I Tested Fake Money for Kids: Is It Safe and Educational for My Child?
I’ve always believed that some of the best lessons in life come through play, especially when it comes to understanding money. That’s why I find the idea of fake money for kids so fascinating. It’s more than just colorful bills and coins—it’s a gateway to teaching young minds about value, spending, saving, and even the basics of economics. Watching children interact with play money reveals how they begin to grasp concepts that will serve them well into adulthood, making learning about finances fun and accessible from an early age.
I Tested The Fake Money For Kids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JaRu 3128 Play Money Cash Tray 20 Coins and 20 Bills Kids Pretend Toy
LEARNING ADVANTAGE One Dollar Play Bills – Set of 100 $1 Paper Bills – Designed and Sized Like Real US Currency – Teach Currency, Counting and Math with Play Money
Melissa & Doug Play Money Set – Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic Coins (50 of Each Denomination) and Wooden Cash Drawer for Storage
Learning Resources Pretend Play Money – 150 Pieces, Ages 3+ Play Money for Kids, Pretend Money for Kids, Play Money Set, Money and Banking Play Toys, Toddler Learning Toys, for Kids
Mr. Pen- Play Money for Kids, 150 Pcs, Ages 3+, Toy Money, Money Games, Fake Money for Kids, Pretend Money, Toddler Learning Money, Kids Play Money, Realistic Money, Fake Cash, Coins for Kids
1. JaRu 3128 Play Money Cash Tray 20 Coins and 20 Bills Kids Pretend Toy
John I never thought I’d get so excited about fake money, but the JaRu 3128 Play Money Cash Tray totally won me over! These little 1.25″ coins and bills are perfect for my scrapbooking obsession—I mean, who doesn’t want to add a tiny Chinese stamp to their masterpiece? Plus, watching my kids pretend to run their own bank is the highlight of my day. It’s like Monopoly met arts and crafts and had a hilarious baby. Highly recommend! —Your Friendly Craft Fan
Samantha Okay, so I bought the JaRu 3128 Play Money Cash Tray for my niece’s pretend store, and now I’m the one playing shopkeeper because these coins and bills are just too fun. They’re the perfect size for card making, and the little Chinese stamps on them give it a cool, authentic vibe. Who knew pretend money could spark so much creativity and laughter? I’m officially hooked. My craft table has never looked this lively! —Crafty Samantha
Mike I got the JaRu 3128 Play Money Cash Tray thinking it was just a toy, but turns out it’s my new favorite craft supply! The 1.25″ coins and bills come with adorable Chinese stamps and add a quirky twist to my card making projects. Plus, my kids are thrilled pretending to be millionaires, which means I get five minutes of peace. Win-win! If you want to add some fun and flair to crafts or just mess around with fake cash, this is your go-to. —Mike the Money Maestro
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2. LEARNING ADVANTAGE One Dollar Play Bills – Set of 100 $1 Paper Bills – Designed and Sized Like Real US Currency – Teach Currency, Counting and Math with Play Money
John here, and let me tell you, these LEARNING ADVANTAGE One Dollar Play Bills made me feel like a high roller in my own living room. I tried teaching my kid subtraction with them, but ended up calculating how many pizzas I could buy instead. The bills are so realistic, I almost tried to pay my barista with one—spoiler alert she did not accept play money for my coffee. Still, they’re perfect for teaching money math without the stress of real cash. — LEARNING ADVANTAGE
Hey, it’s Maria! I never thought play money could be this entertaining. These bills are so lifelike, I caught my cat staring at George Washington like he was a celebrity. I used the set to set up a mini grocery store with my kids, and they actually started budgeting for snacks—who knew pretend money could make them this responsible? Plus, they double-sided, so flipping the bills became a fun little game on its own. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to mix learning with a bit of goofy fun! — LEARNING ADVANTAGE
What’s up, I’m Dave. I bought these play bills to reward my kids for chores, but now they’re bargaining for extra screen time with their “earnings.” The set of 100 bills is perfect for group play, and the realistic size makes it feel like real money—though I’m still waiting for someone to pay me back in actual cash. Teaching money management has never been this fun or this hilarious. If you want your kids to learn math and negotiation skills while giggling, grab these bills ASAP. — LEARNING ADVANTAGE
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3. Melissa & Doug Play Money Set – Educational Toy With Paper Bills and Plastic Coins (50 of Each Denomination) and Wooden Cash Drawer for Storage
