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.
I would spend this GC on books for me and my little book loving son. He loves to snuggle up and read at bedtime.
I have never considered giving an RESP as a gift.
I had not thought of giving as a gift before.
I’ m planning to buy books for grand kids
I have never thougt of giving a RESP for a gift I just couldn’t pay out every month.
In our case in would be very useful to pay bills
I would like to give it to my daughter who just had her first baby boy. I know she could use to help buy diapers and wipes and stuff.
I have no clue what RESP is, so I would spend the gc on music for my gym playlist and some hot kindle books.
I would spend this gift card on a spice rack
No, I’ve never thought of giving an RESP contribution. Its a good idea though. If I won, I’d spend the gift card on shoes for when the snow melts! (that’s a ways a way though!)
Imhave never considered an RESP as a gift. I like the idea
My new nephew (soon to arrive) will be getting an RESP contribution into his private account when he arrives as a “welcome to world” present. I think its a great investment.
In terms of what I would use the Amazon GC for – again, probably purchasing children’s books for said nephew. Thank you!
I’d use the amazon for some much needed kitchen stuff to replace what the kids have taken when they moved out (we had RESP’s for them from two outside companies, best to go with a bank that you deal with )
I would spend this gift card on a printer.
No, I’ve never thought of giving RESP as a gift, but that’s a good idea.
I would like to spend the gift card on a new fitbit.
I have never though of an RESP as a gift but it is a good idea to help parents save for their children’s education.
I would spend the gift card on a new fitbit!
I would like to spend this gift card on books for my Gramma. She is a voracious reader!
I would spend the gift card on books and ebooks of course!
I’ve never considered it but now I think it’s a great idea.
No one I buy gifts for has a need for a contribution to a RESP
No I have never thought of giving an RESP as a gift but it’s a great idea!
Funny, I’ve never considered giving one as a gift and yet i’ve often thought how much better it’d be if family & friends gave my kids an RESP contribution instead of toys!
I have never considered giving an RESP contribution as a gift, it seems like a nice idea. For my niece I often try to give gift such as paying for a session of swimming or dance and she loves it!
Still got a few 3D movies on my wish list that I’ve been wanting to get!
I would buy some new movies with the gift card.
I have not considered a RESP to give. I would spend the gift card on books.
I have never considered giving an RESP contribution as a gift although it would be a good idea. I would use the card for my son’s 18th birthday party.
No to the resp gift idea, and I’ll be buying books for sure.
I would like to spend the GC towards a birthday present for my husband
I have considered giving an RESP contribution as a gift. I would probably buy books for my grandson. He is an avid reader.
I would spend the gift card on some Victoria Secret body spray for me!
No, I have not. I would spend it on some new clothes I think
Yes I have considered giving an RESP contribution as a present.
I would spend this gift card on books
I’ve never thought of giving RESP but I have given savings bonds as gifts. I would add this card to my Amazon “bank” that I am saving for a new computer.
no i have never thougt about doing that before
I hadn’t thought of giving it as a gift before
I would spend this GC on groceries.
I’ve never thought of giving an RESP as a gift before, but I have to admit, it’s a great idea!
I might use the gift card towards a new small appliance.
Cheers.
No have not given RESP as a gift. I would buy some books with the card.
I’ve never actually considered a RESP as a gift but that is a wonderful idea..as they usually get what they want through the year..and let’s be honest..they don’t need much.
I am trying to bank money in my Amazon account for updating household appliances.
My daughter has a ERSP for my granddaughter and I sometime give money to contribute as a gift.
Yes I’ve contributed to my nieces RESP
I’ve never considered it but now would consider doing it.
Yes, I purchased and RESP for my god son.
I would use the gift card to buy a kindle.
I think RESP contribution is a great gift, especially when the child is still a baby.
I would use this for lego!