My First Business Cash Lockbox: Play Ideas for Money Skills

Quick answer

Treat the My First Business Kids' Metal Cash Lockbox as a play station: set up a pretend store, give kids play money to sort and count, then add a simple saving routine. The lockbox's real metal body and latch make the activity feel like a grown-up cash box, which keeps kids engaged.

7 play steps for money skills

1. 1. Set up a pretend store: Place 3–5 items on a table with price tags (use simple round numbers like 1, 2, or 5). Put the lockbox at the 'checkout' spot. Let your child be the shopkeeper first, then switch roles. Checkpoint: if your child loses interest, reduce the number of items to three and use only one coin value.
2. 2. Run a coin sorting game: Give a mixed pile of play coins and ask your child to sort them into bowls by type or color. Then have them place each sorted group into the lockbox one at a time. Common mistake: sorting too many coins at once. Start with 10–12 coins and add more only when your child finishes quickly.
3. 3. Play 'count and lock': Put a small number of coins in the lockbox, close it, and shake it. Ask your child to guess how many coins are inside, then open and count together. Repeat with different amounts. Checkpoint: keep amounts under 10 for preschoolers, under 20 for early elementary.
4. 4. Add a saving routine: Designate one part of the lockbox (or a separate envelope inside) as 'savings.' Each play session, have your child put one or two coins into savings before spending the rest at the pretend store. Common mistake: making saving feel like a punishment. Let your child choose what the savings will go toward, even if it's a pretend goal.
5. 5. Try a price-matching challenge: Write prices on cards and ask your child to count out the exact coins to match each price, then place the coins in the lockbox. Start with prices that use one coin type, then mix. Checkpoint: if your child struggles, show the coins needed side by side before asking them to count independently.
6. 6. Rotate the lockbox into other pretend play: Use the lockbox as a cash box for a pretend restaurant, doctor's office, or lemonade stand. The same counting and saving steps apply, but the story changes. Common mistake: leaving the lockbox out all the time. Put it away after play to keep it special and to prevent lost play coins.
7. 7. Review and reset: At the end of play, count the coins together and put them back in a storage bag. Wipe the lockbox with a dry cloth if needed. Ask one question: 'What did you learn about money today?' Checkpoint: a quick reset makes the next session faster and teaches care for belongings.

Product facts

• My First Business Kids' Metal Cash Lockbox: Brand: HearthSong; Color: Green; Model: 732569GR. The green metal finish makes it easy to spot in a play area, and the model number helps you confirm you're getting the same lockbox shown in photos.