Two years ago, in what I’ll now refer to as a moment of pure genius, I skipped the usual LEGO set for my son Lethabo’s 8th birthday (Dec 2022). Instead, I gifted him a single share of Tesla purchased at $110.33. This decision wasn’t random; Lethabo was fascinated by Tesla and Elon Musk, a visionary who, as fate would have it, attended the same school he does. I thought, What better way to nurture his interest in innovation and teach him the value of investing than this?
Fast forward to December 2025, that same Tesla share is now worth $425.66, a nearly fourfold increase in Lethabo’s “net worth.” But this story is about more than just financial returns. It’s about the look on a 10-year-old’s face when he realized his birthday gift wasn’t just stuff, but a tiny, growing piece of the future. It planted a scary, powerful thought in my mind: What if the best birthday gift isn’t a toy, but a tool for financial freedom?
The Birth of Squirrel Away
That epiphany led to the creation of Squirrel Away, a platform that takes the awkwardness out of gifting money and replaces it with the empowerment of gifting investments. Our mission is simple: transform the traditional “gift envelope” into a long-term wealth-building strategy.
Squirrel Away is for parents, family members, and friends who want to give meaningful gifts that last a lifetime. Whether it’s for a birthday, a graduation, or just because, it’s an opportunity to spark a lifelong habit of saving and investing.
We are built for everyone who is tired of watching perfectly good toys gather dust. A gift that grows up with them, teaching them patience, the magic of compounding and the fact that a little saving can yield serious future dividends. It’s the ultimate ‘set it and forget it’ gift that genuinely lasts a lifetime.
Why Your Next Gift Should Be a Stock, Not a Screen Time Extension
Lethabo’s Tesla experience was my personal wake-up call. It hammered home the universal truth: the earlier your money starts working, the harder it works for your future. In 2025, financial literacy isn’t a niche skill; it’s a non-negotiable superpower. We need to equip the next generation, not just with coding skills, but with the knowledge to manage the wealth they create.
As I reflect on that birthday today, I am filled with excitement about launching Squirrel Away. This platform isn’t just a business venture, it’s a movement to shift family focus from immediate gratification to generational wealth creation. It’s about creating a legacy where children learn to see the value of investing early and understand that every gift can be an opportunity to grow their future.
Lethabo’s Tesla share is now the unofficial mascot. A reminder that every thoughtful gift can be a foundation for future prosperity.
Start now!Join the Squirrel Away Movement. Because the best time to plant a financial seed was yesterday, the second best time is right now.
