How to Buy Stock for Grandchild Without Opening a Broker Account
Getting the young ones interested in investing can be a tall order. An excellent way to accomplish this is to give the gift of stock. Just a few shares of companies that are meaningful to a grandchild can help ignite an interest in how capital markets function. Those contemplating buying stock for a child might believe opening a dedicated brokerage account is the only avenue, but other options are available.
Look online for companies that sell single-share stock certificates. Many, such as OneShare.com and Giveashare.com, are targeted to consumers who are buying for children, offering stock in such companies as Disney, Mattel and Hershey's, among others.
Step 2Choose a company or companies to buy. In addition to toy and food stocks, you might find a company that reflects a child's favorite hobby or activity. Sports, fashion or technology concerns might suit your grandchild.
Step 3Choose desired extras. Single-share companies offer stock certificate framing and plaque engraving services, as well as gift wrapping and educational tools.
Step 4Make your purchase at the checkout page with a credit or debit card.
References
Tips
- Stock certificates may take up to eight weeks to arrive. Some single-share companies offer to mail a free package of fun printed material to your grandchild as pre-notification of the stock gift.
Warnings
- If you are penny pincher, single-stock companies might turn your stomach. In addition to the cost of the stock, the companies charge a certificate fee of about $39. If you do want to frame the certificate, the charge is $55 to $600. In the end, you could wind up paying more than double the price of the stock.
Writer Bio
D. Laverne O'Neal, an Ivy League graduate, published her first article in 1997. A former theater, dance and music critic for such publications as the "Oakland Tribune" and Gannett Newspapers, she started her Web-writing career during the dot-com heyday. O'Neal also translates and edits French and Spanish. Her strongest interests are the performing arts, design, food, health, personal finance and personal growth.