Thinking about the best way to invest money for kids? You’re definitely on the right track! Teaching children about money management and investing from a young age is one of the most powerful gifts you can give them. It’s not just about building wealth; it’s about fostering financial literacy, smart decision-making, and a secure future. Whether you’re looking to open an investment account for them, teach them the value of a dollar, or just spark their interest in financial growth, we’ve got you covered.
This article dives into some fantastic products that can help kick-start your child’s journey towards financial savvy. From interactive board games that make learning about savings and investments fun, to essential play money sets that build foundational math skills, these tools are designed to empower young minds. Let’s explore some of the top options available to help your kids understand the best way to invest money for kids and secure their financial future.
Understanding the Best Way to Invest Money for Kids
Before we dive into the products, it’s worth noting that the “best way to invest money for kids” often involves a two-pronged approach: practical education and actual financial vehicles. Our product list covers both! Some items directly teach investment concepts, while others build the foundational money management skills crucial for future investing.
Our Top Picks for Teaching Kids About Money & Investing
Here are our selected products that can help teach and engage kids in the world of finance, from basic money counting to more advanced investment principles.
1. BeFree for KIDS – Fun Money & Financial Literacy Board Game
This isn’t just another board game; it’s a vibrant, interactive journey into financial literacy designed for the whole family. BeFree for KIDS stands out by making complex concepts like saving, investing, and cash flow incredibly accessible and fun. Kids get to set a big dream goal and then make choices – spend freely or plan for the future – directly experiencing the consequences of their financial decisions in a safe, playful environment. It’s a fantastic hands-on approach to teaching smart money habits.
Key Features:
– MUST-HAVE LIFE SKILL – TEACH CHILDREN SMART MONEY HABITS! Financial literacy is the key to success! Give your child the tools to manage MONEY, SAVING, and INVESTING FOR KIDS. Without these skills, financial security is impossible!
– FUN FAMILY GAME – CONNECT, LEARN & PLAY TOGETHER! Enjoy a SUPER FUN BOARD GAME that brings KIDS AND FAMILY together! BeFree for KIDS makes learning about money EXCITING, EASY TO LEARN, AND QUICK TO PLAY, keeping everyone engaged and entertained!
– BIG DREAMS & SMART CHOICES – SPEND OR PLAN? Kids set a BIG DREAM GOAL and choose a financial strategy: Spend freely today with no risks or Plan, save, invest, and build a secure future. The perfect way to learn CASH FLOW, MONEY MANAGEMENT, and FINANCIAL PLANNING through fun decision-making!
– EARN, SAVE & SPEND – LEARN REAL MONEY SKILLS! Understand ALLOWANCE, COUNT MONEY, working for money, PLAY MONEY, and investing. Kids learn financial literacy through real-life MONEY MANAGEMENT, smart decision-making, and understanding PRODUCTIVE vs. NON-PRODUCTIVE expenses!
– THE PERFECT GIFT FOR LOVING PARENTS & SMART KIDS! A must-have for parents who want to teach MONEY SMART KIDS! The perfect EDUCATIONAL BOARD GAME for birthdays, holidays & family fun. Help your child build lifelong MONEY SKILLS in a fun and engaging way!
Pros:
– Makes abstract financial concepts tangible and engaging.
– Encourages family interaction and discussion about money.
– Teaches practical skills like budgeting, saving, and investing decisions.
– Fun and replayable, keeping kids interested over time.
Cons:
– Requires parental involvement for the best learning experience.
– Might be a bit complex for very young children without guidance.
User Impressions: Parents consistently praise this game for its ability to turn daunting financial topics into an exciting family activity. Many appreciate how their kids start asking insightful questions about money and actively think about their spending habits after playing. It’s often described as a game-changer for financial education.
See it on Amazon here
2. A Teenager’s Guide to Investing in the Stock Market: Everything…
For older kids and teenagers, a practical guide is often the best way to invest money for kids by teaching them directly. This book is specifically designed to demystify the stock market, breaking down complex investment strategies into easy-to-understand language. It empowers young adults with the knowledge they need to start thinking about real-world investing, fostering a sense of financial independence and forward planning. It’s a stepping stone for teens ready to move beyond basic saving.
