Claire Green, President of Parents’ Choice Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps us all make the most out of play for our children, was explaining to me recently what she looks for in choosing a really great toy as a gift: “The best toys prompt children to think, feel, or do; they encourage curiosity, empathy and creativity.”

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No, it’s not money, or another designer something or another.  It’s advice.  Advice Millennials really don’t want – but they need. Now.  Before it’s too late. Here are a few showstoppers to weave in to the upcoming holiday time you’ll spend together:

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Claire Green, President of Parents’ Choice Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps us all make the most out of play for our children, was explaining to me this morning what she looks for in really great toys as gifts: “The best toys prompt children to think, feel, or do; they encourage curiosity, empathy and creativity.”

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Last year we heard from one of the Washington State elementary school teachers teaching our Money Savvy Kids curriculum, about how her third graders decided as a class to donate the money in each of their individual Money Savvy Pig bank’s “donate” chambers to the local homeless shelter.

That felt like a big deal to me when I heard that. These young kids were making the connection between the act of donating and real impact. Imagine the sense of empowerment – pride – they each felt as they gave money they had saved to help others. A third-grade student helping the homeless. A third-grade student who learned that the money they had to give was enough to make a difference.  That’s powerful.

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