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Teach kids to plan ahead with Granny’s gift. Build patience, set clear goals, and track progress with our free Savings Tracker.
August 14, 2025

Teach kids to plan ahead with Granny’s gift. Build patience, set clear goals, and track progress with our free Savings Tracker

Have you read that mini millionaires article about the best way to use a cash gift from Granny and Grandpa?

Well, Granny’s gift can be more than just a fleeting moment of joy.

Instead of spending it all at once on sweets or a cheap toy, why not use that gift to teach your child how to plan for something truly special? 

Imagine that little envelope becoming the seed for a bicycle, an art kit, or even a long-term dream. With the right approach, Granny’s gift can be a gateway to long-term thinking and a great way to grow both savings and confidence.

1. A Mindset to Cultivate

Children who learn to delay gratification develop stronger self-control, a skill linked to long-term success. When kids understand that waiting can lead to greater rewards, they start connecting today’s choices with tomorrow’s goals. 

Research shows kids as young as four can handle future-oriented thinking, and their ability only strengthens with age.

Takeaway:  Encourage your mini millionaire to see Granny’s gift as the first step toward a bigger, more meaningful goal.

Want to take Granny's gift even further into the future? Learn how to teach kids about investing.

2. A Habit to Form

When you help your child set a savings goal, saving becomes tangible and real. Kids who define what they’re saving for (whether it’s a toy, game, or experience) gain control over their money and confidence in their choices. 

Goals they care about make the process motivating and stick-worthy.

Takeaway: After your child receives the gift, help them assign it toward a specific “Granny Goal” with a clear target in mind.

3. A Tip to Try

Progress fuels motivation. Whether it’s a tracker, jar, or chart, kids who can see their savings grow are more likely to stick with it.

Takeaway: Download our free Savings Tracker (below) and let your child colour it in over time, celebrating each step toward their big goal.

Free Download:  

Saving gets exciting when kids can see their progress. Our free Savings Tracker includes:

  • An example to show how to break down a goal
  • A blank English tracker to personalise
  • A bonus Afrikaans version

Learn about the magic of compound interest and how to teach kids about compound interest.

Download The Savings Tracker