7 Can’t-Miss Holiday Gifts to Teach Kids About Money

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Kids learn best when they’re having fun. Check out seven holiday gifts that allow children to learn about personal finance as they play. 

Teaching kids about money management doesn’t have to involve a long, boring lecture. According to HealthyChildren.org, learning is fueled by tapping into a child’s natural urge to play. Besides, allowing your child to learn through play is sure to be more fun for you than sermonizing about the importance of finances.

Here, we highlight some holiday gifts designed to help children learn how money works.

1. Save Spend Share Piggy Bank: $18

Suggested ages: Any

Imagine three transparent boxes that look like giant Lego pieces, each a different color. They stack atop each other with the word “Spend” on one, “Save” on the next, and “Share” on the last box. When a child receives money, they use the boxes like piggy banks and are able to watch their money stack up.

It’s not a game, but these boxes offer a great opportunity to teach kids the importance of assigning a purpose to their money. Some money is to spend, some is to save (what a great lesson to learn early!), and some is to give. How cool would it be if there was an adult version of this?

2. Real Working Cash Register: $40

Suggested ages: 3 to 9 years old

Many of us had play cash registers when we were kids, and they were cool — for their time. This cash register is straight-up 21st century. It has a solar-powered digital display and built-in calculator that makes adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fun as kids pretend to ring up purchases. The cash drawer pops open when it’s time for a child to figure out the correct change. The register measures 10 1/2 inches and requires two AAA batteries.

3. Money Bunch Board Game: $17

Suggested ages: 5 and up

The Money Bunch game teaches children essential money management skills as they ride bikes around town (otherwise known as the playing board) and earn money that they learn to save, share, and spend. At the end of the game, players have the opportunity to work cooperatively with fellow players to share their money and invest in new playground equipment for the entire town to use.

4. Real Working ATM Bank: $40

Suggested ages: 5 to 11 years old

You have to wonder what a child thinks when an adult in their life pulls cash from an ATM. Do they imagine it’s made inside that machine, or believe Mom and Dad have access to an endless stash of cash?

This cool ATM works just like the ones Mom and Dad use. There’s an automatic bill feeder, coin reader, and locking vault door so kids can deposit cash. When it’s time for a child to withdraw cash, they’ll need to type in their PIN, just like an adult does. Ideally, they’ll come to realize that an adult must have money in their bank account to make a withdrawal. This sweet machine measures 10 1/2 inches high and requires three AA batteries.

5. The Allowance Game: $20

Suggested ages: 5 to 11 years old

Whether or not a child in your life earns an allowance, this game teaches them all about working for their money. For example, if they wash the car, they earn $1.30 (they really may want to look into union representation). It’s a fast-paced game where players race around the board doing chores, collecting an allowance, and buying the things they want. The game is designed for two to four players.

6. Making Cents Money Game: $30

Suggested ages: 7- and 8-year-olds

The goal of this board game is to see which player can fill their piggy bank up first while polishing their adding and subtracting skills and making changes. Players must work out money problems using coins and write the answers on a piggy bank card. It’s designed for two to four players.

7. Bulls and Bears Strategy Board Game: $50

Suggested age: Teens

While developing a playing strategy of their own, teens learn about cryptocurrency and investing in the stock market. Featuring realistic scenarios and challenges anyone could face as they invest, this strategy board game helps teens develop practical skills and self-confidence.

If you were well into your twenties before you had a handle on personal finances, just imagine how much easier early adulthood would have been if you’d already known the ins and outs of money management. With so many options available, it’s easier than ever to give your child the foundational knowledge they need to thrive financially.

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