Story Time: Needs vs Wants. A mom offers her daughter a new toy at the toy store, and the daughter explains that she needs skates for the school games instead.
Needs vs Wants

Wise Choices at the Toy Store

Choose what really matters

The story

One sunny Saturday, a mom took her daughter shopping. When they passed the toy store, the shelves of teddy bears, dolls and little cars sparkled in the window. Mom wanted to give her daughter a treat.

The story in pictures

A mom and her daughter stand outside a toy store. Mom asks the girl if she would like a new toy today.
A trip to the toy store
Mom asks if she is sure she does not want a toy. The girl lifts a finger and says she learned in Little Savers class to buy what she needs, not just what she wants.
Mom offers a treat
The girl explains that she needs skates for school games. A thought bubble shows her skating at school games. Toys are nice, but they are a want, not a need.
A smart idea
Mom smiles proudly and gives her daughter a gold Star Saver star for understanding the lesson.
Mom is proud
The girl points to a pair of blue skates in the sports shop and says they will be perfect for the school games.
The perfect skates
Mom and daughter walk hand in hand with shopping bags. Mom says she is proud and the girl thanks her, saying Little Savers helps her make better choices.
A wise choice
Little Savers: Small steps today, big dreams tomorrow. Save, Learn, Grow.

Even though Mom was happy to buy a toy, her daughter stopped and thought about it first. The skates were something she would use again and again at school. A toy would be fun, and wanting it is okay, but it could wait.

Mom was so proud that she gave her daughter a Star Saver star for making a wise choice.

wants -->

So what is the difference?

A need

Something you must have to stay safe and healthy, or to do something important like learning or taking part.

  • Food and clean water
  • A place to live and warm clothes
  • School shoes and school books
  • Medicine when you are sick

A want

Something that would be nice or fun to have, but you can live and learn without it.

  • A new toy or doll set
  • Sweets and fizzy drinks
  • A new video game
  • A fancy backpack when yours still works

Sometimes the same thing can be both! Shoes are a need, but a fifth pair in every colour is a want. Always ask what you will really use.

Try it: Need or want?

Tap Need or Want for each picture. Let’s see how many you get right!

Score: 0 / 0

Three questions to ask before you buy

  1. Will I use this a lot, or only once?
  2. Do I need it to stay healthy, learn or take part?
  3. Can I wait and save for it?

Try this at home

  • Take a piece of paper and draw two columns: Needs and Wants.
  • Look around your home and list five things for each column.
  • Talk with a grown-up. Did you find something that is a bit of both?

The Little Savers lesson

Needs come first! When we choose what we really need, we make better decisions, use our money wisely, and reach our goals.