This free printable Christmas play money looks like it came straight from The North Pole! With fun Christmas-themed designs like reindeer, Santa Claus, and elf faces, these North Pole Dollars are great for pretend play or to give to kids as rewards for good behavior in the month of December.
I don’t know about you, but the stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas at my house feels like the longest month in human history. The kids are wound up tighter than a jack-in-the-box, behavior starts to slip (“But it’s almost Christmas!” is apparently an excuse for everything), and I’m left bribing – I mean, motivating – them to keep it together until Santa arrives… especially if they want to get a Nice List Certificate!
That’s where these free printable North Pole Dollars come in clutch!
Think of them as Santa’s official currency, except YOU get to be the boss of the North Pole economy. (Finally, the power we deserve!) This adorable printable North Pole cash is perfect for pretend play Christmas shopping AND for keeping your kiddos on the nice list throughout December.
And the best part? They’re completely free to print, which means you can make as many as you need when your toddler inevitably “loses” them all by Tuesday.
Printable North Pole Dollars
This set of printable Christmas cash features bright, festive designs that kids will love and an official-looking North Pole Dollars seal. You can print as many as you need, cut them out, and start using them right away.
The free printable Christmas cash designs include fun holiday elements like Santa, reindeer, and Christmas trees to make them extra special. They’re an easy way to add a little extra holiday spirit to your home or classroom.
Materials for Your Printable Christmas Play Money
- Printable Christmas Cash PDF – The heart of this project! Cute, festive bills that look like they came straight from the North Pole. Download at the end of this post!
- Printer – Any standard inkjet or laser printer will do. The brighter the colors, the more magical it feels.
- White Cardstock or Heavy Printer Paper – Gives the play money a sturdy feel so it holds up through all the fun.
- Scissors or Paper Cutter – To neatly trim out each bill without jagged edges.
- Optional: Laminator and Laminating Sheets – Perfect if you want the money to last for years of Christmas fun.
Ideas for Using Free Printable Christmas Play Money
There are so many ways to use printable Christmas play money – here are a few favorites to get you started:
- Reward System for Kids – Use the North Pole dollars as a fun incentive for kids to complete chores, homework, or acts of kindness during the month of December. They can save them up to “buy” small prizes, extra privileges, or even holiday treats. You can go here for even more ideas for rewards for kids!
- Christmas Shopping Pretend Play – Set up a pretend Christmas shop in your living room with wrapped toys, holiday treats, or even handmade crafts. Give each kid a stack of North Pole Dollars and let them “shop” for gifts for each other. Not only is it adorable, but it keeps them entertained for at least 20 minutes (mom win!), and teaches budgeting skills without them even realizing it.
- Holiday Events & Secret Santa Shops – If your school, church, or community group hosts a Secret Santa event, give each child a set amount of Christmas cash to “spend” on gifts for their family or friends. It makes the experience fun while teaching kids about budgeting and making thoughtful choices.
- Earn Extra Screen Time – If your kids are motivated by screen time, have them earn North Pole Dollars to “purchase” extra time on their devices. It’s a win-win – they get what they want, and you get cooperation without constant nagging!
- Create Your Own Festive Traditions – You can also come up with your own ways to use the play money, maybe for “buying” a spot in front of the TV for a holiday movie night, or as an entry ticket for special Christmas activities. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for Teaching Kids About Money Using Play Cash
Play money isn’t just for fun, it’s also a great tool for teaching kids about managing money and making smart spending choices. Use your Christmas cash to talk about saving, budgeting, and the value of thoughtful gift-giving during the holidays. Here are a few ideas to make it even more effective:
- Set a budget: Give your kids a limited amount of play money and have them “shop” for gifts or holiday items. This helps them practice prioritizing what they really want versus what they can afford.
- Introduce saving: Encourage them to set aside a portion of their Christmas cash in a “savings jar” for later use. It’s an early lesson in delayed gratification and planning.
- Role-play real-life situations: Use scenarios like buying gifts for family or donating to a charity to show how money can be used in different ways.
- Track spending: Have kids keep a simple ledger or checklist to record what they “buy” with their play money. This builds early math and organizational skills.
- Reward thoughtful decisions: Praise and discuss choices that show careful planning or generosity, reinforcing positive money habits.
Using these tips, your Christmas play money becomes a hands-on way to teach important life skills while keeping the magic of the season alive.
Where to Download Your Free Printable Christmas Play Money
Ready to add some holiday magic? Download the free printable Christmas play money right here and start planning your festive activities.
Download The Printable!
Click below to download your FREE North Pole Dollars!
And if you loved these North Pole Dollars, then be sure to check out some of my other fun Christmas printables for kids:
- Free Printable Christmas Hand Puppets Craft – My kids LOVE making these cute Christmas puppets and decorating them with gold glitter and pom poms.
- Magic Reindeer Food Printable Tags – Use these to make your magic reindeer food so the reindeer find their way to your house!
- Christmas Treasure Hunt with Rhyming Clues – Use these printable clues to set up a Christmas scavenger hunt on Christmas morning or for a fun afternoon game. The clues could lead to your kids’ stockings or a special gift!
