Teaching Wants vs Needs with Games

Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that can be nurtured from a young age. One of the foundational concepts in personal finance is understanding the difference between wants and needs. While needs are essentials required for survival—like food, shelter, and clothing—wants are things that bring enjoyment or convenience, such as toys, gadgets, or vacations. Teaching this distinction to children or even adults can be challenging, but incorporating games into the learning process can make it fun, interactive, and memorable. Let’s explore how games can be a powerful tool to teach the concept of wants versus needs.

Why Games Work for Teaching Financial Concepts

Games naturally engage people by tapping into their sense of play and curiosity. When it comes to financial literacy, games can simplify complex ideas, encourage critical thinking, and create a safe space to make decisions without real-world consequences. For children, games transform abstract concepts like budgeting or prioritizing needs over wants into tangible, relatable scenarios. For adults, they can serve as a refreshing way to revisit and reinforce these ideas.

Using games to teach wants versus needs also fosters discussion. Whether it’s a family activity or a classroom exercise, games encourage players to explain their choices, debate priorities, and reflect on their values. This interactive element helps solidify the lesson in a way that lectures or worksheets often can’t. Ready to dive in? Here are some engaging game ideas to teach this vital financial concept.

Game Ideas to Teach Wants vs Needs

1. The "Survival Island" Scenario Game

Imagine you’re stranded on a deserted island. You can only bring a limited number of items with you—say, five. Provide players (kids or adults) with a list of mixed items, including needs like water, food, and a tent, alongside wants like a gaming console, chocolate bars, or a fancy hat. Each player must choose their five items and explain why they prioritized them.

This game sparks conversations about what’s truly essential for survival. You can add layers of complexity by introducing a budget or a weight limit for the items, forcing players to make tougher decisions. For younger kids, use pictures or physical objects to make the game more visual and hands-on. After each round, discuss why certain items were chosen and how needs often take precedence over wants in critical situations.

2. The "Shopping Spree" Budget Challenge

Give players a pretend budget (e.g., $100) and a shopping list with prices for various items, some of which are needs (groceries, winter coat, medicine) and others wants (movie tickets, designer sneakers, ice cream). The goal is to “spend” the budget while prioritizing needs over wants. If there’s money left over, they can splurge on a want—but only after needs are covered.

This game teaches budgeting alongside the wants versus needs concept. It works well in a classroom or family setting and can be adapted for different age groups by adjusting the complexity of the items and budget. For an added twist, introduce unexpected “emergency” expenses (like a doctor’s visit) to show how life’s unpredictability often requires focusing on needs first. Debrief afterward by asking players how they felt about skipping certain wants and what they learned about prioritizing.

3. The "Wants vs Needs Sorting Race"

Create two baskets or zones labeled “Wants” and “Needs.” Gather a mix of items or flashcards representing different things (e.g., bread, a skateboard, a raincoat, a video game). Set a timer and have players race to sort the items into the correct categories. For younger kids, keep it simple with familiar objects. For older players, include trickier examples like a smartphone—does it count as a need for communication or a want for entertainment?

This fast-paced game builds quick decision-making skills and reinforces the core concept through repetition. After the race, review the sorted items together and discuss any disagreements or gray areas. This reflection helps players understand that the line between wants and needs can sometimes blur, depending on context or personal circumstances.

Tips for Maximizing Learning Through Play

To make these games even more effective, keep a few strategies in mind. First, tailor the games to your audience’s age and interests. Younger children might enjoy colorful props and simple rules, while teens and adults might appreciate more nuanced scenarios or competitive elements. Second, always follow up with a discussion. Ask open-ended questions like, “Why did you choose that item as a need?” or “How did it feel to give up a want?” This helps players internalize the lesson.

Finally, connect the games to real-life situations. After playing, encourage participants to identify wants and needs in their daily lives—maybe during grocery shopping or while making a wishlist. This bridges the gap between the game and practical application, ensuring the concept sticks.

Making Financial Literacy Fun and Lasting

Teaching wants versus needs doesn’t have to be a