7 ways to teach kids about giving this holiday season
Hey, $mart parents 💡
Bring money lessons home with Greenlight’s $mart Parent newsletter, a quick read with impactful tips — delivered free to your inbox weekly.
Key takeaways
As the holidays come with lots of gifts and receiving, it’s also the perfect time of year to help kids understand what giving and generosity look like. Here are eight ways you can bring giving into your family’s routine this season.
1. Start with time
Choose one volunteer activity that works for your family’s schedule. That could mean sorting donations at a local food pantry, walking dogs at an animal shelter, or delivering meals in your community.
Younger kids can draw cards or help pack boxes, while older ones can lend a hand with lifting and carrying.
Keep the focus on showing up and helping, not on how much time it takes.
Families who volunteer together often find that even a short visit can leave a strong impression.
#1 family finance and safety app.
2. Share what you have
Encourage your kids to look through their things and pick a few items to give away. Toys, books, or clothes they’ve outgrown are all good options as long as they’re in good condition.
Have them help clean, pack, and carry the donations so they can see the process from start to finish.
Explain where the items are going and who they might help.
Involving them in the process can help them make a deeper connection, rather than just throwing things away or doing it for them.
3. Give as a team
Plan one family project for the season. Maybe it’s filling a box for a toy drive, collecting winter coats, or buying groceries for a neighbor in need.
Keep everything in one spot, like a basket by the door or a box on the counter, and invite everyone to contribute to it over time.
Visual reminders motivate them to keep working toward your giving goal and inspire future traditions.
4. Talk about money
If your kids receive allowance or holiday money, use it as a chance to discuss how they can use money to help others.
Set aside a small portion for giving and let your kids choose the cause.
Help them look up local or national charities that match their interests, then complete the donation together.
The act of deciding, researching, and giving shows them that money can be a tool for good.
5. Keep it personal
Help your kids understand the people behind the giving. I
If you’re donating gifts, let them pick one out and wrap it.
If you’re delivering food to a neighbor, let them come along to hand it over.
These small, personal touches make a lasting impression and help kids see the human side of generosity.
6. Make something from scratch
Handmade gifts are simple, thoughtful, and full of meaning.
Kids can bake cookies for the bus driver, write cards for teachers, or make ornaments for grandparents.
Set aside an afternoon for a family “making day.” Don’t worry about making the crafts perfect. It’s the time and care that goes into creating something and making someone else’s day brighter that really counts.
7. Carry it forward
Once the holidays are over, find small ways to keep the spirit of giving alive.
Pick a local cause to support each month or set up a family “giving jar” where everyone can add spare change for future donations.
Even simple actions, like writing thank-you notes or helping a neighbor, help make generosity and gratitude become an ingrained part of everyday life.
8. Give through stories
Stories are a powerful way to teach empathy and can help kids imagine the roles they can play in helping others.
Read books or watch short documentaries about kindness, giving, or communities helping one another.
For younger kids, picture books like The Mitten Tree or Those Shoes can spark good conversations.
For older kids, talk about real stories in the news or local events where people came together to help.
The gift that lasts
The holidays are a time that can bring people together. With a focus on gratitude and giving, it’s the perfect time of year to instill a habit of generosity in your kids as they see how their kindness can impact others long after the holiday season has passed.
Be a financially smart family! From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight. Try Greenlight, one month, risk-free.†
This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.
Share via
