Every year we face an avalanche at the holidays. An avalanche of toys, books, and clothes, that is. Don’t get me wrong, the kids and I are very thankful for all the presents they receive, and they have fun playing with them, but I just can’t help but think that they really don’t need quite so many.
That’s why when friends and family ask me what they should get for the girls, I’ve begun suggesting that they consider adding a contribution to the girls’ RESP instead of picking up yet another toy. Some have been totally on board and happy to do so. I mean, that’s one less present to come up with, shop for, and wrap! But others have been unsure, feeling like it just isn’t Christmas without the kids getting to find presents under the tree.
To be clear, it’s highly unlikely there will ever be a Christmas where my girls won’t have any gifts to open. We always get them some books, and a few toys we know they’ve been wanting for a long time and will really appreciate.
It certainly doesn’t have to be all or nothing though. If you don’t want that special child on your list (or you!) to miss out on the glee that comes with ripping up wrapping paper and opening a gift, consider giving a small present along with your RESP contribution. Maybe a book or a dress-up prop related to that child’s career ambition?
- When I Grow Up by Weird Al Yankovic
- What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry
- Look At Me… A Veterinarian I Want to Be by Karean Chapman
- Snowmen at Work by Caralyn Buehner
- I Want to be an Astronaut by Byron Barton
- I Want to Be a Teacher by Dan Liebman
- Chefs and What They Do by Liesbet Slegers
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
- When I Grow Up by Mercer Mayer
Or how about:
- an apron for the aspiring chef
- a stethescope for the little girl who dreams of becoming a doctor
- a firefighter’s helmet for the hero in the making
Did you know that you don’t need to be related to a child to open an RESP for him or her? All you need is their social insurance number. You can make contributions whenever you like, for birthdays or for Christmas, and your contributions may also be eligible for government grants like the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond. When that little one grows up, they’ll thank you for helping them bring their dreams to life!
After all, toys break, video games go obsolete, clothes are outgrown… but an education is a lifelong gift! Have you ever considered giving an RESP contribution as a present?
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation. All opinions expressed are completely honest and my own. Your experience may differ. This post contains affiliate links. This West Coast Mommy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
We’ve been making contributions to our grandchildren’s RESPs since they were born – add to it each birthday and each Christmas. It’s never too young for them to understand that you need to save for the future.
I would spend this gift card on items I want for my wedding.
Spending amazon gift cards is really easy because I have over 50 books on my want list, or because we don’t live near a shopping mall we buy everything (apart from groceries) online so this would come in handy sometime throughout the year
I would spend this on things we might need in the near future since money is tight.
Honestly, I have never considered giving an RESP contribution as a present. I didn’t know about it and never considered it. If I win this gift card, I’ll put it toward a Blu-ray player my husband has on his Amazon wish list.
I have never thought about giving an RESP as a gift. It is something that you really do not hear much about which is strange as I believe it is very important and a great way to save for their education.
I have asked for our parents to give money for my daughter’s savings account instead of gifts because her birthday is Dec 29th. No one really does though.
My husband and I have talked a lot about RESPs and it would really depend on our financial situation but we want to do it.
My girls are older so we never did the contribution to something like a RESP. However, if I’m lucky enough to win this, I’d actually have a few dollars to buy my daughters small gifts. My account was hacked a week or so ago and I’m still waiting for that to be resolved. I know I’ll get the funds back, but likely not in time for the holiday.
I have never thought about giving an RESP as a gift. But honestly, I like this idea. The gifts will be appreciated and remembered more in the future.
I’d use the gift card towards buy some pots & pans.
If I won this one I would buy mom a birthday present with it.
I would love to use the card for books for my kids. We all love books in this house!
I havent given an RESP, but have been the recipient. Thought it was a GREAT idea.
No; I have never given RESPs for a gift. I intend to buy books for my great grandchildren if I am lucky enough to win.
No I have never thought about giving an RESP for a gift until now. I would use the Amazon G/C for birthday presents for my husband!
Never gave as gift before, I will use the card to buy kitchen tools!
I would spend this gift card on snacks and bath and body items.
I would spend it on a new cat bed.
I have never considered giving an RESP as a present. I have never thought of it.
I never have considered giving an RESP as a gift. If I win, I plan to spend the gift card on getting things for my baby that is due in February.
I would gift it to my daughter for her birthday.
I would spend this gift card on black computer ink and a new leather jacket.
I would use this card to buy food and dinnerware. I have never given an RESP card as a gift. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have never given RESP as a gift. I have never heard of it until now. I would use the card to buy books for my classroom.
I would spend this gift card on books
This is the first I’ve heard of RESP.
I’d use the gift card for Valor essential oil.
thank you
My bad – I’m not in Canada.
No I have never thought of an RESP as a present
No I have never had RESPs, I’m too old for them now 🙂 I think that parents are responsible for their children’s education as I was for my 7, so no I wouldn’t gift them either (unless I won in the lottery, there’s always hope I guess)
I would spend it on new clothes
Have you ever considered giving an RESP contribution as a present?
not until now..ill give it a look..thanks
I have never given RESP as a gift. i would spend the card on new clothes for my daughter.
I would give this to my sister!
I would spend the gift card on books.
I have never given an RESP as a gift but I would consider it in the future.
i havent. i feel like it wouldnt be substatial enough.
I would love to use this towards buying new bedding for my bedroom. I think when I have grandchildren an RESP would be a good gift
I’ve never given it as a gift but it would be a great present for a child.
No, I have never thought of giving an RESP as a gift.
If I win, I’ll probably spend the money on my first grandchild due February. 🙂
I have never thought of giving one as a gift.
If I won I would probably buy some books.
I would get some kindle books for my son’s new Kindle Fire he is getting for Christmas!
I might buy an extra Christmas gift for myself. After Christmas.
Yes, I made a contribution to my neice’s RESP once as a gift (but also gave her a toy lol)
I haven’t ever thought of giving RESP as a gift but I could see it being a good idea for some people!
not as a gift… but i will consider it now
We have thought of giving RESP as a gift to our daughters. We have asked grandparents and great-grandparents to give our daughters an RESP gift for a Christmas gift. Luckily for our daughters, their grandparents give them an RESP gift every year for Christmas!
I would like to use this gift card to put towards a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
I would buy a MLP collectible
I have never thought of giving RESP for a gift but it’s an interesting idea. I would probably put this towards a new pot & pan set. We really need some!
If I win this giveaway I’d rather put the money away in my amazon account and save towards a new computer.
Thank you for the chance to win.
Rob
RESP gift sounds like a lot of fun one year I got my granddaughter a cookbook and ingredients to make a cake she loved it, who knows if she will be a cook, but she does like to cook