Is Money a Good Gift for Kids?
It’s my niece’s second birthday tomorrow. While I am having a hard time trying to figure out how that much time has gone by, I’m also stuck with my decision as to what to get her for her birthday. I went to the store today to buy her some clothes, picked up a few cute outfits, and put them back down. I had a rush of emotions as questions ran through my head: What if these aren’t the brand her mom likes? What if she thinks I’m being cheap? How much should I spend? etc. I left the store with a birthday card and a decision I’m just going to give her a $20 bill in a card so her mom can buy clothes, put it in a savings account, or do whatever she wants with it.
Now I’m feeling guilty; like I’m trying to get out of putting thought in a present. That’s not the case. I know she doesn’t need any toys because she just got a ton for Christmas. I thought about purchasing a savings bond but I don’t have her social and that’s not exactly the most fun gift when you’re a kid. I thought about taking her shopping when I’m visiting this weekend for her party, but is she really going to enjoy that? She’s two.
I’ve decided that Saturday night I am taking her and her brother to Chuck E Cheese and will buy them tokens and play with them. Some of my best memories of when I was little involve spending time with my family members. They don’t include what they got me for my birthday, but rather the fact that they were there and that they played with me. That’s what’s important anyway. I’m also going to see if her mom will let me try to make and decorate a Dora Cake while I’m up there. I’m still going to give her $20 in a card, but at least I’m doing some kind of activity with them that they will enjoy and remember. I’m truly looking forward to it.
Do you think cash is an acceptable gift, or should I do something else?
I think it depends on your relationship with the parents.
My children are 18 and 13 now. Several times over the years, they received cash as gifts. I always tucked the cash into their bank accounts, which they eventually appreciated. But I value saving, and I wanted very much to teach my children to value saving. I also am somewhat of a minimalist. I don’t like having lots of stuff. I often felt my kids had TOO MANY toys (most of which I did not buy) and TOO MANY clothes (I was very fortunate in the hand-me-down department). So I was just fine with anyone giving them cash.
However, some parents are not fine with it. Some parents find it tacky, or as you mentioned thoughtless. So, if I know the parents well, and they know me well enough to know that I value saving, then I will sometimes give cash to a small child. If I don’t know the parents well, I buy a gift.
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In my opinion, a trip to Chuck E Cheese is more than enough of a present for a 2-year-old. I would certainly not give $20 as well, unless you know that her parents are really strapped for money and could use that to buy her something she *needs*.
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I think it’s a better gift than stuff she won’t use or like. Honestly she won’t remember, the first birthday I remember was my 3rd. You should talk to her mom about a savings account or college plan you could contribute to, when I’m a mom I would love if relatives would help out with that.
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I think it’s a better gift than stuff she might not use or like. Honestly she won’t remember, the first birthday I remember was my 3rd. You should talk to her mom about a savings account or college plan you could contribute to, when I’m a mom I would love if relatives would help out with that.
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momthing1- I agree with you 100% on the clothes and toys thing. They have SO MANY toys it’s crazy! I am glad I didn’t buy her more toys. I ended up taking her to Target and let her pick out some clothes. I think it was a good solution!
Deirdre- Thanks! I did end up taking them to Target for her to pick out a present (I bought her clothes, some bubble bath, and a ball for $26), Pizza Hut for dinner, and then to Chuck E Cheese. I worried about the extra money I spent but I hardly get to do things with them so I looked at it that way. I shouldn’t worry that much about money! I truly enjoyed my time with her. I do appreciate your input. Thanks for stopping by!
Miss M- I’m not sure if they have a college plan set up for her. It would be awesome if I could just transfer that money over!
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