How Much Could You Save for College by Not Buying These Top Toys

The holiday season is upon us again. Families across the US will brave long lines, or in some cases, artificial 'black markets' on sites like eBay, to grab one of the newest, hottest toys of 2016ï ¿ ½for their loved ones. This December scramble is becoming somewhat of a holiday tradition, yet most gift givers know that these presents, while they bring joy and smiles in the moment,ï ¿ ½are usually only played with for aï ¿ ½few months before they're old news. So the question becomes,ï ¿ ½is there a better alternative to theseï ¿ ½'soon to be in the back of the closet' gifts? The answer these days seems quite obvious. With college costs increasing at nearly double the cost of healthcare over the past 30 years, putting the money into a college savings fund is something that should be on every parentï ¿ ½and grandparent'sï ¿ ½mind this holiday season. ï ¿ ½ But how much could the price of one toy impact a child's future college costs?ï ¿ ½Is it really worthï ¿ ½doing the 'prudent' thing and putting the money into a 529 college savings plan?ï ¿ ½Let's take a look at theï ¿ ½25 of the most sought after gifts this holiday season, and how much you couldï ¿ ½potentially save by making an annual contribution to a 529 plan instead. Keep in mind that you might be able to save even more if you live in one of the 30+ states that offers a tax benefit for 529 plan contributions. RELATED: The World's Simplest College Calculator 1. Hatchimals Egg (Interactive) Price: $59.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $59.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,664.56 If the child is six years old - $1,114.05 If the child is 10 years old - $677.99 RELATED: Top 10 direct-sold 529 plans 2. Nerf N-Strike Elite Terrascout Remote Control Drone Blaster Price: $200.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $200.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,642.58 If the child is six years old - $3,776.43 If the child is 10 years old - $2,298.26 RELATED: 6 winning strategies to cutting the cost of college 3. DreamWorks Trolls 'Hug Time' Poppy Price: $50.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $50.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,410.64 If the child is six years old - $944.11 If the child is 10 years old - $574.57 RELATED: The 15 lowest-cost 529 plans 4. Sky Viper V2400 HD Streaming Drone With FPV Headset Price: $130.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $130.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,667.67 If the child is six years old - $2,454.68 If the child is 10 years old - $1,493.87 RELATED: The price of procrastination: 7 reasons to start saving today 5. FurReal Friends Torch 'My Blazin' Dragon' Price: $69.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $69.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,946.69 If the child is six years old - $1,302.87 If the child is 10 years old - $792.90 RELATED: 5 simple ways to teach a young child about college 6. Furby Connect Price: $90.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $90.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,539.16 If the child is six years old - $1,699.39 If the child is 10 years old - $1,034.22 RELATED: The magic number for college savings 7. Cozmo the Toy Robot by Anki Price: $180.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $180.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,078.32 If the child is six years old - $3,398.78 If the child is 10 years old - $2,068.44 RELATED: The truth about scholarships and 529 plans 8. Playstation VR (Virtual Reality) Headset for Sony PS4 Price: $399.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $399.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $11,256.94 If the child is six years old - $7,533.97 If the child is 10 years old - $4,585.04 RELATED: 7 myths and realities of 529 plans 9. Diamondback Lustre 20" Bike Price: $269.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $269.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $7,589.26 If the child is six years old - $5,079.30 If the child is 10 years old - $3,091.16 RELATED: 5 habits of successful college savers 10. Play All Day Elmo Price: $40.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $40.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,128.52 If the child is six years old - $755.29 If the child is 10 years old - $459.65 RELATED: 6 must-know 529 plan rules 11. Yvolution Y Glider Deluxe Scooter Price: $60.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $60.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,692.77 If the child is six years old - $1,132.93 If the child is 10 years old - $689.48 RELATED: 5 types of students who benefit from 529 plans 12. iPod Touch 16GB Price: $190.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $190.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,360.45 If the child is six years old - $3,587.61 If the child is 10 years old - $2,183.35 RELATED: 6 ways you can save for college 13. Step2 Upscale Part Time Kitchen Price: $120.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $120.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,385.55 If the child is six years old - $2,265.86 If the child is 10 years old - $1,378.96 RELATED: Who can open a 529 plan? 14. Interactive Remote Control R2 D2 from Star Wars Price: $100.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $100.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,821.29 If the child is six years old - $1,888.21 If the child is 10 years old - $1,149.13 RELATED: Lacrosse or Kumon: Which activities best prepare a young child for college? 15. Asus ï ¿ ½ Flip 2-in-1 10.1 Touch-Screen Chromebook Price: $249.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $249.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $7,025.01 If the child is six years old - $4,701.65 If the child is 10 years old - $2,861.34 RELATED: 4 ways to get your kids involved with saving for college 16. Marvel Remote Control Hulk Smash Vehicle Price: $70.