The Greatest Gift is a Conversation
Published: December 3, 2025
The season of joy is upon us and with it, the season of giving. Keep in mind as you partake on your shopping adventure this year that each gift reinforces a behavior and can have long-term impacts on a child’s mental health. While some common gifts might appear fun and harmless like lottery tickets, Change the Game Ohio has come up with some questions to consider when determining what gifts are best for your children or loved ones this year.
Lottery tickets and scratch-offs are among the most common gambling-related gifts and can potentially reinforce gambling motivations in youth. With studies showing that early exposure to gambling can lead to a gambling disorder later on in life, it’s important to take note of what gifts you are giving to the children in your life. If you are unsure, here are some things to think about:
What action is this gift promoting?
Video games are a great example. Some genres, like shooter games, reinforce violent behaviors. Other games, like Madden, feature loot boxes that mimic gambling mechanics and can lead a child to feeling comfortable risking money for the “chance” to win. Instead, look for gifts that promote behaviors that align with healthier lifestyles, such as outdoor, offline, or educational games.
What gifts can promote outdoor or offline activities?
One of the biggest challenges parents face nowadays is getting kids to unplug from their devices. They might not appear on your child’s wish list, but things like bicycles or musical instruments can reinforce behaviors that can set them up for future success. Likewise, devices like walkie-talkies are a fun way for children to physically connect with each other, as opposed to online activities that connect children digitally. For more outdoor and offline activities, check out this blog.
What gifts can be educational?
Depending on your child’s interests, there could be thousands of fun, educational options for children’s books, games, or even creative tools like physical crafts or digital software for creative self-expression. Additionally, You Decide New York highlights gift ideas that promote financial literacy, such as piggy banks, savings accounts, or educational games centered around responsible money management to start healthy behaviors as early as possible.
Lastly, remember the greatest gift can be a conversation.
Talk with your child about the basic facts of gambling and how random chance is different from certainty. This will help them understand why certain gifts and activities can be harmful. Additionally, make sure to discuss the potential impacts later in life and the risks gambling poses for youth. Having the conversation can help ensure your child is aware of the risks, and it also gives them a powerful reason to say no to gambling on their own and make sure that other youth are too.
As a child continues to grow, their exposure to gambling can occur through many different avenues. That’s why it’s important for parents, educators, and professionals to understand the risks and help prevent youth gambling before it starts. For more free resources to help prevent youth gambling and facilitate the conversation, visit ChangeTheGameOhio.org/the-issue.