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The holidays are full of parties, treats and presents, which makes it the perfect time to help kids think about others too. Teaching children to give doesn’t have to be complicated. These seven simple ideas help kids see that small acts of kindness make a big difference, and many can become family traditions you keep all year long.
- Help close to home. Bake cookies for an elderly neighbor and ask if they need help with yard work, decorating or errands.
- Give spare change. When you see bell ringers or donation jars, let your child drop in the coins and talk about where the money goes.
- Volunteer together. Food banks, toy drives and church or school projects often have kid-friendly jobs like sorting cans or packing boxes.
- Pick from a giving tree. Let your child choose a name from a giving tree or angel tree and shop together for the gift.
- Help people in need. Bake bread for a shelter, assemble care kits with socks and snacks, or help serve a community meal (check age rules first).
- Give from their own pocket. If your child gets an allowance, set aside a little “giving” money each week, and let them decide where to donate it.
- Donate what you don’t need. Go through outgrown clothes and toys together and talk about the family who will enjoy them next.
Make it stick
- Use three jars for allowance: save, spend and give.
- Talk about how it felt to help.
- Keep giving going after the holidays; needs don’t end in January.
Keep the holiday fun going! The Kids Christmas Activity Pack has a Christmas scavenger hunt, 4 bingo cards, a Dear Santa letter, coloring pages and a countdown to Christmas. Print it and you have a whole afternoon of holiday fun. Get the Kids Christmas Activity Pack ($5) →
FAQ
What age can kids start giving?
Even toddlers can help put cans in a bag or pick a toy to donate.
How do I explain need to young kids?
Keep it simple: “Some families don’t have enough food or warm clothes right now, and we can help.”
What if we’re on a tight budget?
Time and kindness count. Visiting, baking, writing cards and volunteering cost very little.
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