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.
My little guys are starting kindergarten and I would get some books for them.
Yes, I have considered an RESP contribution as a gift.
I would spend the gift card on myself because i hardly ever buy myself anything
my nephew was born on December 24th (happy birthday Buddy!). For the first 5 years of his life, we bought him a gift for his birthday and then gave my sister money to put into his resp for Xmas. This year, my sister is doing the same for my twins. It’s a great present.
we contribute to RESP and have used them in the past
WOULD BUY SOME BOOKS
Yes I have considered an RESP contribution as a gift and that’s a great idea!!!
I`d use it to buy some new winter boots.
I am saving for a KitchenAid stand mixer. This would go towards my savings to purchase one.
I would spend this gift card on new clothes for my daughter. she’s growing like a weed!!
Si je gagne, j’ai profiterait pour faire une épicerie dans le temps des fêtes je cuisine beaucoup plus que d’habitude avec toute la visite que je reçois.
I have considered RRSP for gifts for kids but always resorted to gifts instead. I do love the idea though-so practical
No, I have not considered an RESP contribution as a gift. Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway and for the opportunity to participate.
No, I have not considered an RESP contribution as a gift. I would use the amazon gift card to get my daughter a birthday present.
Re: OMG, I I have not considered an RESP contribution as a gift. I need the prize to buy much needed grocery & supplement to get well soon. Wow, prize Amazon gc is fab. & splendid. 2 fingers snap. It is tight, fly & off the chain. Thank you for the awesomeness, the contest, and generosity. Pick me, pick me! Dear Santa: I’ve been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest. Starving artist here desperately needs the Amazon gc to shop and eat again.
I do contribute to RESP’s for my son, but I have never thought of giving it as a gift to someone else – great idea! I would spend this gift card on a birthday present for my dad 🙂
I am saving up for a food dehydrator, or a sewing machine, I can’t decide! That’s where the money would go for me.
I would get my husband new clothes since he really needs them. Thank you for this chance to win.
If I had the money, I would contribute the the RESP that my parents started for my niece.
That is a great idea for a gift for my new great granddaughter! Thank you!
If I had the money, I’d use it to help pay for tuition.
I would use the gift card to get a stylish warm winter hat
I would use the gift card for new running shoes!
I have given money as gifts for baptisms for savings account, but I have not specifically made a deposit to a RESP
If I were fortunate enough to win, I think I’d probably save it towards a Playstation 4 – I’ve recently reconnected with my childhood best friend, and he’s got a PS3, so I’d want to see about getting a PS4 to game with him! 😀
I have not. Mostly because we don’t have a lot of family members to gift too. I love getting RESPs for my daughter, but think it would be a bit weird to give to a friend’s child.
I would use it to buy my son something for his birthday. I have never considered giving a resp as a gift, although that is a good idea. I wish my kids had RESPs but as we are literally pay check to pay check and struggling to pay the bills we have never had the extra funds to set them up.
never thought of resp’s but books are a huge thing in my 5 year olds life
I would spend the gift card on something nice for my three boys.
I can’t say that I thought about it. We love books in our house though. Thank you!
Yep, we actually have RESPs set up for both of the kids.
I have definitely considered giving an RESP contribution as a present. I have one grandchild this year and one on the way in March. I just have not got around to doing it. 🙂
I would use the gift card to buy earrings 🙂
Yes I have considered it many times. I just am not sure if the recipient has an resp in her name yet.
I personally don’t have one for my youngest, nor did I have one for my oldest, personally not sold on the idea.Although have made contribution as gifts for some family members.
No, first time I heard about it.
Id love to spend this gift card on books
I have never heard of RESP till now, I would like to look into it more before I say yes or no.
I have not considered an RSVP as a present, and am not likely to gift one.
I would probably buy a birthday present for my little girl and perhaps for my sister, who both have birthdays in January.
I’d use it towards my Amazon Prime renewal
Yes, I have considered giving a RESP contribution as a gift.. I think it is a lovely idea.
I had RESP’S for the kids thru various companies and I highly recommend parents go thru their banking institution. Both my children will get RESP’S as gifts when they have children of their own but thru my bank, not thru other companies that are out there.
NO – my children are all grown.
I have not considered RESPs as a gift, but have contributed cash as a gift to a parent knowing it was going towards a RESP instead of a toy gift
I have not considered an RESP as a gift but I have thought of savings bonds before.
I would start an RESP for my grand daughter.My Mom helped her Mom with education funds and I would like to carry on the tradition
If I won, I would use it to get some candy and small gifts for Valentines Day. 🙂
We started giving RESP contributions for my nephews once they had too many toys to know what to do with!
I would spend this gift card on new socks and underwear