Key Features:
– Tailored specifically for teenagers, addressing their unique learning style.
– Simplifies complex stock market concepts and terminology.
– Provides actionable steps for getting started with investing.
– Encourages critical thinking about financial decisions and long-term growth.
Pros:
– Direct, age-appropriate instruction on stock market investing.
– Helps teenagers develop a sophisticated understanding of finance.
– Fills a crucial gap for young people seeking practical investment advice.
– Can be a valuable resource for starting meaningful financial conversations.
Cons:
– May be less engaging for visual learners who prefer interactive tools.
– Requires a certain level of reading comprehension and interest.
User Impressions: Reviewers highlight this book as an invaluable resource for parents looking to introduce their teens to serious financial concepts. Many note that their children found it surprisingly engaging and felt more confident discussing investment opportunities after reading it. It’s often recommended for its clear, concise, and empowering approach.
See it on Amazon here
3. How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Invest! Save!
This isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap to wealth building presented in an inspiring and accessible way for younger minds. Focusing on the powerful principles of earning, investing, and saving, it teaches kids how small amounts of money can grow significantly over time. It’s a fantastic motivational tool that illustrates the power of compound interest and long-term financial planning, making the idea of becoming a millionaire feel achievable through smart choices. This book offers a compelling narrative for understanding the best way to invest money for kids.
Key Features:
– Inspirational narrative that makes financial growth exciting.
– Covers the core pillars of earning, saving, and investing.
– Explains the concept of compounding in an understandable way.
– Provides practical, actionable advice for children and young teens.
Pros:
– Highly motivating and empowering for young readers.
– Simplifies complex financial principles into relatable terms.
– Encourages a proactive mindset towards money management.
– Great for sparking entrepreneurial spirit and long-term financial goals.
Cons:
– Financial results are not guaranteed and depend on many factors.
– Might oversimplify the challenges of wealth building for some.
User Impressions: Parents and educators rave about this book’s ability to ignite a passion for financial planning in children. They report that kids feel inspired to start their own small businesses or save their allowance with a clear goal in mind. It’s celebrated for making the journey to financial success seem exciting and attainable.
See it on Amazon here
4. Trekbest Money Maze Puzzle Box – A Fun Unique Way…
While not a direct investment tool, the Trekbest Money Maze Puzzle Box offers a brilliantly unique way to make receiving money or small gifts an engaging experience. It transforms a simple cash gift into a fun challenge, encouraging patience, problem-solving, and a bit of effort before the reward is claimed. This can subtly teach the value of “working” for something, a foundational concept for understanding how earnings translate into savings and, eventually, investments. It’s also a clever way to encourage kids to use their ingenuity.
Key Features:
– Receiving Gifts is Half the Fun – Combine puzzle game and gift boxe into one with this gift holder puzzle box. It’s a fun and cool way to give a gift.
– Make Them Work for Their Gifts – It’s ideal as unique birthday gifts for the adults and kids in your lives who love brain teasers, or use them as funny gag gifts to make your teenagers to use their ingenuity and logic to get their cash.
– Great for Christmas and Birthdays – Sometimes cash or gift cards can seem like last minute gifts. But when you include a small puzzle box game, suddenly an inexpensive accessory makes your gift special.
– Fun for Kids – These game and toy maze boxes are a challenge for kids, without being too hard to crack or too easy to be boring. Once the puzzles are solved and the gifts are retrieved, they can be used as coin boxes or secret storages.
– Stock Up Now – Recommended age 6 and up. They are great as small gifts for boys, girls, teenagers, and even adults. They are also perfect for small gifts like concert tickets and even jewelry to place.
Pros:
– Makes gifting money more exciting and memorable.
– Encourages problem-solving and perseverance.
– Can be reused as a coin box or secret storage.
– A fun twist on simply handing over cash or gift cards.
Cons:
– Not a direct educational tool for investing or finance.
– The challenge might frustrate some younger children.
