Spend, Save, Share

A Pleasanton resident’s innovative card design offers holiday cheer—and important life lessons—to children.

Three years ago, Barbara Lewis was reflecting on the conflicting messages sent around the holiday season: the television ads saying, “Spend, spend, spend,” the nonprofits saying, “Give, give, give,” and adults everywhere encouraging children to “Save, save, save.”

The Pleasanton resident considered how these ideas could be merged and developed into a tool that would help teach her grandchildren how to be responsible with money—and enjoy the process. She decided to give them each three $10 bills with a card suggesting that they divide the funds three ways: spending (on that coveted new toy), saving (for future wants and needs), and sharing (researching and selecting a charitable cause to donate to.)  It was a hit, with the children getting just as excited about sending sports equipment to kids in Africa and donating to animal rescue as they were about their own gifts.

Now, Lewis’ idea is available to everyone, with her line of TripleGift cards.  Available for Christmas and Hanukkah, as well as for birthdays and other special gift-giving occasions, the cards are accordian-folded with three pockets for cash or checks. The "spend," "save," and "share" pockets feature adorable, age-targeted illustrations offering suggestions for each—from toys, piggy banks, and animal rescue causes for preschoolers, to music, cars, and eco organizations for young teens.

“It’s not just a greeting card; it’s a great education tool,” says Lewis. “But it’s also much more than plunking a check in an envelope and sending it away.”

The cards are $4.49 and are available online and through select local retailers, such as Draeger’s Market in Danville, Elmwood Stationers and Women of Isaiah Gift Shop in Lafayette, and Town Center Books and Berry Patch in Pleasanton.  For more information, visit triplegift.net.

Posted at 12:20 PM - Dec 7, 2012 in News and Community | Permalink