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $70.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,974.90 If the child is six years old - $1,321.75 If the child is 10 years old - $804.39 RELATED: Should I pay for private elementary school or save for college? 17. Magformers Magnetic Building Construction Set Price: $79.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $79.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,228.82 If the child is six years old - $1,491.69 If the child is 10 years old - $907.81 RELATED: Top 10 financial mistakes millennial parents make 18. Power Wheels Wild Thing 12 Volt Battery Price: $329.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $329.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $9,282.04 If the child is six years old - $6,212.22 If the child is 10 years old - $3,780.64 RELATED: Saving for college? These 6 mistakes can cost you 19. Imaginarium Metro Line Train Table Price: $159.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $159.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $4,485.85 If the child is six years old - $3,002.26 If the child is 10 years old - $1,827.12 RELATED: College Savings Timeline: New Beginnings 20. Xbox One S Price: $299.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $299.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $8,463.58 If the child is six years old - $5,664.45 If the child is 10 years old - $3,447.28 RELATED: 5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a college savings strategy 21. LEGO Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter Price: $74.66 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $74.66 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,106.37 If the child is six years old - $1,409.74 If the child is 10 years old - $857.94 RELATED: How much can parents really save for college by giving up Starbucks? 22. Powerup FPV Price: $199.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $199.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,642.29 If the child is six years old - $3,776.24 If the child is 10 years old - $2,298.15 RELATED: How much is your state's 529 state tax deduction really worth? 23. Hot Wheels AI Price: $94.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $94.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,652.01 If the child is six years old - $1,774.92 If the child is 10 years old - $1,080.18 RELATED: 10 things we love most about 529 plans 24. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Quadcopter Drone Price: $129.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $129.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,639.46 If the child is six years old - $2,453.80 If the child is 10 years old - $1,482.38 RELATED: Why you should teach your kids about money 25. PS4 Pro Price: $399.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $399.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $11,284.87 If the child is six years old - $7,552.67 If the child is 10 years old - $4,596.41 RELATED: 4 ways families are tackling high college costs The holiday season is upon us again. Families across the US will brave long lines, or in some cases, artificial 'black markets' on sites like eBay, to grab one of the newest, hottest toys of 2016ï ¿ ½for their loved ones. This December scramble is becoming somewhat of a holiday tradition, yet most gift givers know that these presents, while they bring joy and smiles in the moment,ï ¿ ½are usually only played with for aï ¿ ½few months before they're old news. So the question becomes,ï ¿ ½is there a better alternative to theseï ¿ ½'soon to be in the back of the closet' gifts? The answer these days seems quite obvious. With college costs increasing at nearly double the cost of healthcare over the past 30 years, putting the money into a college savings fund is something that should be on every parentï ¿ ½and grandparent'sï ¿ ½mind this holiday season. ï ¿ ½ But how much could the price of one toy impact a child's future college costs?ï ¿ ½Is it really worthï ¿ ½doing the 'prudent' thing and putting the money into a 529 college savings plan?ï ¿ ½Let's take a look at theï ¿ ½25 of the most sought after gifts this holiday season, and how much you couldï ¿ ½potentially save by making an annual contribution to a 529 plan instead. Keep in mind that you might be able to save even more if you live in one of the 30+ states that offers a tax benefit for 529 plan contributions. RELATED: The World's Simplest College Calculator 1. Hatchimals Egg (Interactive) Price: $59.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $59.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,664.56 If the child is six years old - $1,114.05 If the child is 10 years old - $677.99 RELATED: Top 10 direct-sold 529 plans 2. Nerf N-Strike Elite Terrascout Remote Control Drone Blaster Price: $200.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $200.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,642.58 If the child is six years old - $3,776.43 If the child is 10 years old - $2,298.26 RELATED: 6 winning strategies to cutting the cost of college 3. DreamWorks Trolls 'Hug Time' Poppy Price: $50.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $50.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,410.64 If the child is six years old - $944.11 If the child is 10 years old - $574.57 RELATED: The 15 lowest-cost 529 plans 4. Sky Viper V2400 HD Streaming Drone With FPV Headset Price: $130.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $130.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,667.67 If the child is six years old - $2,454.68 If the child is 10 years old - $1,493.87 RELATED: The price of procrastination: 7 reasons to start saving today 5. FurReal Friends Torch 'My Blazin' Dragon' Price: $69.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $69.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,946.69 If the child is six years old - $1,302.87 If the child is 10 years old - $792.90 RELATED: 5 simple ways to teach a young child about college 6. Furby Connect Price: $90.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $90.