User Impressions: Customers love the novelty and fun factor of this puzzle box. They often share stories of the recipient’s delight (and occasional frustration!) in solving the maze. It’s celebrated as a creative way to present gifts, especially money, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the present-opening experience.
See it on Amazon here
5. Learning Resources Money Jar – Play Money for Kids, Fake Money for Kids
Before kids can grasp abstract investment concepts, they need to understand the basics of money itself. The Learning Resources Money Jar provides realistic play money that’s perfect for teaching young children essential math skills like counting, adding, subtracting, and making change. The inclusion of a sturdy storage jar makes clean-up a breeze and reinforces organizational habits. This hands-on tool is a fantastic way to build a strong foundation for future financial literacy.
Key Features:
– HELPS DEVELOP SKILLS: Empower kids to learn practical math skills with this realistic play money.
– TEACH MATH & COUNTING: Learn to count, add, subtract, make change and more.
– EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS: Supports academic state standards for understanding money.
– GREAT PLAYSET ADDITION: Includes 80 bills of various denominations and 140 realistic coins in their own storage jar. Pretend bills measure 6.25″ x 2.625″, pretend coins range from .80″ (penny) – .995″ (quarter).
– For ages 3+
Pros:
– Highly realistic play money aids in recognition of real currency.
– Excellent for developing fundamental math skills related to money.
– Durable and comes with a convenient storage jar.
– Versatile for various pretend play scenarios and educational games.
Cons:
– Focused on basic money recognition and math, not direct investing.
– Bills are slightly smaller than real currency, but close enough for learning.
User Impressions: Educators and parents consistently praise this set for its quality and educational value. They find the realistic appearance of the money helps children transition to understanding real currency more easily. It’s a go-to resource for teaching basic money concepts in a fun, engaging way.
See it on Amazon here
6. Pretend Money for Kids – Realistic Play Money Set, 385 Pcs
This comprehensive pretend money set takes financial play to the next level with its abundance of realistic bills and coins, plus 80 price cards and a market door sign. It’s designed to make learning engaging by allowing kids to run their own pretend stores, practice being cashiers, and understand the value of different denominations in a real-world context. This kind of immersive play is a fantastic step towards understanding budgeting and saving, which are critical precursors to understanding the best way to invest money for kids.
Key Features:
– This Play Money Set for kids (math manipulatives games) is very popular with kids! They play imaginary games, run their own pretend store, work as cashiers and enjoy every moment. Time lost in entertainment is spent strengthening math skills.
– Make learning fun and engaging with realistic play money! This practical educational tool is perfect for teaching essential money skills, such as making change, recognizing the value of different denominations, and practicing addition and subtraction. Paired with product price cards, kids can explore the cost of real-world items, gain a better understanding of the value of money, and enjoy countless fun and educational opportunities.
– Ideal for children at home, school or at playdates, this toy money set offers fun and education together. Perfect for homeschooling, elementary school, preschool and kindergarten, this product teaches basic math in a fun way.
– With 304 realistic money, 80 price cards in 4 colors and a market door sign, this set offers comprehensive learning opportunities for children. Teaches budgeting, saving and spending through play. It can also be given as a reward for chores or good grades.
– Are you looking for fun and learning games for kids? This set is perfect for birthdays, holidays and special occasions. The children’s smiles prove this. Parents will appreciate this set of eco-friendly pretend money games, tested to CPSIA standards.
Pros:
– Extensive set with many bills, coins, and bonus price cards for immersive play.
– Excellent for role-playing scenarios like running a store, enhancing practical math.
– Teaches essential concepts like budgeting, saving, and making change.
– Durable and tested to CPSIA standards for safety.
Cons:
– The sheer volume might be overwhelming for some children initially.
– Primarily focuses on basic money handling, not direct investment concepts.
User Impressions: This set is a hit with families and teachers alike, often praised for its realism and the sheer quantity of items. Users love how it encourages hours of imaginative play while simultaneously strengthening math skills and fostering an understanding of money’s value in everyday transactions.
