Gifts to teach kids about money

AMANDA CHRISTENSEN

​Tis the season for gifting. What fun it is to find thoughtful gifts for the people you love most! Shopping for kids is fun and often nostalgic for me. It is one of the best parts of my holiday “to do” list! There are times however when I’m stumped for ideas or don’t want to buy another toy to add to the ever-growing toy bin. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite gifts that can help teach kids of all ages about good money management.

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1. The classics: Monopoly™ (ages 8+), Monopoly Jr.™ (ages 5-8), Game of Life™ (ages 8+) & Game of life Jr.™ (ages 5-8) - Not only do games help the kids (and the adults) ditch the television and cell phone screens, they can also help you start a money conversation. You have many memories to be made with these classic games PLUS they provide a unique opportunity to discuss money choices that apply to real-life situations. 
2. The Allowance Game™ (ages 5-11): Kids learn how to handle money and make change. They learn money values and make decisions. This game is has great reviews! There are other allowance games out there in a variety of price ranges. Find one with good reviews and give it a try!
3. Cashflow™(ages 14+) & Cashflow for Kids™ (ages 6+): I was introduced to this game in college and I wish I had known about it sooner. The Cashflow™ game series are designed to teach what the rich teach their kids about money. These games are great for teaching smart financial strategy! There’s really nothing else like them. 
4. Money Habitudes™(Adults) & Money Habitudes for Teens™: This versatile deck of cards creates an opportunity to discuss money habits, values, and attitudes. It is MY ALL TIME FAVORITE teaching tool to help teens, young adults, and adults understand and learn more about their money personality type! 
5. Books (various ages): 
   1. The Money Tree™-Miss McGillicuddy’s simple country routine continues through-out the year in spite of a very unusual tree growing in her yard. This book can create great conversation about where money comes from and attitudes towards money; 
   2. The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense & Trouble with Money™-Mama and Papa are worried that Brother and Sister seem to think money grows on trees. The cubs learn to understand the value of a dollar, learn to budget, and start their own business. These two books directly address important money lessons for kids; 
   3. Alexandar Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday™-Alexandar’s grandparents give him a dollar and the money seems to disappear quickly. A good book to teach how unnecessary spending doesn’t help us in the long run; 
   4. How to turn $100 into $1,000,000™-from the creators of Biz Kid$ and Bill Nye the Science Guy, this comprehensive guide teaches kids the basics of earning, saving, spending, and investing money. This guide can be used as a tool to help parents teach their kids about these important money topics.

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