Thanks for the comments, great points about the coins, that might be a good compromise, I appreciate a ISA is a good idea too, but the debate I had with my youngest was sparked by his desire to buy a £25 digital accessory to the latest game he is on, I refused to let him spend real money on a non tangible non physical thing that will disappear eventually, I wanted to get something that he could see appreciate ( or not!) over time. Kev, gold would be my choice too but as you say, expensive to get into with a few quid here and there. Thanks again all.