Financial Gift Ideas for Children

Instead of giving a toy that will end up in the trash after a few months of playtime, give a gift that will keep on giving—a financial gift.  Before you jump to the conclusion of the money your kids find tucked in their birthday card from Grandma, or the coins they find under their pillow after a visit from the Tooth Fairy, listen to a few ideas that will help your kids learn about finances in a fun way and help them in the long run.

Consider a few different children’s books about money.  These are books written for very young audiences and geared towards teaching kids how to be smart with their piggy banks.

• Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs by Lori Mackey (for ages 4 and up)

• The Kids Money Book: Earning * Saving * Spending * Investing * Donating by Jamie Kyle McGillian (for ages 7-10)

• The Kid’s Guide to Money: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It by Steve Otfinoski (for ages 9-12)

These books are not the sole examples or complete list of what’s out there, so if your child doesn’t seem to connect, don’t give up.

If your children don’t like to read, or maybe you already have these books, consider monetary gifts but in a different fashion than a few bucks folded in a card for special occasions.  Consider starting a college fund with a 529 Plan, which relatives can add to if they prefer monetary gifts.  This kind of gift will continue to grow over the years and will be a nice surprise when your child gets older and starts looking at colleges.

You could also consider having your children start their own savings accounts and have them add the money they receive in cards or for doing odd jobs around the house.  Show them how money in a savings account can grow with interest.  If you help them learn and practice good money habits early, they will be more likely to carry the positive practice with them into adulthood.

And, of course, one of the many ways you can teach children how to be responsible with money is to be responsible yourself!  If you have any questions, feel free to call a trustworthy and reliable Money Coach.  They can talk to you about virtually any financial topic.  They also help and encourage families to communicate with one another about finances.  Call 888-724-2326 today to get started.