Here’s what I remember about my daughter’s first birthday. We made a big fuss—she had no idea what was going on. She was not even interested in the carrot cake I had made especially for her. What I wish I had realized instead is that her birthday was a big deal for us, but just another day in babydom for her.

Now that I’m older and wiser and my daughter is older and more wise-cracking, these are the gifts I wish I had lined up for her on her first birthday. Then, if I had served a cake and she had barely noticed, it could have been to celebrate her parents for being so smart and planning ahead. So, implement as many of these suggestions as you can by the time your child turns one. And if you have not implemented them by that first birthday bash, be sure to give them some serious birthday cake for thought.

Savings Account
Whenever you receive monetary gifts from relatives, put half in your child’s savings account. Why? Even though you think you need every kiddy gadget when your child is young, you can often find items discounted or gently-used for a lot less. Heck, you might even be next in line for a bunch of hand-me-downs from friends and family. So stash some of your child’s gift money now. You will be so glad you did later. Plus, a few of the suggestions that follow require money.

Safety Deposit Box
Savings accounts are a vague concept for kids to understand. This is how they think: “You want to take my money away from me and go put it in a boring-looking building where I can’t even visit it?” But all kids understand the concept of treasure. And this is why you should have one (a safety deposit box). Take them to visit your family treasures once a year. Show them how you keep a little cash, some jewels, and copies of important documents, and watch their eyes grow wide with excitement every time you go to the bank. Then, while you have their attention, teach them all the ways you use the bank to secure and manage money.

College Fund
If you can put aside just $50 per month, it will add up over the years and make a significant dent in your future college costs. Better yet, start with $50 a month and continue to grow that number as your child grows. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. 529 plans, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. All 50 states and the District of Columbia sponsor at least one type of 529 plan. For more information on the AR 529 options, visit TheGiftPlan.com.

Money Coach
Your child is probably too young to understand personal economics. How about you? If you are one of the many Americans who feel overwhelmed, inexperienced or uninformed when it comes to money management, let your baby be your wake-up call. Get involved in money management coaching by searching for a certified coach online. Or, swing by your local bank once in a while and ask your local banker for a little money-management advice based on how much you are earning and saving each month. Sometimes just having a neutral mentor to discuss savings strategies can make a wealth of difference. As your child grows, either coach your child on money management yourself or call on your trusted mentor to help you do the job.

Tax Expert
As parents, you can give thousands of dollars to your children each year without any tax consequences. Are you taking advantage of every tax-saving option available to your family? Furthermore, if you are overspending on taxes, that money could be going into your child’s savings or college accounts. Make sure you are working with the most reputable and vigorous tax professional you can afford to help your family legally save as much as possible.

Name as URL
We are living in the digital age and life is only going to become increasingly virtual. It’s nice to know that your future celebrity or entrepreneur has digital security in the form of their name reserved online. How will they use it? This is a lot less important right now. Besides, you already saved some of that gift money, right? Use it for this and they won’t even owe you anything when they become rich and famous. But don’t worry about hosting. Only pay for the URL itself and the privacy to keep personal info offline.

Family Library Card
Your child may be too young for a library card, but make sure you sign up for at least one library card for your family. Having one card makes it easier to keep track of checked out items. Take your baby to the library for storytime, puppet shows and other educational events. As your child grows, introduce him to the various sections of the library. And don’t forget about the multi-media options both at the library and online. A family that makes the most of library resources is a rich one indeed.

Journalist, author and writing coach, Christina Katz offers creative saving and spending strategies to families who would like to enjoy a sense of future security. Her latest book is “The Art Of Making Time For Yourself.”