Gifts Worth 3x their Cost

Well, it is here.  Lists. Gifts. Shipping. Traffic.  Returns.  Receipts.  That busy shopping season.  The evergreen dilemma of "what do I get them".  We all look for meaningful gifts for our "nearly-flown" kids.  They are almost "gone" and you have so much you still want to teach them.  But hold on.  

Here's a fun .  . . and dare we say it . . . slightly sneaky way to slip in a bit of knowledge AND give them something they will enjoy.  We certainly don't want to break the bank either. 

What about giving something worth 2x or 3x or priceless?   Amazing gift ideas are below that won't cost you that arm and a leg - but will deliver a powerful parent punch.  (Note: JellyGeneration is not affiliated nor compensated for any website, company, or product we list below. These are suggestions on where to start your gift process – not specific recommendations)

 #1. Why not give $ and for part-time business venture

The $ amount doesn’t have to be much. You might provide seed money for flyers, gardening tools, gas, or camera accessories. Help them set an easy business plan and target goals. The lessons learned along the way? The basics on marketing, income and expenses. Truly priceless.

#2. Donate time to a philanthropy -  together

The list of philanthropies that need us is great, and volunteers are few. From Samaritan’s Purse to Make a Wish to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, any time given to help others always comes back many times to the giver. One of our favorite philanthropies to work with is Special Olympics. We’ve had the most wonderful time cheering the participants on as they compete for their Olympic ribbon. Time with my kids doing this? Priceless.

#3. How about "Parent-Child" Day Adventure!

Commit to a full day dedicated to something that you both will enjoy. Could that be fishing? Hiking? Heading to Six Flags? Creating a backyard garden? Whatever it is, take your camera, and then create a photo book of memories. Do this every year and get a photo library of memories. Yes, priceless.

#4. Show your "nearly-grown" how to put dreams and wishes into a spending plan 

This particular idea is near and dear to our JellyGeneration heart. This time of year gives such a wonderful opportunity to teach delayed gratification, goal setting, and more. Want more on how to do this?

 8-Step Parent Action Plan gives quick, actionable tools parents can use starting today

#5: Want to encourage your “mini-you” to save?   Start a “matching” savings plan

Then offer to match what they save. Your offer doesn’t have to be one to one. It can be whatever you are comfortable with. In fact, you could stair-step your offer. For the first $100 they save, you offer 20% matching. For the next $200 they save, you match at 25%. The matching rate increases the more they save. You could then teach the concept for a 401K, and how some businesses have a 401K “matching” program.

#6. Pay them for creating a good habit/trait.

This one worked well at our house. We offered $100 to my daughter if she didn’t consume a soft drink for an entire year. Guess what? She did it. We offered her $200 if she did it for an additional year. Yes, she got her $200. The third year? Well, being frugal parents, we didn’t go to $300, but we kept the offer at $200. The end result? She doesn’t drink soft drinks at all as she now doesn’t like the taste. Is there a good trait you want to encourage at your house? This might be the perfect solution.           

We would love to hear your ideas on gifts beyond price from your house.  In an ever materialistic society, giving a gift that is measured in more than just a price tag is a worthy endeavor. Have you done this in your family?

#7 Why not give a gift of $ and together you invest in a mutual fund?

Have fun learning which to pick, how to track it, how to watch it grow, and how to see where daily politics/economic conditions collide with the investment world, and even when to sell. Not up to speed on how to invest in one? A good place to start your learning process is here: Mutual Fund Investing Guide

Part of the “priceless” value of doing this with your child or parent is that you venture into this together. Ask the advice of others on what to look for and where to begin. Our biggest caveat is, however, never invest more than you are willing to lose. But, money management lessons learned along the way? Priceless.

Bottom line?

Most gifts end up in the "unused" or "useless" pile within a matter of days or months.  The above ideas deliver fun, relationship building, and well, a way to slide in education that will last a lifetime.  

Also, do you want to know our 8 topics that we feel each child should know before "leaving the nest?"  Here they are in our 8 Step Parent Guide     Included?  Tips, specifics on how to teach these 8 to your kids as well.  It's well worth your time to read - and yes, it is FREE.  

That's it for now.  Have a great week with your kids!  

Pam & The JellyGeneration Team

YOU CAN Have Success in the Middle of it ALL.

Pam Hardison, JellyGeneration