which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

i have a couple christenings / 1st birthdays coming up and i was going to get savings bonds to give as gifts. but some of my friends told me they hate getting those for their kids.

ive gotten a couple for my daughter and i dont mind at all. i got them when i was a kid and my parents didnt tell me about them until i was 18/19 ...and it was a nice surprise! my mom told me that i can use them towards college expenses, a car, or just hold on to them to collect interest...i was NOT allowed to just go buy anything. i plan on doing the same thing for my daughter so i love getting them for her.

so, before i go pick some up....i was just wondering if i was in the minority and people really dont like getting them.

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

I prefer cash or check. Savings bond are a bit of a PITA, IMO. But of course any gift is appreciated. But you did ask...

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

Check.
At least the money is there for use right away.

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

hmmm....guess ill give a check or cash.

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

I used to give bonds for everything...but the interest % rate lately has STUNK! and some people can put in a savings or credit union with better rates..So after years of giving BONDS I have changed to checks last few times!

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

While I chose check (since I can get a better rate in a CD then you can on EE bonds) I'd say get a bond for the next few months...the treasury isn't going to produce paper bonds come January, so its will be a cool memento of life before the digital age

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

I liked receiving a mix of both. I will say that since there will be no more paper bonds that will likely be the end of my bond giving days. Also with the paltry interest rates its been a while since I have given bonds.

Re: which do you prefer for you child: check or savings bond?

I said check or cash. At 26 years old I still have bonds that aren't fully matured yet from when I was little. I've paid for a wedding, houses, kids....It could have come in handy by now. And I have a better interest rate for my kids savings account then you get for the bonds. I'd rather be able to invest the money myself.