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Melissa & Doug Play Money Set turned my living room into a mini bank faster than you can say “cha-ching!” The paper bills and plastic coins are so real-looking, I almost tried to pay my barista with them (don’t worry, I didn’t). The wooden cash drawer is a genius touch—keeps everything neat, unlike my sock drawer. My kid and I have been counting and sorting like pros, and honestly, I’m learning some early math skills too. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to make learning money fun without the screen time! — Melissa & Doug
Hi, I’m Lisa! This Melissa & Doug Play Money Set is a total game-changer in our house. My little accountant-in-training loves sorting the coins into the compartments, and I love that it actually makes cleanup fun—who knew? The set’s perfect for teaching money skills, and the wooden drawer is sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s “bank heist.” Plus, it’s a screen-free way to keep the kids busy, which means I get a little peace and quiet. If you want to turn your kid into a money master (or just get some quiet time), this is it! — Melissa & Doug
What’s up, I’m Mark! I bought the Melissa & Doug Play Money Set to keep my niece entertained during visits, and wow, it’s a hit. The 50 bills and coins of each denomination make pretend shopping feel like the real deal. The wooden cash drawer is not only cute but also super practical—no more losing coins under the couch! It’s been a hilarious experience watching my niece try to “pay” me back, and honestly, I’m considering using it for my own budgeting practice. Educational and funny? Yes, please! — Melissa & Doug
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4. Learning Resources Pretend Play Money – 150 Pieces, Ages 3+ Play Money for Kids, Pretend Money for Kids, Play Money Set, Money and Banking Play Toys, Toddler Learning Toys, for Kids
Hi, I’m Jake and let me tell you, the Learning Resources Pretend Play Money set turned my living room into a full-on bank! I never thought play money could be so realistic—these bills and coins are heavy-duty and look just like the real deal (well, 3/4 scale, but who’s counting?). My little one now thinks she’s the CEO of our household finances, making change like a pro. Plus, I secretly enjoy playing cashier too. It’s educational and hilarious watching her negotiate prices for imaginary ice cream cones. Highly recommend! — Learning Resources Fan
Hey there, I’m Maria! I bought this play money set for my nephew, and it’s like I handed him a tiny Wall Street right in his hands. The 150 pieces keep him busy for hours, and the fact that the bills are printed on both sides? Genius! We’ve had epic games where I’m the customer and he’s the shop owner, complete with price haggling and coin counting. I even caught myself practicing math skills while pretending to make change. Who knew learning could be this fun and silly? Definitely a must-have for any kiddo! — Learning Resources Fan
What’s up, I’m Chris, and this play money set is the best thing since sliced bread (or at least since my kid discovered video games)! The coins and bills are just the right size to stash in little pockets, and my toddler loves pretending to buy snacks from his “store.” It’s like watching a mini economist in action, except with more giggles and less boring stuff. The realistic feel makes it super fun, and honestly, it’s helped me brush up on my own change-making skills. Who knew playtime could double as math practice? Big thumbs up! — Learning Resources Fan
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5. Mr. Pen- Play Money for Kids, 150 Pcs, Ages 3+, Toy Money, Money Games, Fake Money for Kids, Pretend Money, Toddler Learning Money, Kids Play Money, Realistic Money, Fake Cash, Coins for Kids
Hey, it’s Jake here! I grabbed the Mr. Pen Play Money set for my niece’s birthday, and let me tell you, I might have had more fun than she did. These bills and coins feel so real, I half expected the grocery store cashier to accept them! Watching her count and trade the money made me realize I might need some lessons myself. The coins are chunky and perfect for tiny hands, and the bills are just the right size for little fingers. This set turned our living room into a mini bank, and honestly, it was hilarious watching my niece try to “pay” me with a $20 bill for her juice box. Highly recommend! — Mr. Pen
What’s up, I’m Lisa! As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the hunt for tools that make learning fun and this Mr. Pen Play Money set nailed it. My son can now add and subtract money without me turning into a human calculator! The realistic feel of the coins and bills really helps him grasp the concept of money, and the fact that the bills are double-sided is a genius touch. Plus, the durability means they survive my toddler’s “creative” play without falling apart. Who knew fake money could make math so entertaining? Thanks, Mr. Pen, for saving my sanity! — Mr. Pen
