Shopping for toys is exciting; there’s a brand-new world of adventure waiting on the shelf! But when it comes to finance, kids aren’t exactly balancing check books.



Teaching kids the value of money can be tough. A great way to introduce young shoppers to healthy spending habits is through a gift card! Having a physical form of payment in their hands allows kids to consider and understand what they can afford, and to see the value in what they buy.



A gift card for their favourite store encourages them to set monetary limits, discover what things really cost, and make smart choices.





Set them up for smart spending habits through budgeting. When limits are set (like on a gift card), they’ll have to consider what they really want or need. Explaining limits—that they only have a certain amount to spend—sets a foundation of healthy financial habits for when they get their first credit card.



Add their chore allowance to a gift card! This way, they’ll learn that it takes work to get what they want, and they’ll begin to take budgeting into account.

Associating hard work with an outcome/payment allows kids to see their efforts manifested. They may even take this into consideration when asking you for new toys!

If they don’t find something they truly love on the first shopping trip (or second, or third), explain that can save their money for a later time. They don’t have to spend it just because they have it! Giving purchases a second thought helps to curb impulse buying—now and in the future.

With a gift card, they’ll get to feel in control! When kids are in charge of their own money, they may be less likely to spend frivolously—because once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Choosing a gift card in their design-of-choice can also help them want to take care of it!

Toys are made for fun; let’s make shopping a blast, too!

Sources:
https://ama.ab.ca/articles/kid-friendly-budgeting-gift-cards
https://bullocksbuzz.com/using-gift-cards-to-teach-children-about-money
https://www.giftcards.com/gcgf/kids-spend-giftcards