Financially-Friendly Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Age Group

Deirdre Jannerelli — Financial Literacy
The holidays are all about giving, but what if your gifts could do more than bring joy? What if they could teach valuable life skills? This season, consider gifts that help your loved ones learn about money. Financial literacy is one of the most important skills a person can have, and the earlier it starts, the better.

From toddlers to adults, here are some financially-friendly holiday gift ideas that will stand out under the tree.

Gift Ideas for Toddlers (Ages 3–4)

At this age, kids are just beginning to understand the concept of money. Simple, playful tools can introduce them to basic ideas like saving and spending.
 
Gift Ideas for Young Children (Ages 5–9)

Kids in this age group are ready for more hands-on learning. Gifts that encourage saving and smart spending can make a big impact.
 
Gift Ideas for Preteens (Ages 10–12)

Preteens are starting to think about independence and bigger goals. These gifts can help them understand more advanced money concepts.
 
  • Budgeting Apps: For tweens with smartphones, budgeting apps can make money management interactive and fun. Look for apps that are designed for kids and focused on saving, goal-setting, and basic budgeting skills.
    • BusyKid – A popular app that combines chore-based allowance with real-world money lessons. Kids can save, spend, donate, and even invest small amounts in stocks under parental supervision.
    • FamZoo – A family finance app that helps with budgeting skills. It teaches kids how to allocate money into categories like saving, spending, and giving. Parents can automate allowances and monitor progress.
    • Homey – Focuses on chore management and budgeting basics. Kids learn the connection between work and earnings while tracking savings goals in a simple, visual way.
       
  • Money-Focused Board Games: For this age group, look for games that offer a more advanced take on financial decision-making.
  • Coin Counting Banks: A clear jar that counts coins as they’re deposited can teach kids to track savings visually and makes collecting spare change fun.
  • Intro to Investing Books: Tweens can benefit from early exposure to investing concepts. Consider gifting them books that can spark curiosity about how money grows over time.

Gift Ideas for Teens (Ages 13–18)

Teens are preparing for independence, so gifts that teach real-world money skills are perfect.
 
  • Prepaid Debit Card: A reloadable card with parental controls can help teens learn how to manage money digitally. Pair it with a conversation about budgeting and security.
    • Greenlight Teen Money Card - One of the most popular choices that allows parents to monitor spending and set limits easily.
    • Step Visa® Card – A credit card that functions like a debit card because it draws from a linked savings account—all while helping to build credit history.
    • Cash App Card - A customizable debit card linked to Cash App that lets teens spend only what’s in their balance, helping them learn real-time budgeting and digital money management.
       
  • Financial Literacy Books for Teens: These books can break down money concepts in a way teens can relate to.
  • Saving or Investing Starter Kit: Gifting a small amount of cash or stock is a creative way to introduce teens to saving and investing:
    • Greatest Gift – A platform for sending cash contributions toward a child’s financial goals. The recipient (or their parent/guardian) can transfer the gifted funds to a 529 college plan, bank savings account, or custodial investment account.
    • Stockpile – Lets you buy fractional shares and gift card stocks for popular companies.
    • Unique Stock Gifts – Allows you to purchase framed single-share stock certificates. (Note: To sell the gifted stock down the road, the recipient will need to transfer it to a brokerage account, which may involve additional steps and fees.)
       
  • Budgeting App Subscription: These apps are designed for teens and teach how to manage money responsibly.
    • Greenlight – A popular app that combines budgeting tools with a smart debit card for teens. It helps them set savings goals, track spending, and learn financial responsibility under parental supervision.
    • Monarch – A visual budgeting app that helps teens set goals, track expenses, and monitor progress.
    • YNAB (You Need a Budget) – A popular app that teaches proactive budgeting and goal-setting. It’s ideal for teens ready to learn how to plan ahead and manage money intentionally.

Gift Ideas for Adults

Adults can always benefit from tools that make managing money easier—or more fun.
 
Turn Holiday Cheer Into Financial Confidence

Financially-friendly gifts aren’t just practical, they’re meaningful. They teach skills that last a lifetime, turning holiday cheer into long-term benefits. This year, give a gift that keeps on giving: the gift of financial literacy.

Looking for more ways to save and plan? Check out Bank5 Connect’s high-interest savings  and checking accounts with credit monitoring solutions to make your financial goals a reality.