While most children and teens may not see the appeal of a holiday present consisting of shares in a favored consumer brand, there are many reasons why gift-givers may want to consider stuffing stockings with publicly traded stocks. Stocks can offer future savings that can be used to build wealth and fund certain expenditures, such as buying a home, paying for college or building that retirement nest egg. Even kids may appreciate shares of a beloved brand, which could lead to lessons to build financial literacy.
With that said, check out these fun stocks that you may want to consider adding to your Christmas shopping list this year.
Kids & Teens
It’s all about games and toys for younger kids – whether it’s the hottest video game, gaming console or the more traditional action figures and Barbie dolls. Gift-givers may want to consider which brands relate to the things their loved one enjoys. Companies with popular brands within this demographic include Hasbro, Inc. (Tii:HAS), Mattel, Inc. (Tii:MAT). These competitors have dozens of brands, including Nerf, Tonka, Monopoly, Transformers, My Little Pony, Barbie, Fischer Price, American Girl, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and a lot more.
For tweens and teens, stocks are like gift cards that they will use later in their lives. The only difference is that stocks may well appreciate over time. Tweens and teens are more likely to be interested in movies, video games and comic books. Some fun stock ideas may involve purchasing shares in popular videogame producers Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Tii:ATVI) and Electronic Arts Inc. (Tii:EA), or the parent company behind the hard-to-get PlayStation 5, Sony Corporation (Tii:SNE). If they’re into Marvel Comics toys, films or graphic novels, that company falls under the massive Walt Disney Co. (Tii:DIS) umbrella.
Adults
There are publicly traded companies behind virtually every hobby, sport or interest of any adult on your gift list. Whether it’s gardening, cooking, outdoor recreation, sports, fitness, there are publicly traded options for them all. It’s as simple as considering what they enjoy the most and then looking for those publicly traded companies in that space. Keep in mind that you don’t have to just focus on hobbies. Consider stocks in their favorite restaurant chain or even businesses that support charities or philanthropic work in which he or she may be interested.
For some fun stock ideas, consider one that is tied to travel, leisure or sports. Do they enjoy cruises? Consider Carnival Corporation (Tii:CCL). A budding wine enthusiast? Check out Willamette Valley Vineyards (Tii:WVVI). A combat sports junkie? Perhaps the world’s only publicly traded mixed martial arts organization, Xtreme Fighting Championships (Tii:DKMR). As an added bonus, all of these companies offer stock perks to its shareholders.
If their interests are closer to gardening or home improvement, consider Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (Tii:SMG), which produces a vast suite of lawn and garden products, or Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Tii:LOW), which operates more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores in North America.
Older Adults
An older adult on your list may appreciate shares of companies that further connect them with family members or perhaps those behind such interests as traveling, keeping active, or arts and crafts. For activities and outdoor recreation, options include Thor Industries (Tii:THO), a manufacturer of recreational vehicles, or Yeti (Tii:YETI), which manufactures products for use in the great outdoors. To capture all the memories, in addition to a Shutterfly gift card, consider adding shares of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (Tii:APO). This company is Shutterfly’s parent and also owns security services company ADT, video rental company Redbox, and others.
If the senior in your life turns to arts-and-crafts to creatively frame those treasured memories, consider shares of The Michaels Companies (Tii:MIK), North America’s largest provider of arts, crafts, framing, floral & wall décor. And for the heck of it, why not include a few shares of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (Tii:FLWS) along with one of the company’s pretty floral arrangements?
With all the challenges faced this year, there is no reason not to stuff a few stockings with a few stocks so your whole family can own the brands they love.