See it on Amazon here
7. Mr. Pen – Play Money for Kids, 150 Pcs, Ages 3+
Mr. Pen’s play money set offers a straightforward yet effective way to introduce kids to the different denominations of American currency. With a good mix of bills and plastic coins, this set is perfect for hands-on learning activities, whether it’s counting out change, recognizing values, or simulating simple transactions. The durable, heavy-duty paper bills and plastic coins are designed to withstand endless play, making it a reliable tool for foundational money math skills for preschool to early elementary grades.
Key Features:
– This package includes 60 pretend bills (20 $1s, 20 $5s, 10 $10s, and 10 $20s) and 90 plastic coins (30 pennies, 20 nickels, 20 dimes, and 20 quarters).
– Mr. Pen play money for kids consists of premium plastic coins and durable, heavy-duty paper with two-sided printed pretend money, designed for endless play transactions just like real American Dollars.
– Each pretended bill measures 6.2″ x 2.6″, making it the perfect size for little hands to hold and play comfortably. Also, the size of Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, and Quarters are as follows: 0.79 x 0.79, 0.77 x 0.77, 0.89 x 0.89, 0.98 x 0.98.
– Mr. Pen play money for kids set is ideal for teaching lessons in making change, identifying value, and adding/subtracting money – perfect for homeschool learning activities! Great for students in preschool to early elementary school grades as an engaging way to learn money math skills.
– This package is suitable for people of all ages to learn about money in a fun way. It could be a good gift for kids and may also be used in educational settings such as teacher supplies, classroom games, preschool, kindergarten, homeschooling, and grades 1 to 3.
Pros:
– Good quantity of realistic bills and coins for various activities.
– Durable materials ensure longevity, even with enthusiastic play.
– Bills are appropriately sized for small hands, enhancing play comfort.
– Excellent for teaching basic money math, value recognition, and making change.
Cons:
– Lacks advanced features for teaching investment concepts directly.
– Denominations primarily focus on smaller bills ($1, $5, $10, $20).
User Impressions: Customers appreciate the quality and realism of the Mr. Pen play money, noting that it holds up well to frequent use. It’s a popular choice for teachers and homeschooling parents who need a reliable set for foundational money lessons, with many praising its effectiveness in helping young children grasp basic financial concepts.
See it on Amazon here
8. MAGLOGY 482 Pcs Play Money Kids Set, Number Learning Toys
The MAGLOGY 482 Pcs Play Money Kids Set is truly a super-sized treasure trove for financial education! Featuring an impressive array of realistic bills (including higher denominations up to $100), coins, checks, and even bank cards, this set offers an incredibly immersive experience. Its double-sided, clear printing and durable design make it perfect for extensive role-playing and academic settings. This set encourages children to understand not just cash, but also other forms of financial transactions, fostering a holistic view of money management. It’s a phenomenal resource for introducing comprehensive financial literacy.
Key Features:
– DOUBLE-SIDED DESIGN: This play money for teaching adopts a double-sided design. And the printing is clear. The size is consistent with real coins, thick, and not easily torn, allowing for multiple uses. It is a toy money for kids.
– EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS: As play money, it can help children understand it and cultivate their understanding of the concept of savings. More importantly, the money for kids to learn can also improve children’s mathematical ability. It is homeschool supplies.
– WHAT YOU GET: This play money set for teaching includes 350 pretend bills (50 $1s,50 $2s, 50 $5s, 50 $10s, 50 $20s, 50 $50s, and 50 $100s), 120 plastic coins (20 pennies, 20 nickels, 20 dimes, and 20 quarters, 20 Half dollar and 20*1 Dollar), 10pcs checks, and 2 bank cards, with 482 pieces.
– DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS: When children concentrate on using play money for kids. The play money for kids can improve kids’ hand-eye coordination, brain calculation ability, cognitive ability, and concentration ability, which play a role in children’s growth.
– IDEAL LEARNING GIFT: The learning resources money is suitable for 4-9 year-olds and is a gift for major festivals, such as birthdays, Children’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas. Additionally, the play money for kids is a choice for teachers, family education, classroom games, and preschool and kindergarten activities.
Pros:
– Extremely comprehensive set with high denominations, checks, and bank cards for advanced play.
