Intellectual Activity

Budgeting with Play Money

Budgeting with Play Money helps children practice choices, tradeoffs, saving, and thoughtful spending in a pretend store.

Time30 to 45 minutes
Best ForSmall teams or individuals
SpaceTables
SuppliesPlay money, price tags, pretend store items or picture cards, pencils

How To Run It

  1. Set up a pretend store with items or cards and simple prices.
  2. Give each child or team the same amount of play money.
  3. Explain a goal such as planning a party, packing for a trip, or buying supplies for service.
  4. Let children choose what to buy while staying within budget.
  5. Add one surprise cost or savings choice for older children.
  6. Discuss how they decided what mattered most.

Store Item Ideas

  • Food or snack cards
  • Craft supply cards
  • Service project supplies
  • Fun extras
  • Savings envelope