My children have quite a few trophies sitting on their shelves, some for placing in a scout Pinewood Derby race, others for participating in soccer or dance. My sister's children, now grown, had won so many trophies in their 4-H activities that they had to move them into their attic. While children enjoy receiving trophies, there may come a time when there just isn't enough room in the house to display them all. If you're sponsoring a contest or activity, consider these alternatives:

• Present a framed photo of the child with the coach or participating in the sport or activity.
• To an MVP or Most-Improved Player on a sports team, give an actual ball, such as a soccer ball or football, and have all the coaches sign it in a permanent marker.
• For an art contest, have the winning student's artwork put on a t-shirt, mug, or hat. Internet stores such as VistaPrint.com or CafePress.com sell custom products using your own images.
• If there are just a few people you want to reward, consider giving each person a five-dollar gift card to a favorite donut or coffee shop. When my son's four-man basketball team won a small tournament within their club, the coach gave them all a Starbuck's gift card. My son doesn't drink coffee, but there are other things he can buy, and he couldn't have been more thrilled.
• Give the child a book inscribed by the teacher or coach. Photo or coffee table books featuring the subject the child is studying are lasting keepsakes.
• A necklace with an appropriate charm is a welcome reward for a little girl. A cross for memorizing scripture in Sunday school, ballet shoes for a performance, a horse for completing riding lessons - this type of jewelry will be cherished.
• For younger children, candy is always appreciated. A little bag of sweets is an inexpensive prize they enjoy.

Combine one of these prizes with a certificate for the wall or scrapbook, and the children will know it was a job well-done.