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,539.16 If the child is six years old - $1,699.39 If the child is 10 years old - $1,034.22 RELATED: The magic number for college savings 7. Cozmo the Toy Robot by Anki Price: $180.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $180.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,078.32 If the child is six years old - $3,398.78 If the child is 10 years old - $2,068.44 RELATED: The truth about scholarships and 529 plans 8. Playstation VR (Virtual Reality) Headset for Sony PS4 Price: $399.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $399.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $11,256.94 If the child is six years old - $7,533.97 If the child is 10 years old - $4,585.04 RELATED: 7 myths and realities of 529 plans 9. Diamondback Lustre 20" Bike Price: $269.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $269.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $7,589.26 If the child is six years old - $5,079.30 If the child is 10 years old - $3,091.16 RELATED: 5 habits of successful college savers 10. Play All Day Elmo Price: $40.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $40.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,128.52 If the child is six years old - $755.29 If the child is 10 years old - $459.65 RELATED: 6 must-know 529 plan rules 11. Yvolution Y Glider Deluxe Scooter Price: $60.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $60.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,692.77 If the child is six years old - $1,132.93 If the child is 10 years old - $689.48 RELATED: 5 types of students who benefit from 529 plans 12. iPod Touch 16GB Price: $190.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $190.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,360.45 If the child is six years old - $3,587.61 If the child is 10 years old - $2,183.35 RELATED: 6 ways you can save for college 13. Step2 Upscale Part Time Kitchen Price: $120.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $120.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,385.55 If the child is six years old - $2,265.86 If the child is 10 years old - $1,378.96 RELATED: Who can open a 529 plan? 14. Interactive Remote Control R2 D2 from Star Wars Price: $100.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $100.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,821.29 If the child is six years old - $1,888.21 If the child is 10 years old - $1,149.13 RELATED: Lacrosse or Kumon: Which activities best prepare a young child for college? 15. Asus ï ¿ ½ Flip 2-in-1 10.1 Touch-Screen Chromebook Price: $249.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $249.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $7,025.01 If the child is six years old - $4,701.65 If the child is 10 years old - $2,861.34 RELATED: 4 ways to get your kids involved with saving for college 16. Marvel Remote Control Hulk Smash Vehicle Price: $70.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $70.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $1,974.90 If the child is six years old - $1,321.75 If the child is 10 years old - $804.39 RELATED: Should I pay for private elementary school or save for college? 17. Magformers Magnetic Building Construction Set Price: $79.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $79.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,228.82 If the child is six years old - $1,491.69 If the child is 10 years old - $907.81 RELATED: Top 10 financial mistakes millennial parents make 18. Power Wheels Wild Thing 12 Volt Battery Price: $329.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $329.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $9,282.04 If the child is six years old - $6,212.22 If the child is 10 years old - $3,780.64 RELATED: Saving for college? These 6 mistakes can cost you 19. Imaginarium Metro Line Train Table Price: $159.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $159.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $4,485.85 If the child is six years old - $3,002.26 If the child is 10 years old - $1,827.12 RELATED: College Savings Timeline: New Beginnings 20. Xbox One S Price: $299.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $299.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $8,463.58 If the child is six years old - $5,664.45 If the child is 10 years old - $3,447.28 RELATED: 5 questions to ask yourself when choosing a college savings strategy 21. LEGO Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter Price: $74.66 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $74.66 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,106.37 If the child is six years old - $1,409.74 If the child is 10 years old - $857.94 RELATED: How much can parents really save for college by giving up Starbucks? 22. Powerup FPV Price: $199.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $199.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $5,642.29 If the child is six years old - $3,776.24 If the child is 10 years old - $2,298.15 RELATED: How much is your state's 529 state tax deduction really worth? 23. Hot Wheels AI Price: $94.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $94.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $2,652.01 If the child is six years old - $1,774.92 If the child is 10 years old - $1,080.18 RELATED: 10 things we love most about 529 plans 24. Nintendo Mario Kart 8 Quadcopter Drone Price: $129.00 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $129.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $3,639.46 If the child is six years old - $2,453.80 If the child is 10 years old - $1,482.38 RELATED: Why you should teach your kids about money 25. PS4 Pro Price: $399.99 Future value of a 529 plan, assuming annual contributions of $399.00 until the beneficiary is 18 years old, and a 6% annual investment return: If the child is two years old - $11,284.87 If the child is six years old - $7,552.67 If the child is 10 years old - $4,596.41 RELATED: 4 ways families are tackling high college costs