The holiday season is a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness. It’s a perfect opportunity to bring excitement and meaning to young people’s lives through thoughtful gifts. As families and friends gather to celebrate, the spirit of giving shines bright. While choosing the perfect gift, it’s important to remember how our choices can shape the health, happiness, and future of youth and young adults.
Today, young people live in a world filled with screens, apps, and digital entertainment. This expanding technology also expands gambling-like features such as loot boxes, betting games, mobile sports betting, and scratch-off apps. While these may seem harmless or fun, research shows that early exposure to gambling can increase the risk of gambling-related harms later in life.
The good news is with awareness and creativity, we can give gifts that spark joy and support healthy growth, confidence, and connection.
Healthy Gifts for the Growing Mind
A young person’s brain continues developing until around age 24. This is a time for learning, exploring interests, and building lifelong skills. Choosing gifts that challenge their curiosity and creativity helps them grow into healthy, confident adults.
Consider gifts like puzzles, brain games, or a Rubik’s Cube. Focus on gifts that encourage problem-solving and patience. Language-learning books or apps can open doors to new cultures and friendships. Even simple craft kits or building sets can help youth express creativity while building focus and perseverance.
Gifts that Support Physical and Emotional Wellness
- Movement: Gifts that encourage movement inspire youth to spend more time being active and less time in front of screens. Healthy bodies support healthy minds. Some examples include a new soccer ball, jump rope, bike, or even cozy outdoor gear.
- Cooking: Cooking gifts are another wonderful option. A youth-friendly cookbook or kitchen set can teach practical skills while promoting healthy eating. Young people often enjoy the food they make themselves, giving them confidence and ownership over their choices.
- Emotional wellness: Journals, sketchbooks, or inspiring novels make great gifts. Writing or reading helps youth process emotions, build empathy, and spark imagination. You might also give the gift of an experience to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. Some examples include museum passes, art workshops, or nature outings.
Leading by Example
Adults have a powerful influence. Avoid giving gambling-related gifts like scratch-off tickets or apps that simulate betting. Instead, talk to kids and teens about why gambling isn’t a game and how to make responsible choices with money and technology. By setting these examples, you help shape a culture of awareness, balance, and confidence.
There’s Always Help and Hope
This holiday season, let’s fill hearts and homes with gifts that nurture growth, joy, and wellness. Together, we can create a future where every young person feels empowered to make healthy choices — and every gift becomes a step toward a brighter tomorrow.
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.