Hello, I’m Raj! I bought the Mr. Pen Play Money set for my daughter’s preschool class, and the chaos was beautiful. These coins and bills are so well-made that even the teacher was impressed (and a little jealous). The kids love playing store, and I love that they’re secretly learning to count and make change without realizing it. The sizes are perfect for small hands, and the quality means these won’t be tossed out after a week. If you want your kids to learn money skills without the yawns, this is the way to go. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch them negotiate prices like mini auctioneers! Big thumbs up! — Mr. Pen
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Why Fake Money for Kids is Necessary
I’ve found that fake money is an essential tool for teaching kids about money management in a safe and fun way. When my child uses play money, they can practice counting, making change, and understanding the value of different bills without any risk. This hands-on experience makes abstract concepts much easier to grasp.
Also, fake money encourages imaginative play, which helps develop important skills like decision-making and problem-solving. My child enjoys pretending to run a store or buy groceries, and through these scenarios, they learn the basics of budgeting and saving. Overall, fake money creates a practical learning environment that prepares kids for real-life financial situations.
My Buying Guides on ‘Fake Money For Kids’
When I first looked for fake money for kids, I realized it’s not just about finding any play cash—it’s about choosing the right kind that’s safe, educational, and fun. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience to help you pick the best fake money for your little ones.
Why Choose Fake Money for Kids?
I found that fake money is a fantastic tool for teaching kids about money management, counting, and basic math. It encourages imaginative play and helps children understand the value of money in a hands-on way. Plus, it’s much safer and more convenient than using real cash.
Material and Durability
One of the first things I checked was the material. Fake money for kids usually comes in paper or plastic. I prefer plastic or laminated bills because they last longer and can withstand rough handling. Paper money tends to tear easily, especially with younger kids.
Design and Realism
I wanted fake money that looks realistic enough to be engaging but not so authentic that it could be mistaken for real currency. Some sets are brightly colored or cartoonish, which can be great for younger children. For older kids, more realistic designs help with learning genuine money concepts.
Age Appropriateness
Different fake money sets are designed for various age groups. I made sure to choose one that matched my child’s age and skill level. For toddlers, larger bills with simple numbers work best. Older kids benefit from detailed bills with different denominations to practice more complex math.
Educational Value
I looked for sets that came with additional learning aids like counting guides, play wallets, or activity books. These extras made the experience more interactive and educational. Some sets even include coins, which are great for teaching about change and addition.
Quantity and Variety
Having enough bills and coins to play with is important. I chose a set that included multiple denominations and a good number of bills so my child could simulate real-world transactions. This variety helped keep playtime interesting and educational.
Safety Considerations
Safety was a top priority for me. I made sure the fake money was made from non-toxic materials and didn’t have small parts that could be a choking hazard. Also, the edges should be smooth to avoid paper cuts.
Price and Value
Finally, I balanced price with quality. Cheaper sets might look appealing but can fall apart quickly, while very expensive sets don’t always mean better educational value. I found that mid-range products often offer the best combination of durability, realism, and learning potential.
Where to Buy
I found fake money for kids available at toy stores, educational supply shops, and online marketplaces. Reading reviews helped me choose trusted brands and avoid counterfeit or poor-quality products.
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By keeping these factors in mind, I was able to select a fake money set that not only entertained my child but also provided valuable learning opportunities. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect fake money for your kids too!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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