We’ve all been there. The holidays arrived way faster than you anticipated, and you need gifts for the young people in your life, pronto. That’s when many people might be tempted to turn to a seemingly innocent gift: the stocking stuffer. 

But while a lottery ticket or a gift card to a video game might seem convenient, they can be harmful to youth, too. Giving a lottery ticket or gift card for a game with gambling mechanics in it to a youth exposes them to gambling before they’re legally old enough to play, which can lead to a problem with gambling when they get older. 

With approximately 60% of high school aged children reporting gambling with real money in the past year, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling, it’s important to gift responsibly this holiday season. Explore this gift guide for stocking stuffers to avoid and alternative gifts to give. 

Stocking stuffers to avoid

• Gift cards: Gift cards to many popular online games or sportsbook/fantasy sports operators like FanDuel provide youth with instant access to spending money that doesn’t “feel real” on games that stimulate or even promote gambling.
• Money: Cash or Visa gift cards are easy and take the pressure off finding the perfect gift. But doing so gives youth free reign to purchase gaming upgrades like loot boxes that mimic gambling and lead to youth spending money on the unlikely chance of “winning.”
• Trading cards: Trading cards, whether that’s for money or other valuables, can pose risks to youth. Trading cards are ultimately a game of chance, which can replicate the feelings and sensations of gambling. 

Alternative gifts to try

• Social events: Getting out and socializing with others provides great opportunities for kids to have fun and build critical skills for adulthood. Give them a ticket to attend a live event with the whole family or a friend, like a day trip to the zoo, the movie theater or a sporting event! 
• Non-digital items: Items that don’t promote excessive screen time or gaming are always a great idea. Books, puzzles, and board games are just a few examples of non-digital items! Read this blog for more ideas.
• Chill-out kits: Buy a small basket and fill it with affordable and fun items that promote a positive mind and body for kids! This can include a weighted blanket, a coloring book, or positive affirmation cards. Click here for more ideas on building a chill-out kit.  

For additional information on preventing youth gambling – including resources and discussion guides – browse the for parents page of ChangeTheGameOhio.org 

If you are concerned about your gambling habits or about the habits of someone you know, call the free Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline. Confidential support from trained and understanding specialists is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-589-9966 or texting 4HOPE to 741741.

Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.