Twelve simple ideas to help your child develop money confidence this festive season while making the most of key nimbl features.
The festive season is full of excitement for kids. Secret Santas with friends, Christmas markets, festive outings, and of course, the anticipation of gifts. But how do you let your kids take charge of their own money while ensuring they’re spending responsibility?
To inspire you, we’ve created a festive countdown: 12 ways nimbl can support your family this Christmas. Each tip is designed to help your kids build financial confidence, while making the most of nimbl’s features during the busy holiday season.
December gets busy. Automating a regular, consistent allowance in advance means kids can receive their pocket money on time, without reminders, and without you needing to think about it. More importantly, it teaches them a vital money lesson: that income doesn’t just appear whenever you want it, or in any amount you ask for. By learning to work with a set budget, they start to understand the importance of planning ahead, stretching what they have, and making thoughtful choices. With this routine in place, they can prepare and budget for festive spending on gifts, treats and outings.
nimbl feature in action: Automate regular weekly or monthly allowances so money arrives on time, every time.
Sitting down with your kids to build a Christmas budget is a simple but powerful way to teach them how to manage priorities. By moving money between spending, saving, and even giving, they begin to see that every pound has a purpose, and choices come with trade-offs. It shows them that money isn’t limitless, and planning ahead makes it easier to afford the things that matter most. This exercise not only builds structure and confidence but also helps them feel more in control.
Feature in action: Use savings pots to help your child divide their money into goals through savings pots. This helps them to see at a glance where their money’s going and learn that not all money is for spending at once.
There’s no shortage of seasonal jobs to be done, from wrapping presents, helping with the cooking, or even entertaining younger siblings and family members. With nimbl’s task feature, you can set small rewards for these seasonal jobs, helping your child see the direct link between effort and earnings. It’s a simple but powerful way to teach that money is earned, not just given. Plus, it gives them a sense of pride in contributing while saving towards their own goals.
Feature in action: One-off or recurring tasks can be set in the app, with instant rewards once completed.
Automatically set aside a small portion of your child's money from every purchase they make into a dedicated savings pot. Over time, these tiny contributions add up, turning everyday spending into a meaningful way to save. Kids can watch their pot grow with each hot chocolate, treat, or small purchase, which helps them understand that saving doesn’t have to be a big effort, it’s the consistency that counts.
Feature in action: A percentage of every transaction can be directed into savings automatically.
Cash tucked into cards or handed over can get lost in the holiday rush. Invite friends and family to send money directly through nimbl instead. It’s fast, secure, and hassle-free, and it gives your child the freedom to decide how to use their gift, whether to add it to their savings pot or spend it on something special.
Feature in action: Gift links allow friends and family to transfer money straight to your child’s card, even if they don’t use the app themselves.
As your child gains more freedom, it’s reassuring to know exactly where their money is going. nimbl’s real-time alerts, can help you stay informed about every transaction without having to hover or micro-manage. These notifications can create natural opportunities to talk about financial choices, priorities, and the consequences of spending, helping your child develop a healthy understanding of money.
Feature in action: Instant notifications each time the card is used, alongside detailed spending histories.
Older children can help contribute in a meaningful way during the festive season. Give them the responsibility of picking up ingredients for holiday treats or helping plan and purchase a joint family present. By giving them ownership for a portion of the festive budget, you can provide a hands on opportunity to practise planning, prioritising, and making thoughtful decisions about money. They learn how to balance wants and needs, manage a set amount, and understand the effort involved in delivering something special.
Feature in action: Real-time budgeting and tracking tools allow both parent and child to see how money is used.
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to show that money can have a meaningful impact on others. Encourage your child to set aside a portion of their funds into their give pot, allowing them to choose a charity or cause that resonates with them. Matching their contribution can double the difference they make, creating a powerful lesson in generosity, empathy and the impact of giving.
Feature in action: Dedicated savings pots helps kids set aside money that can be used for charitable donations.
Many kids prefer shopping online and the festive season is the perfect time to guide them through safe and responsible digital spending. Show them how to check sellers, compare prices, and track spending, and explain the importance of security and privacy online. By giving them this guidance, you’re helping them make informed choices while still allowing the freedom to select and purchase items themselves, but maintain oversight
Feature in action: Online spending can be enabled or restricted, and 3D Secure adds an extra layer of safety for transactions.
From last minute festive outings to spontaneous activities with friends, instant top-ups allow you to add money to your child’s card in seconds, giving them the flexibility to join in without stress or delay. This feature ensures they can cover unexpected expenses, all while helping them understand the balance between having accessible funds and managing their spending wisely.
Feature in action: Immediate transfers, ideal when parents and children are apart.
Amid the hustle and bustle of the festive season, it’s important to pause and reflect. Sit down with your child to review their spending and saving patterns over the past weeks or months. Look at what they chose to spend on, how much they saved, and any giving they did. Framed as a constructive, forward-looking conversation, it encourages thoughtful habits and goal setting, setting them up for a confident and organised approach to money in the new year.
Feature in action: Detailed spending insights create a clear picture to guide reflection and discussion.
The season isn’t just about short-term fun, it’s also the right moment to plant seeds for the future. Talk to your child about building long term
Feature in action: Detailed spending insights create a clear picture to guide reflection and discussion.
With the right tools, it can be the perfect time to combine festive fun with with valuable financial lessons. By weaving these tips into your festive season, you’re not just easing December, you’re also preparing your child for the future, one decision at a time.
Here’s to a Christmas that’s not only joyful, but also builds independence, gratitude, and financial confidence that lasts long after the decorations are packed away.