Every holiday season, we promise ourselves we’ll be intentional. Thoughtful. Minimalist.

And then somehow, we end up panic-buying another gadget, another sweater, and something that quietly migrates to the back of a closet by Presidents’ Day.

This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of giving stuff, let’s give something far more powerful: confidence around money.

Because toys break. Trends fade. But knowing how to save, spend, invest, and give? That pays dividends long after the wrapping paper is gone.

Here are five gifts that do exactly that -- and might just become the most memorable ones under the tree.

1. The Classic Starter: A Purposeful Piggy Bank 

For little ones, a piggy bank is still undefeated.

Why it works:

Money becomes real when kids can see it, touch it, and decide what to do with it. Modern piggy banks with sections labeled Save, Spend, and Give quietly introduce budgeting, priorities, and delayed gratification -- no lecture required.

Make it stick:

Add a starter stash of cash and ask how they want to divide it up. Congratulations -- you’ve just had your first money meeting.

2. The Sneaky Teacher: Monopoly 

Yes, Monopoly. The game that has tested family relationships for generations.

Why it works:

Behind the family drama, Monopoly teaches real financial lessons:

• Cash flow matters

• Assets produce income

• Debt can help -- or hurt

• Bad decisions compound quickly

Kids learn about rent, risk, leverage, and bankruptcy while trying to bankrupt their siblings.  What could be better?

Make it real: 

When someone buys a railroad, ask: “How is owning this different from just holding cash?”  Watch the lightbulb go on.

3. The Digital Upgrade: A Budgeting App 

For teens and young adults, money lives on their phone -- so their financial tools should, too.

Why it works:

A budgeting app helps them track spending, set goals, and finally see where their money actually goes (spoiler: food, coffee). Apps like YNAB, Mint, or Greenlight can turn financial chaos into clarity.

Easy win:

Gift an annual subscription to an app that fits their age and habits. It’s practical, modern, and surprisingly empowering.

4. The Investor’s Gift: Stocks or Fractional Shares 

Instead of another pair of sneakers, how about owning a piece of the company that makes them?  I bought my son a few shares of Nike when he was a kid and he actively started following it – and making money.  The shares have stuck around over 10 years now, can’t say that for any pair for sneakers he’s owned over the same period of time.

Why it works:

Gifting stock -- even fractional shares -- introduces the magic of ownership and compounding. Choose a brand they already love: a fashion label, a streaming service, or a sports company. 

Suddenly, the market feels personal.

The mindset shift:

Ask this question:“Do you need the product… or should you own the company that sells it?”

Important note:Use a custodial account (UGMA/UTMA) and focus on long-term investing. This gift is about patience, not day-trading.

5. The Giving Gift: Charity with Purpose 

A donation made in a child or teen’s name is a powerful way to teach generosity and perspective.

Why it works:

It shows that money isn’t just for spending, it’s actually a tool for impact. Let them help choose the cause, whether it’s an animal shelter, a school fund, or a community organization they care about.

Quick tax reminder (for adults):

If you’re making the donation, verify the charity’s status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search to confirm it’s a qualified 501(c)(3).

The Part They’ll Actually Remember

The best gifts don’t come with instructions or a warranty. They come with conversations, habits, and a little perspective.

A piggy bank can start a lifetime of smart choices. A board game can teach cash flow without anyone realizing it. A budgeting app can replace anxiety with control. A stock can turn a spender into an owner. And a charitable gift can remind someone that money is powerful -- especially when it’s used well.

So go ahead. Skip the panic-buy this year.

Give a gift that grows.

Please reach out to me at tbyrnes@lebenthal.com if you have any questions or if there are any particular topics you would like explore.

Tracy Byrnes is a CDFA® and Vice President, Women and Investing, at Lebenthal Global Advisors. She focuses on assisting women through divorce, transition, and entrepreneurship. Her mission is to empower women financially so they can pursue their goals and confidently plan for the future. Tracy aims to be a stabilizing force for her clients, providing well-informed advice to help them plan for their families and businesses. Throughout her career, she has gained valuable insight and experience from the diverse range of people she has met, allowing her to translate complex concepts into straightforward advice. Tracy holds an M.B.A. in Accounting from Rutgers University and a B.A. in Economics from Lehigh University. She is also a financial expert who has been featured in multiple national networks and media outlets.