– Excellent for teaching the full spectrum of money transactions, not just cash.
– Durable, double-sided, and realistic design for extended use.
– Great for developing hand-eye coordination, math skills, and cognitive abilities.
Cons:
– The sheer number of pieces might require significant storage.
– Focuses on transaction mechanics more than direct investment theory.
User Impressions: This set consistently receives high marks for its extensive collection and realism. Parents and teachers particularly love the inclusion of checks and bank cards, noting how it broadens children’s understanding of the financial world beyond simple cash. It’s considered an all-in-one solution for early financial literacy.
See it on Amazon here
9. Zazopup Pretend Play Money for Kids for Learning, Math Games
The Zazopup Pretend Play Money set is a thoughtfully designed activity kit that goes beyond just providing play money. It includes puzzle cards, double-sided price tags, a piggy bank card, and dice, creating a truly interactive learning experience. This complete set helps children not only recognize various denominations but also develop crucial math skills like counting, addition, subtraction, and making change through engaging games. It’s a hands-on approach that reinforces fine motor skills and critical thinking, making it a great choice for collaborative learning.
Key Features:
– Complete Money Activity Set: Our money learning set includes 60 play bills, 60 play coins, 24 puzzle cards, 12 double-sided price tags, a piggy bank card, 2 dice, and a guide.
– Learn to Identify Money: This educational toy helps children recognize and understand the value of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollar coins, and bills ranging from $1 to $100.
– Math Skill Development: Through fun money games and pretend play, kids can develop counting, addition, subtraction, and making change skills.
– Enhances Fine Motor Skills: The interactive money puzzle cards support children’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor abilities, and critical thinking, encouraging engaging parent-child activities.
– Play Money for Classroom Learning: This money activity set is suitable for classrooms, preschools, and homeschooling, offering a practical and engaging way to teach financial literacy.
Pros:
– Comprehensive activity set with interactive elements like puzzle cards and dice.
– Effectively teaches money identification and fundamental math skills.
– Enhances fine motor skills and critical thinking through engaging play.
– Versatile for both individual learning and group activities.
Cons:
– The quantity of play money might be less than some other sets.
– More geared towards basic financial concepts than advanced investing.
User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight the interactive nature of this set, finding the puzzle cards and games particularly effective for engagement. Parents appreciate how it bundles various learning tools, making it a convenient and comprehensive option for teaching young children about money in an enjoyable and tactile way.
See it on Amazon here
10. Alagoo 140 PCS Fake Money for Kids Pretend Play – Realistic…
The Alagoo 140 PCS Fake Money set offers a generous quantity of prop money, featuring a wide range of denominations. While designed with a focus on movies, magic, and games like Monopoly, its realistic appearance and ample supply make it an excellent resource for educational purposes too. It’s perfect for larger group activities, classroom games, or simply for kids who love to play with lots of money! This set provides a solid basis for teaching children counting and basic math skills, guiding them towards understanding the importance of budgeting and saving in an interactive way.
Key Features:
– [What You Get] Our prop money set contains 140 pieces of different denominations of paper money, 20$100, 20$50, 20$20, 20$10, 20$5, 20$2, and 20*$1 a total of 3760 dollars, and these fake money are fully compatible with major board games and monopoly money refills, a choice for replacement bills!
– [Money Widely Used] This prop money set is used for movies, magic, costume parties, stage shows, holiday parties, treasure hunt games, etc. Alagoo fake money as a prank or money gun props to play tricks on others, and bring laughter to your family and partners, which provides numerous creative possibilities!
– [Teach Money Math] The fake money set is widely suitable for game and bill replacement for the classics! Our toy money set is great for solitary or group play and an ideal resource for the home, classroom and playroom, which can also be used as a math teaching aid for class teachers.
– [Play Money for Kids] Kids love money as a learning tool or play games in piggy banks and kids’ cash registers. Using this play money set is good for teaching children to count and develop basic math skills, guiding them to the importance of budgeting and saving and learning the value of money in a fun and interactive way.
