Skip the Sweater and Socks This Year: Give a Gift That Builds Toward a Child's Future

Published November 12, 2026

TOPEKA, Kan. - (November 12, 2026) - Another ugly sweater. A toy that's forgotten by February. A gift card lost in a junk drawer. This holiday season, Kansas grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends have a better idea for the kids on their list: a gift that stays with a child long after the wrapping paper hits the recycling bin.

Turns out, the kids agree. In a 2026 College Savings Foundation survey of more than 1,000 high school students, 76 percent said they would rather receive money for education than material gifts.

Quest529, Kansas' state-sponsored 529 education savings plan, makes it easy for family members to give a lasting gift, whether they open an account for a child in their life or contribute to one that already exists. Parents aren't the only ones who can save for a child's future, and a child doesn't have to be a newborn to benefit. For a toddler, even small contributions can be set aside for many years. For a teenager, savings can help with costs that are just around the corner.

"Every child wants a little something under the tree, and a little something for the future," said Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, administrator of Quest529. "When a grandparent, aunt or uncle contributes to a Quest529 account, they're giving a child something that will be there as they get older. Years from now, that gift could help pay for a college degree, a trade school certification or a first step into a career."

Parents who already have a Quest529 account can make gift-giving even easier. With Ugift^®, they can share a unique code or link with grandparents, family and friends, who can contribute directly to the child's account. It's a simple way for everyone to chip in this season, and a nice answer for the relative who always asks, "What do they need?"

The Kids Want Financial Security

The College Savings Foundation survey also found that teens see the value of starting early, with 78 percent wishing they had started planning and paying for higher education earlier. Among the survey's other findings:

• 83 percent want their parents to give gift givers a contribution link to a 529 gifting account.
• 74 percent view career and technical schools, certifications, and apprenticeships the same way they view traditional college.

Student debt is on their minds, too. According to the survey, 68 percent plan to or may borrow for their education, and two-thirds are concerned about paying back their loans. Every dollar a family sets aside now may be one less dollar borrowed tomorrow.

Holiday givers who open a NEW Quest529 account between Dec. 1 and Dec. 13 can also get a $50 bonus. Here's how it works:

• Enroll online using promo code Offer26 and make an initial deposit of $50.
• Set up a recurring contribution of $50 or more for at least six consecutive months.
• Quest529 adds $50 to the account.
• For details on the holiday offer, including the terms and conditions, visit Quest529.com/Offer2026.

Beyond the bonus, a Quest529 account comes with plenty to unwrap:

• Flexibility for any path: Savings can cover tuition, books, housing and more at eligible colleges, universities, technical colleges and trade schools nationwide, along with registered apprenticeships and certain K-12 qualified expenses, subject to limits.
• A Kansas tax break: Kansas taxpayers can deduct up to $6,000 per beneficiary from their state taxable income if married filing jointly ($3,000 for single filers).
• Gifting made easy: With Ugift^®, friends and family can contribute any amount directly to a child's account. No wrapping required.
• Options if plans change: Under current federal law, up to $35,000 in unused funds may be eligible to roll over to the beneficiary's Roth IRA, subject to federal requirements and limits.

To learn more about Quest529 or open an account online in minutes, visit Quest529.com.

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About Quest529

Quest529 is one of the Kansas 529 postsecondary education savings programs, administered by the Kansas State Treasurer, Steven Johnson. With average total annual asset-based fees at 0.08%, Quest529 is among the most affordable 529 plans in the nation.¹ Kansas taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income up to $6,000 if married filing jointly ($3,000 filing single) for contributions made into Quest529 per beneficiary. Learn more at Quest529.com.

Source: College Savings Foundation, 17th Annual Youth Survey, a survey of more than 1,000 high school students nationwide. 2026.

Media Contact:

Tom Mentzer
Mentzer PR Group (for Quest529)
tmentzer@mprg.biz
913-626-9066