You know that feeling when your grandchildren tear through wrapping paper on Christmas morning, squeal with delight for about thirty seconds, and then … the toy sits forgotten in a corner by New Year’s? Yeah, we’ve been there.

But what if you could give something that actually grows more valuable to them over time instead of ending up in the donation pile? Savings bonds for grandchildren offer exactly that—a thoughtful way to invest in their futures while showing them you’re thinking way beyond this holiday season. 

Why Savings Bonds Make a Meaningful Gift for Grandchildren

Long-term financial benefits

• Savings bonds for grandchildren multiply in value while they sit there—it’s basically patience rewarded.
• You’re giving money backed by the U.S. government, which means there’s virtually zero risk involved.
• That $100 bond you give today could help pay for college textbooks, a first car or even a wedding someday.
• Guaranteed returns mean this gift actually appreciates, unlike most toys.

Teach grandchildren about money

• Savings bonds create perfect teachable moments about how money can work for you.
• Show your grandchildren how their gifts grows each year and explain compound interest in terms they can understand.
• It’s the kind of financial education that sticks with them into adulthood.

A gift that lasts beyond the holidays

• Many Christmas presents—toys, video games, clothes—have a relatively short shelf life.
• Savings bonds for grandchildren mature over decades, accompanying them through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.
• Every time they check the value or finally cash it in, they’ll think of you and remember your thoughtfulness.
• You’re creating a connection that literally grows stronger over time.

Where to Buy Savings Bonds for Grandchildren

TreasuryDirect.gov—the official U.S. Treasury website

• The easiest place to purchase is straight from Uncle Sam himself at TreasuryDirect.gov.
• Buy electronic bonds and manage everything from your computer or tablet.
• The website offers both Buy a Bond for immediate purchases and Gift a Bond for those you’re not ready to deliver yet.
• No middleman, no fees—just direct access to government-backed savings.

What about other options, like banks or financial institutions?

• Most banks stopped selling paper bonds years ago.
• If you’re still working and wondering if the option to purchase bonds through automatic payroll deductions is still a thing, it isn’t. (The payroll program ended January 31, 2025.)
• For all savings bonds needs, the TreasuryDirect.gov website is they way to go.

How to Buy Savings Bonds for Your Grandchildren

• Set up your TreasuryDirect.gov account: You’ll need your Social Security number, bank account info, and a valid email address.
• Choose BuyDirect from the main menu once you’re logged in.
• Select your bond type: We’ll cover the best options in just a minute.
• Enter the recipient’s information: You’ll need your grandchildren’s Social Security numbers—ask the parents if you don’t have them handy.
• Pick your amount: Start as low as $25 or go up to $10,000 per child per year (as of 2025).
• Complete your purchase: Funds transfer directly from your bank account—no checks, no hassles.

For a touch of Christmas magic:

• TreasuryDirect.gov places your gift-a-bond purchase in a Gift Box until you’re ready to deliver them.
• Print a certificate to tuck inside a card—or a fun piggy bank!
• Send a virtual certificate notification to your grandchildren (or their parents) so it won’t be lost.

The Best Savings Bonds for Grandchildren

Series EE Bonds—fixed interest, guaranteed growth

• Series EE bonds are the steady Eddies of the bond world—reliable and predictable.
• They earn a fixed rate, and here’s the kicker: They’re guaranteed to double in value after 20 years.
• If the interest doesn’t get you there naturally, the Treasury makes up the difference.
• That’s a 100% return, guaranteed—not too many investments can make that promise!

Series I Bonds—inflation-adjusted rate, protecting purchasing power

• Series I bonds adjust for inflation, which means they protect against rising prices.
• Remember when gas was under a dollar? Inflation’s real, folks!
• I bonds combine a fixed rate with an inflation rate that adjusts every six months.
• When prices go up, so does their value—making them particularly smart during uncertain economic times.
• Shield your gift from losing purchasing power over the years.

Quick comparison:

• EE Bonds: Fixed rate | Doubles in 20 years | Great for long-term certainty
• I Bonds: Inflation protection | Rate adjusts semiannually | Shields purchasing power
• Both: Mature in 30 years | Can cash after one year (with a minor penalty before five years) | Backed by the U.S. government

Tips for Making Your Gift Extra Special

Money’s practical, sure, but let’s add some heart to this gift:

• Write a letter: Explain why you chose this gift and what you hope it means for their futures—they’ll treasure your words.
• Show them a bond calculator or create a bond tracker: Make a simple chart showing how the bond will grow—kids love watching progress bars fill up.
• Start a tradition: Give a bond every Christmas and watch the portfolio grow together over the years.
• Tell your story: Share your own money lessons, mistakes you made or how you wish someone had invested in your future.
• Add context for little ones: For younger grandchildren, explain it as “magic money that grows bigger every year.”

The best part? You’re not just giving money—you’re passing down values and creating conversations that matter.

Building Legacy and Connection

Savings bonds for grandchildren represent something bigger than dollars and cents.

• They’re tangible proof that you’re thinking about your grandchildren’s futures and believe in their potential.
• Your love extends beyond the present moment—it’s an investment they can literally watch grow.
• This gift teaches responsibility, patience, and financial literacy, all wrapped into one.
• Years from now, they’ll appreciate the foresight even more than they do on Christmas morning.

Give a Gift That Lasts a Lifetime at Allerton House Hingham

Allerton House Hingham celebrates residents’ family traditions and appreciates their desires to leave a lasting legacy for the next generations. Whether residents would like help exploring financial gifts, such as savings bonds or planning holiday celebrations with their loved ones, our community encourages them to make every moment special.

Schedule a tour or contact Allerton House Hingham to learn more about our vibrant community and how, for residents and their families, every day is a gift that keeps on giving.