looking for tips on how to make conversation cards for my wedding favours and found your blog! Brilliant! If you could send me the file I would be so appreciative. Thank you lea@leaforbes.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I am loving this site! Would you mind sending me the file of conversation starters....such a great idea! Thanks! Brings78@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Could you please send me a copy of the file, they are fab!
    my email is dmacguinness@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  76. Hey I would love a copy of this conversation starter files. if you could email it to jessicaca.lynn@gmail.com then i could print it off and everything thanks a ton!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Fab... can I get a copy of your conversation starters please...
    daydreambeliever1964@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please e-mail me your conversation starter questions--a lovely idea. jwprestridgejr@att.net

      Delete
  78. Hi there, I love this idea. May I ask you to send me the file of the questions to my email address? donnamarcelle@yahoo.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Hi. This is a great idea. Would you email me the file, too, please?
    Thank you so much :)
    yentruoc.mail@gmail.com
    ~Courtney

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'm planning an American Girl party for my daughter and would love this file. Would you please email it to me ? Thank you
    -jdegaetano1@yahoo.com

    -Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  81. This is great, thanks for your willingness to share. Can you please email me the file kim_peck731@yahoo.com

    Thanks! Kim

    ReplyDelete
  82. I didn't like the case, but the cards are even better than the ones stores are selling.

    ReplyDelete
  83. Bravo! What a great idea! Every Tuesday we get together with friends from church for dinner? I'm always scrambling at the last minute to come up with conversation starters. It never crossed my mind to make a box! (Serious, palm to forehead moment! Lol) Would you mind sharing the fie? JayAndRene@yahoo.com
    Thanks oodles,
    René

    ReplyDelete
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  85. I would love a copy of the file with the questions. Please send them to pstorrey99@yahoo.com

    Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Please let me know if you're looking for a author for your blog. You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd absolutely love to write some content for your blog in
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  87. I love the idea! It's a fun way to get to know friends and family! Can you please e-mail me your file at stacylcharlton@gmail.com. ThanksM

    ReplyDelete
  88. Great idea! Would you please send me the file? I want to use this for my staff returning back to school. My email is
    jenni6@me.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  89. This is a great idea. Would love to use this with my family and youth group that I work with.
    Goodfellow.family@sympatico.ca

    ReplyDelete
  90. love it!!! can you share the file with me? anaosorno@hotmail.com
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
  91. Yes please. If you're still sharing. nicholehinderer@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. What a wonderful project. Would love to receive a copy of your card sayings. Please send to bettymcclelland@shaw.ca
    Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  93. Sounds awesome! Please email a copy of your card sayings. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT! gerrisavage@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I would love a copy of your card sayings. Might I suggest you also post the questions here, since you're still getting requests?

    ReplyDelete
  95. This is terrific; please send me a copy! ttownsell@aol.com Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Thank you! This is perfect for my daughters tea party!

    ReplyDelete
  97. This is a great idea for our family of eight. I'd love to have the file. You can email it to charmsfarms@gmail.com. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  98. This is such a wonderful idea, for many reasons, you can make it for many occasions! Here's a few of my ideas for them. Use one as a get to know you set, when a newer crowd of people need to mix things up, also, a get to know your friends of you kids, it can also be part of a baby shower game & so On! I love It! Could you also send me a copy of the list you started with? Thank you 💜✌ TesDex79@gmail.com
    Keep those ideas coming, we all 💙 Them!
    💜✌

    ReplyDelete
  99. This is such a wonderful idea, for many reasons, you can make it for many occasions! Here's a few of my ideas for them. Use one as a get to know you set, when a newer crowd of people need to mix things up, also, a get to know your friends of you kids, it can also be part of a baby shower game & so On! I love It! Could you also send me a copy of the list you started with? Thank you 💜✌ TesDex79@gmail.com
    Keep those ideas coming, we all 💙 Them!
    💜✌

    ReplyDelete
  100. Love this idea! Can you send me a copy of the questions you started with?!

    ReplyDelete
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