By Jenn Dyck, Marketing & Communication Specialist, Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529).

December 9, 2025

Let’s be honest—holiday shopping can feel like an Olympic sport. You sprint through malls, dodge crowds, and try to decide if you should get toys, tech, books, or clothes for all the kids in your life. Holiday shopping lists often feel overwhelming. Imagine giving a meaningful gift this year that won’t require you to wait in another long line to buy it. Consider giving the gift of higher education. It is a meaningful and long-lasting investment in a child’s life.

Making a gift contribution to a 529 plan is a great way to save for tomorrow’s higher education costs for someone you love in a tax-advantaged way. It doesn’t come in a big, shiny box to open, and it won’t light up or make noise (thank goodness). But it might just be the smartest, most thoughtful gift you ever give. After all, “the best gifts do come in small packages”. In this case, that small package grows into secure (tax-free) education funds that support a child’s dreams.

“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”

At first glance, making a gift contribution to a 529 account doesn’t exactly scream “exciting.” The box is not very big, there is no squeal of surprise, and chances are, it wasn’t on their wish list. But “don’t judge a book by its cover.” What looks like a boring, simple deposit that they won’t use today will help cover the “burden” of higher education costs in their future (for which they will be eternally grateful).

Think about it: the latest toy or tech gadget could be obsolete by next year, while a 529 account will quietly build value—like a hard-working elf in the background.

“Size Doesn’t Matter” (Not When It Comes to Education Savings)

Some people are overwhelmed with the idea of saving for higher education because they think they need to save enough to cover the whole cost. That would be nice (in an ideal world), but it simply isn’t realistic for most of us. Size really doesn’t matter. With most 529 plans, you can start with a small amount and make a significant impact in a child’s future by saving what you can, when you can.  

Whether you start with $25 or $250, every contribution adds up over time and helps a child pursue their dreams after high school. As a parent of two recent college grads, I can tell you that all our seemingly “small” gift contributions added up quickly and were 100% the best gift we ever gave our children! The purpose of a 529 plan is to make saving (in a tax-advantaged way) easy, flexible, and accessible. Every dollar you save gets you closer to covering some, most, or all of a child’s higher education costs, no matter what path they choose after high school.

“The Proof Is in the Pudding”

If contributing to a 529 education savings plan as a holiday present sounds too practical, not fun enough, or makes you feel like a holiday fruitcake, don’t worry, you are not alone. However, the proof is in the pudding; hundreds of thousands of families already save for college and career training using a 529 savings plan. Nearly every state offers at least one state-sponsored 529 plan. Families use 529 plans to cover higher education expenses at schools worldwide every year, reducing or eliminating the burden of student loan debt.  

Anyone can make a gift contribution to a child’s 529 account and help their education savings grow. Family (and friends) might even make gift contributions a tradition for birthdays, milestones, holidays, and other special occasions.

“Give and You Shall Receive”

Here’s the irony of giving the gift of education: give and you shall receive. Maybe not right away—but years from now, you will see and feel the payoff when the child for whom you’re saving walks across a graduation stage. You’ll have the privilege of knowing, “I helped make that happen,” and you might even receive the gift of gratitude from the recipient. Think of the tax benefits of saving in a 529 account as another ‘give and you shall receive’ perk!

“It’s the Thought That Counts”

Loved ones might not squeal when they open an envelope and find a 529 contribution/gift certificate instead of a new smartwatch. However, when it comes to meaningful gifts, it really is the thought that counts. You’re not just giving money—you’re showing a child you believe in their dreams. You’re giving them an opportunity and paving a path toward a bright future.

Wrapping up: “The Best is Yet to Come”

Long after the wrapping paper is gone and the excitement about holiday gifts is forgotten, a child will always remember the gift that made a difference. When they graduate with little to no student debt, they might even forgive you for not buying them the smartwatch they were hoping for.

This holiday season, skip some of the chaos and give a small package with a BIG gift inside. Whether it’s for your kids, grandkids, or a special little someone in your life who probably already has too many toys, consider contributing to a 529 account in their name. It may not jingle, sparkle, or come with a remote control, but it is the gift where “the best is yet to come.” When it comes to a child’s future, the best gifts definitely come in small packages (or envelopes), and the return on your investment is absolutely priceless.

About the author:

Jenn Dyck is a Marketing & Communication Specialist for Washington Education Savings Plans (WA529). WA529 helps families save for education expenses in tax-advantaged plans and reduce or avoid future student loan debt. WA529 offers two 529 savings plan options: the GET 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan and WA529 Invest Education Savings Plan.   Jenn lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and enjoys kayaking, exploring beaches, and spending time with family. She is passionate about K-12 education and encourages students (and adults) to pursue higher education. Recently, she returned to college and completed her bachelor’s degree at the same time as her two young adult children earned theirs. It’s never too late to pursue your higher education goals!