I -Bonds pay interest for 30 years, can be withdrawn and used tax-free for education, and have a variable interest rate tied to inflation.
Quick Facts About I-Bonds
The US Government guarantees the principle- You will not lose money by holding an I-Bond
Rates are adjusted semi-annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI)
The interest rate you purchase an I-Bond at is applied for 6 months
$25 minimum if buying electronically, $50 if buying paper
3-month interest penalty if cashed before 5 years
Limit of $10,000 of I-Bond purchases each year
It cannot be cashed until after 12 months
Interest compounds semi-annually
It can be given as a gift
Why I-Bonds As Gifts?
Kids will outgrow toys, and there is usually another family member that will provide gifts of toys. I-Bonds are a gift for the future, not the present. They create future opportunities that require cash - like using them for education expenses which qualify for tax-free gains.
How To Buy I-Bonds
Create your free account here: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/
Request your intended giftee's full name and social number
Purchase the "Gift" I-bonds and hold them in your account
Ask the giftee's parents to create a minor-linked account
Deliver the Gifted I-Bonds to the minor account number
Buy With Care
Focus on the details when purchasing I-Bonds as gifts and be sure the intended recipients can make an online account. You will be unable to cash gifted I-Bonds that are held in your account. If you are a parent, you can skip the gift-giving and buy directly into the minor-linked account.
Ignore the tradition of buying unneeded gifts, and make your own by purchasing an option for an opportunity.