More and more parents are leaning towards cash as the ideal gift for their children’s birthdays, according to a recent poll from the Post Office.
Three in five parents (60%) would rather their children receive cash instead of toys or physical items that might end up as clutter.
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Here’s why this shift is happening and how it can be a valuable choice for both kids and parents.
Why parents want cash gifts
When it comes to birthday presents, most parents aren’t just after more toys for their kids.
In fact, 36% of parents say they’d rather their children receive cash to avoid filling their homes with items that are quickly forgotten.
Cash gifts are appealing because they can help cut down on waste and avoid unnecessary clutter, with many homes already packed with toys that rarely get used.
Cash also lets children choose what they really want, with 49% of parents saying this is a major reason they prefer money as a gift.
Instead of a pile of items that might get ignored, cash allows children to pick out things they genuinely enjoy or even save for something special.
Skint Dad Says:
When our daughter Chloe turned 8, she received a decent amount of birthday presents, but most of them ended up in a corner by the end of the week.
Then she opened a card from her aunt with birthday money inside, and her face lit up. Chloe used it to buy a book series she’d had her eye on for ages.
Seeing her so proud of her choice definitely made us more conscious of cash gifts going forward.
Making room for experiences
Cash gifts can be more than just an alternative to toys. About 34% of parents say cash is perfect for experiences or family days out.
This option lets families use gift money for memorable activities, such as a fun day at the zoo, a movie night, or even a mini adventure that brings everyone together.
It’s a gift that creates moments, not just possessions.
A lesson in money management
Receiving cash is an excellent opportunity to teach children about money from a young age.
The survey showed that 76% of parents see cash gifts as a chance to help children understand the value of money.
Many parents start financial lessons as early as five. Kids learn to budget, save, and make spending choices, all valuable skills that can help them later in life.
Some children have taken to the idea, with many adopting a ‘spend some, save some’ approach, while others choose to save up for bigger items.
Cash gifts can give kids the freedom to think about what they want and even wait for something special if they choose.
Cash and happiness go hand in hand
It’s not just the parents who are excited about cash gifts; kids are happy about it too.
In the study, 64% of children said they felt happy when they received cash, and nearly half (49%) were excited about the flexibility it gave them.
It’s not hard to see why – the freedom to pick out something specific or save for a big item adds a sense of independence and excitement that’s hard to match with a traditional gift.
Tips for gifting cash the thoughtful way
Although cash gifts are popular, some people still worry they may come across as impersonal. Etiquette expert Jo Bryant offers a few tips to make cash gifts more thoughtful:
- Add a note – A handwritten message explaining that the cash is for something special can make it feel more personal and shows the gift-giver cares about the child’s choice.
- Match the value – Giving an amount you’d typically spend on a gift keeps it within familiar boundaries, making it feel like a thoughtful choice.
- Go for notes over coins – Notes are simpler to carry and spend, making them a practical option.
A convenient choice for families
In a time when many families are looking to make sensible choices and cut down on waste, cash gifts are a growing trend that offers children choice, helps parents reduce clutter, and creates an educational moment around money.
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
