Gifts with Eternal Value: Teaching Kids About True Giving

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35 (NIV)

Children light up at the thought of presents—brightly wrapped boxes, shiny ribbons, and the thrill of surprise. And that’s a beautiful part of childhood! But as parents raising our kids in faith, we’re called to look beyond the glitter and guide their hearts toward a deeper truth:

In a world that teaches children to expect, collect, and consume, how do we teach them to give, not just get? How do we lead them to treasure not just what’s in their hands, but what’s sown into eternity?

Let’s explore how to plant seeds of eternal value in our children through the joy of true giving.

Before we can teach kids how to give, we need to help them understand why. The greatest act of giving in all of history was God giving His Son for us.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” — John 3:16

Talk about how Jesus came not to be served, but to serve—and how His life was a gift to the world. When children grasp this truth, it lays the foundation for generous hearts.

The Bible is full of stories that show the beauty of selfless giving:

Reading and reflecting on these stories helps children see that God values the heart behind the gift, not the size of it.

Children are watching us. They learn what we value by how we live—not just what we say.

Let them see you:

Involve your kids whenever possible:

Even small acts of giving leave lasting impressions.

True giving happens when we let go of something we value for the sake of someone else. Help your kids practice this:

Talk through the emotions with them: “How did that feel to give that away?” “Why do you think God asks us to share what we have?”

These moments build empathy and spiritual maturity.

Remind your children that not all gifts are physical—and not all rewards are visible.

Jesus said,

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” — Matthew 6:20

Help your kids understand that every act of kindness, generosity, or service done in love is seen by God and holds eternal value.

Praise their giving just as much (or more) than their achievements:

“I’m so proud of how you gave with a joyful heart today.”
“That kindness you showed—that’s what Jesus looks like.”

Build habits that become traditions your children will remember and carry into adulthood:

Traditions like these don’t just build memories—they build character and Christlike compassion.

It’s important that giving never feels forced or guilt-driven. It should be an overflow of gratitude and love.

Talk about how giving blesses both the giver and the receiver.

Use verses like: “God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Make giving feel like a privilege, not a pressure.

In the end, what we give to our children is not just knowledge—it’s a legacy.

When we teach our kids to give with open hands and open hearts, we’re passing on more than a lesson. We’re reflecting the love of the Father. We’re helping them live lives that echo into eternity.

So let’s raise children who don’t just know how to unwrap gifts—but who are excited to be a gift.

“Lord, may our children grow up knowing that true giving reflects Your heart. Help us, as parents, to lead them in love, generosity, and eternal purpose.”