102 Rewards and Incentives for Kids That Really Work

incentive examples

We all love rewards, and kids are no exception. Sometimes it seems like kids will work for anything—stickers, high-fives, movie days. The trick with incentives is to have a lot of options and know how to use them. Here’s our list of 102 incentives that motivate kids to work, behave, and cooperate, as well as how to use them to teach children what they should do.

How To Use Incentives

The thing about rewards, or incentives, is that they work best when they are used strategically. When you set up a reward, first, make receiving the reward contingent with demonstrating a specific skill. So, if you want all students in your class to line up quickly and quietly, you may set up a reward just for that. If you want your child to put away the dishes each night, connect an incentive to that.

The ultimate goal of rewarding kids is to increase behaviors that we want to see, and reduce behaviors we don’t want. That means rewarding the behavior you want as often as possible, and ignoring behavior you don’t want (we know, easier said than done). And when you give a reward, pair it with authentic praise. When kids know that you’re proud of them, that goes a long way to reinforcing a behavior.

The best incentives are small and quick—think a high-five or sticker. As kids get older, they can work for rewards over a longer period of time. Then, they can earn an incentive using a sticker chart like the ones below, or by filling a jar with marbles (when the jar is full they get their reward).

Sticker Chart Options

The nice thing about sticker charts is that kids can learn to control them. So, when they do the task you want—complete their morning routine, or pick up 10 toys, for example—they can fill in a sticker and get an immediate boost even as they work toward a longer goal.

sticker chart for an incentive for kids

This sticker chart is a great way to provide positive reinforcement throughout the day. Kids can earn stickers on the chart and turn the chart in when it’s full for a reward.

Buy it: Sticker Chart at Amazon

sticker chart with a theme for a reward for kids

Here’s another sticker chart, this one with cute themes, for students to track progress towards a larger goal.

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personalized sticker jar for reward for kids

Get a personalized reward jar to use in the classroom or at home. When the jar is filled, the child earns a larger reward.

What behaviors should be rewarded?

It’s important to reward behaviors that the children actually have control over. Things they can do—brushing their teeth, putting their dishes in the sink, completing a morning routine—or qualities they can demonstrate, like effort, resilience, trying hard, and being flexible. You can also focus on behaviors that your child is learning (taking feedback, apologizing, sharing) and reward those.

Are incentives just bribes?

No. Bribery is when you give a child something in exchange for them doing something they don’t want to do (I’ll give you a candy if you empty the dishwasher). Bribes often come out of frustration when you’re at your wit’s end and just want the kid to do what you say.

On the other hand, a reward is set up ahead of time and is given when your child does something you ask them to do. For example, a child cleans their room or a class of students all line up without talking. This shows kids that you value that behavior and want to see more of it.

The Big List of Incentives for Kids

Here’s our list of incentives that kids will love and that cover you for experiences, little gifts, and stickers … so many stickers.

Intangible Incentives for Kids

Not all incentives have to be things. Praise and recognition go a long way.

bulletin board celebrating student work

Group Incentives for Kids

Students can work as a class to earn these incentives. Use a marble jar or other visual to show students how close they are to earning their reward.

kids watching a movie for an incentive

Tangible Incentives for Kids

Small, store-bought items are good for students who require more tangible rewards, or to stock a home or school treasure box.

rainbow sticky notes

squishy animal toys for incentives for kids tokens to use as an incentive for kids backpack pins for an incentive for kids

Incentives for Elementary School Kids

Younger students love tangibles (all the stickers). They also love attention and having more freedom around the classroom. Here are incentive ideas just for the younger set.

kids reading with flashlights

Incentives for Middle School Kids

Middle schoolers still thrive off of incentives and rewards, especially ones that give them extra responsibility.

prize wheel for an incentive for kids

Incentives for High School Students

High schoolers do like stickers, homework passes, and even a treasure chest. But there are some incentives that are really ideal for high school students.

slime the principal

Incentives for Parents To Use at Home

Incentives to use at home with kids can range from stickers (always!) to having control over what they eat or do, or simply getting some one-on-one time with you.