BY DAVID MCDANIEL

Requests for super heroes, slime, Legos, and electronics are sure to fill Santa’s mailbox this year. But as adults, we know these toys are all soon forgotten. A financial gift may not be what they’re telling Santa they want, but it is a gift that can have a lasting impact for the children in your life.

Here are five ideas to give a gift that keeps giving this holiday season:

PERSONAL FINANCE BOOK

Even children as young as three years old know that money can buy them the things they want. Learning about budgeting, saving, and earning money can be more fun with a story. From board books to pre-teen to young adults, there are many options out there that can help put the child in your life on the path to financial success.

SAVINGS BOND

The classic financial gift for children; Savings are not subject to state or local income taxes and offer a locked rate of interest over a fixed period of time and can help ready your child for the future.

STOCKS

Purchase even a single share of stock to a company your child loves and help them watch it fluctuate over time. This will help your child learn to be not just a saver, but an investor.*

ROTH IRA

If your child has earned income, you can open a Roth IRA. You can then contribute to a Roth and encourage them to add to it throughout the years by offering a match for every dollar they contribute.*

529 COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNT

College costs are increasing, and this trend is expected to continue. 529 College Savings plans are tax-advantaged plans that your child may not understand now, but they will be sure to thank you for later.

Santa has the top toys and gadgets ready to deliver. Why not start a tradition this holiday season that the child in your life will look back one day and say “thank you.”

*Not FDIC Insured; Not Deposits of the Bank; and May Lose Value