5 Best Holiday Gifts That Won’t Spoil Your Kids, According to Financial Experts
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Amen Oyiboke
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For parents, it’s the easiest thing in the world to overdo it when it comes to kids’ gifts during the holidays. We think of this time of year as the time to give expensive games and toys, without thinking of what this might teach kids.
According to experts, there are plenty of meaningful gifts out there that won’t end up spoiling your kids rotten.
“One of the most impactful gifts you can offer is an investment in their financial future,” said Dennis Shirshikov, head of growth at GoSummer and professor of finance at City University of New York.
“Instead of opting for the latest toy that might lose its appeal quickly, consider contributing to a college savings plan or purchasing a small amount of stock in a company they admire. This not only introduces them to the concept of investing but also makes them stakeholders in something bigger.”
Below are more of the experts’ top recommendations for your holiday gift-giving for your kids this season.
Experiences Over Momentary Entertainment
When selecting holiday gifts for kids, Abid Salahi, finance expert and co-founder of FinlyWealth, said the goal is to balance excitement with educational value.
“The most impactful gifts aren’t about monetary worth but about sparking curiosity, developing skills, and introducing financial literacy. I recommend gifts that create learning experiences rather than momentary entertainment.”
Shirshikov advised the same. “An excellent option is to focus on experiences rather than material items.”
He said planning a family trip, visiting a museum, or attending a local theater production can create lasting memories that far outweigh the temporary excitement of a new gadget.
“These shared experiences often become cherished stories that the family recounts for years to come.”
Skill-Building Tools
For younger children, Salahi encouraged considering a savings account starter kit with a matching contribution from parents.
“This introduces the concept of saving and compound growth. For older kids, a basic investing board game or junior stock market simulation can make financial learning interactive and engaging.”
Gifts That Grow With Your Child
“I’ve seen parents transform holiday gift-giving by choosing presents that grow with the child,” said Salahi.
He said a high-quality scientific microscope for a curious 10-year-old, for instance, isn’t just a toy — it’s an investment in their potential.
“Similarly, coding kits, educational subscriptions, or musical instruments provide long-term developmental value beyond the initial unwrapping excitement.”
Curated Technology
According to Salahi, technology can be a smart gift when used intentionally.
“A tablet loaded with educational apps, coding tutorials, or financial literacy programs can be far more valuable than a generic electronic device. The key is curating the content to ensure it’s educational and age-appropriate,” said Salahi.
Gifts That Build Real-World Skills
For teenagers, Salahi advised gifts that build real-world skills such as a budgeting workshop, online course subscriptions, or even matching their savings towards a significant personal goal.
“These gifts teach financial responsibility while showing genuine parental support. The most meaningful gifts aren’t about expensive price tags but about showing children that learning, growth, and financial understanding are the true treasures of the holiday season.”
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