Holiday gifts that help kids and teens build money skills

This holiday season, consider giving the young people in your life something that helps them build lifelong money skills. Whether they’re just starting to understand the value of a dollar or ready to learn about budgeting and saving, there are plenty of fun, age-appropriate ways to make financial literacy part of your holiday giving. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Games that make money fun

Classic board games

• Monopoly remains one of the most effective tools for teaching property investment, rent collection, and strategic financial planning. Kids learn quickly that poor decisions lead to bankruptcy, while smart investments can lead to domination of the board. For younger children, Monopoly Junior offers a simplified version that's easier to grasp.
• The Game of Life takes players through major life milestones, from college decisions to career choices, home purchases, and retirement planning. It provides a bird's-eye view of financial decision-making across a lifetime, showing how early choices can impact long-term outcomes.

Specialized financial games

• Cashflow for kids, created by Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad Poor Dad), introduces concepts that most adults struggle with, including assets versus liabilities, passive income, and investment strategies. Designed for ages six and up, it transforms complex financial concepts into accessible gameplay.
• Payday teaches budgeting for monthly expenses, dealing with unexpected costs, and the importance of planning ahead. Players must manage their money carefully to make it through the month, mirroring real-world financial challenges in an age-appropriate way.

Books that build financial wisdom

For younger children

• "Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday" by Judith Viorst tells the story of a boy who receives a dollar and watches it disappear through a series of small purchases. It's a gentle introduction to impulse spending and the importance of thinking before buying.
• "A Chair for My Mother" by Vera B. Williams tells the story of a family who saves coins in a jar to buy a new chair after losing their furniture in a fire. It beautifully illustrates delayed gratification and the power of teamwork.

For middle-grade readers

• "A Smart Girl's Guide: Money" covers earning, saving, spending wisely, and even starting a business. With quizzes and real-life quotes from other girls, it makes learning about money fun and relatable.
• "The Everything Kids' Money Book" offers a comprehensive overview of financial concepts, such as the history of currency, modern banking, investing, and entrepreneurship.

For teens

• "Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens" adapts Robert Kiyosaki's financial philosophy for younger readers. It introduces concepts about wealth-building and financial independence that aren't taught in traditional education.
• "The Opposite of Spoiled" by Ron Lieber helps teens think about money in relation to values, generosity, and gratitude.

Kids and teens bank accounts

Consider gifting your child or teen their very own bank account this season. What better way to teach lifelong money habits than by giving them hands-on experience managing their own money? At USALLIANCE, we offer two accounts designed to help kids and teens build financial confidence from an early age.

• A MyLife Checking for Teens Account is a great way to give your teen a head start on financial independence. It offers all the tools they need to manage money, including a spending tracker in Digital Banking, mobile check deposits for birthday or allowance checks, and instant spending alerts to help them stay on top of their balance. Plus, you can monitor their account activity for peace of mind while they learn to spend and save responsibly.
• Start your child’s savings journey with a MyLife Savings for Kids Account. With a boosted rate on their first $500, an annual $10 birthday gift, and no fees or minimums, they’ll watch their savings grow while you help them learn smart money habits. It’s the perfect way to make financial literacy part of their story from the start.

Make this holiday one to remember with gifts that spark fun, curiosity, and lifelong financial confidence!