– [High-Quality Materials] Crafted with care, the money set uses premium ink and safe materials. Each pattern was printed clearly and with no smell. The toy money is strong and thick, not easy to tear, and has a suitable size that is easy to store. Fake money in enough quantities can serve multiple partners to play the property trading game together.
Pros:
– Large quantity of bills across various denominations, ideal for extensive play.
– Realistic design makes it suitable for both educational and recreational use.
– Durable and thick paper ensures longevity.
– Excellent for board game refills and large-scale imaginative play.
Cons:
– Primarily prop money, so realism might vary slightly from actual currency.
– Lacks coins, focusing solely on paper bills.
User Impressions: Customers frequently mention the impressive quantity and durability of this fake money, making it a favorite for games like Monopoly or for imaginative play involving large sums. It’s highly rated for its versatility and how it effectively serves as a teaching aid for basic money math while also bringing a lot of fun to playtime.
See it on Amazon here
FAQ: Your Questions About Investing for Kids Answered
Navigating the world of children’s finance can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some common ones to help you figure out the best way to invest money for kids.
Q1: What’s the best age to start teaching kids about money and investing?
A1: You can start teaching basic money concepts as early as age 3-5 with play money and simple counting games. Around ages 6-10, introduce allowance and saving goals. For actual investing concepts, late elementary to middle school (ages 10-14) is a great time to introduce the idea of stocks, mutual funds, or the stock market, especially with the help of books and games. Teenagers can begin to understand real investment accounts.
Q2: What are some simple ways to explain investing to kids?
A2: Use analogies! Explain investing like planting a seed – you put a little seed (money) into good soil (an investment), and over time, with sun and water (growth), it grows into a big plant or tree (more money). You can also talk about owning a tiny piece of their favorite companies (like Disney or Nike) through stocks.
Q3: Should I open an investment account for my child? If so, what kind?
A3: Yes, opening an account can be a great idea. Common options include:
* Custodial Brokerage Accounts (UGMA/UTMA): These allow you to invest money on behalf of your child, but the assets become theirs at a certain age (18 or 21, depending on the state).
* 529 Plans: Designed for education savings, these offer tax advantages for college expenses.
* Roth IRAs (for working teens): If your child earns income, they can contribute to a Roth IRA, which grows tax-free and can be a powerful retirement savings tool.
Q4: What’s the difference between saving and investing for kids?
A4: Saving is putting money aside, usually in a bank account, for short-term goals or emergencies. It’s safe but grows slowly. Investing is putting money into assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate with the expectation that it will grow significantly over the long term, usually for bigger goals like college or retirement. Investing comes with more risk but also higher potential returns.
Q5: How can I encourage my child to save money?
A5:
* Set Clear Goals: Help them save for something specific, like a toy, game, or experience.
* Use a Clear Jar/Piggy Bank: A transparent container lets them see their money grow.
* Offer Matching Contributions: Match a portion of what they save to motivate them.
* Make it a Habit: Encourage them to save a portion of any money they receive (allowance, gifts).
Q6: Are there any risks when investing for kids?
A6: Yes, all investments carry some level of risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up. However, investing for kids often has the advantage of a very long time horizon, which allows for greater risk-taking and more time to recover from market downturns. Diversification (spreading investments across different assets) helps mitigate risk.
Q7: Should I give my child an allowance?
A7: Many financial experts recommend giving an allowance as it teaches children how to manage their own money. It provides opportunities to learn about budgeting, saving, and spending decisions. You can link it to chores or simply give it as a fixed amount, but the key is to allow them some autonomy over their funds.
Conclusion
Empowering your children with financial knowledge is truly one of the best ways to invest money for kids, setting them up for a lifetime of smart choices and potential prosperity. Whether you opt for an engaging board game that teaches investment principles, a practical guide for your teenager, or a comprehensive play money set that builds foundational math skills, each product on our list offers a unique pathway to financial literacy.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to make them rich, but to equip them with the confidence and understanding to navigate their financial world responsibly. By starting early and making learning fun, you’re not just helping them manage money today, you’re investing in their future success and well-being. So go ahead, pick the perfect tool, and watch your young savers turn into savvy investors!