ABA Token Board
50 token board reward ideas kids actually work for
A token board is only as strong as the reward at the end of it. The golden rule from ABA: the child defines what's reinforcing, not the adult. Here's a menu of 50 ideas — most of them free — plus how to figure out which ones will actually move the needle for your child.
First: find what actually motivates them
Therapists call it a preference assessment; at home it's simpler. Lay out 3–5 options and let your child pick what they're working for before the board starts. Watch free-time choices for clues. And re-check weekly — a reward that was gold in June can be worthless by July.
Free & everyday rewards
- 10 extra minutes of playtime · choosing the bedtime story · picking the car music · a dance party · staying up 15 minutes later · choosing dinner or dessert · a piggyback ride · building a blanket fort · water play at the sink · helping cook
Activity rewards
- Trip to the park or playground · bike ride · baking cookies together · a board game of their choice · painting or slime time · library visit · feeding ducks · a "yes hour" where reasonable requests get a yes · playdate · picnic lunch
Screen & media rewards
- 20 minutes of tablet time · one episode of their show · choosing the family movie · a favorite game app · video-calling a grandparent
Sensory & comfort favorites
- Trampoline or swing time · playdough or kinetic sand · bubbles · a squeeze-hug session · bubble bath · glow sticks in a dark room · listening with headphones · fidget-toy time
Small tangible prizes
- Stickers · a toy car or figurine · temporary tattoos · a new crayon set · trading cards · a small LEGO bag · a treat from the "prize box" · a special snack
Social & pride rewards
- Calling dad at work with the news · a certificate on the fridge · being the "line leader" or helper · special one-on-one time · showing off the finished board to a favorite person · lunch with the teacher (classroom) · extra recess (classroom)
Match the reward to the board
Keep proportions sensible: a 5-token board earns a small, quick reward (bubbles, a song); a 20-token board can earn something bigger (the park); a 100-token long-goal board might earn the big prize (a new toy, a special outing). Quick boards need quick payouts.
📱 Photo rewards: the app's secret weapon
Abstract promises are weak; pictures are strong. In ABA Token Board you can:
- Choose from a built-in library of visual rewards kids love, or
- Add a photo from your library — the actual toy on the shelf, the actual playground — so your child sees the real prize above their tokens the entire time they're earning.
Set a different reward on every board and rotate whenever motivation dips.
Quick answers
What are good rewards for a token board?
The best rewards are whatever your child genuinely prefers right now — often activities and time with you rather than things: playtime, a favorite game, choosing dinner, screen time, a trip to the park.
How do I know what motivates my child?
Run a quick preference check: offer 3–5 options and see what they pick, or simply watch what they choose during free time. Re-check often — preferences change fast.
Should token board rewards be food?
Food works but use it sparingly; activity, social and choice-based rewards are more sustainable and just as motivating for most kids.
Put the perfect reward on the board
Pick from the built-in reward library or photograph the real prize — free on iPhone and iPad.
Download ABA Token Board free