The Christmas money talk: how to help kids plan gift cash

Christmas morning often ends with a pile of cash and gift cards. Ten minutes that same day can turn the pile into a plan.

A script that works for ages 7–12

1. "What do you already have enough of?"
2. "What would you like to save toward?"
3. "Who or what do you want to give to?"
4. Split the cash into Save, Spend and Give — jars, envelopes or a simple worksheet.

Print our free 3-jar worksheet or use the Christmas money lessons.

A book that backs up the talk

Money Magic for Kids walks through earning, saving, spending and giving in story form. Written by Oliver Mark, a former licensed stockbroker.

Kindle · Paperback

For teens opening gift cards: Money after High School.

More gift ideas: Christmas gift guide · free parent newsletter.

General education only, not personal financial advice. Some books are written with AI assistance.