Running a reading challenge in a library or school setting is an exciting way to keep readers motivated and engaged. While traditional prizes like small trinkets and bookmarks are always fun, virtual and experiential rewards can take your challenge to the next level. We’ve rounded up our favorite innovative, easy-to-implement ideas to inspire and reward your readers—no matter where they are!
1. Virtual Gift Cards for Easy Rewards
Gift cards are a simple yet versatile reward option. You can send digital gift cards to popular retailers, online bookstores, or streaming services using just an email address. To add a community touch, consider partnering with local businesses to offer gift cards and support your area’s small shops.
💡 Pro Tip: Reach out to local businesses for donations or discounts on gift cards—it’s a win-win for everyone!
2. Go Big with Grand Prizes
Instead of managing numerous small prizes, focus on offering fewer, high-value prizes through raffles or drawings. This approach simplifies logistics and builds excitement. Use Beanstack’s Drawing feature or draw winners based on engagement metrics like minutes logged or challenges completed.
💡 Idea: Offer prizes like tablets and e-readers or exclusive experiences such as a private book club session or virtual author meet-and-greet.
3. Redemption Tokens for Future Fun
Consider using a token system if you’ve already stocked up on physical prizes. Participants can earn digital tokens or certificates to redeem their rewards later, creating anticipation and encouraging ongoing engagement.
💡 Quick Tip: Use Beanstack to generate and track virtual badges or redemption codes for easy prize management.
4. Food as a Fun Incentive
Everyone loves a tasty treat! Offering food delivery as a prize is both practical and exciting. You can provide gift cards for services like Uber Eats or DoorDash—or better yet, partner with a local restaurant for a more personal touch.
💡 Suggestion: Make it extra special by allowing winners to select their favorite meal from a list of local restaurants.
5. Pay It Forward with a Cause-Driven Challenge
To transform your reading challenge into a community-driven effort, allow participants to read for a cause. Donations can be made to a charity or local organization for every milestone reached. This approach not only motivates readers but also fosters a sense of purpose.
💡 Engagement Booster: Let participants vote on which cause or charity receives the donation, creating an extra layer of involvement.
6. Personalized Experiences as Prizes
Offer winners the chance to design their own rewards, such as a custom bookplate in a library book, naming a library mascot, or curating a display of their favorite reads. Personalized experiences create lasting memories and deepen connections with your library or school.
7. Book Bundles and Curated Reading Lists
Who doesn’t love a stack of fresh reads? Assemble themed book bundles or create personalized reading lists as prizes. Tailor these bundles to match readers’ interests, offering something for everyone.
💡 Bonus Idea: Include exclusive titles or advanced reader copies (ARCs) for an added wow factor.
8. Host a Virtual Celebration Event
End your reading challenge with a bang by hosting a virtual celebration. Invite participants to a fun-filled event featuring games, trivia, and even a guest author. This not only rewards participants but also builds community spirit.
💡 Think Outside the Box: Incorporate activities like a virtual escape room or a “behind-the-scenes” library tour.
With these creative reward ideas, your reading challenge will captivate and motivate readers of all ages. Want to share your own prize strategies? Connect with us on X, Facebook, and Instagram to keep the inspiration going. Happy planning—and happy reading!