As we reach the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the journey behind Beanstalk.
KidStart, the business behind Beanstalk, turned 18 this year. Beanstalk itself is now finishing its fifth year. Over that time, one thing has stayed consistent: families want simple, practical ways to give their children the best start in life.
This year we’ve seen that in many forms. Parents, grandparents, and relatives have contributed through regular savings, one-off top-ups, gift links and through cashback earned on everyday spending.
One of the notable partnerships we are delighted to have is with Octopus Energy.
Octopus Energy are exclusively giving 1% of your monthly energy bills back for your child's savings plus you could get £50 energy credit when switching. Already an existing Octopus Energy customer? Then link your energy account to get an exclusive 1% back on your bills too. Enter your details on this short form and we can pass them on to Octopus Energy (T&Cs apply).
It's an example of what we’ve always aimed for: finding straightforward ways to help families support their children’s future without needing to make big changes to their daily lives.
Gift links – the simple option for special occasions
We’ve also seen a steady increase in people using Beanstalk Gift Links. They’ve become a useful option for friends and relatives who want to give something meaningful but don’t want to guess what a child already owns or needs.
The Gift Links tool on Beanstalk lets you share your child's unique gifting link with any friends and family who want to get them a present. They can then easily send a direct contribution to their Beanstalk account along with a special message.
It's a meaningful, less wasteful and easy alternative to traditional gifting. Find Gift Links in the TOOLS area of the Beanstalk app.
Other developments this year
Across both KidStart and Beanstalk, our focus has remained the same: make saving and investing for children as clear and accessible as possible. This year we’ve introduced:
- A clearer account summary
- Improved performance views
- More straightforward guides and articles
- Continued flexibility - no minimums and no pressure
Each improvement supports families taking small steps with confidence, whether they’re saving regularly or contributing when they can.
If you or your family members are looking for something with a bit more substance this year, a Beanstalk Gift Link can be a good option. It’s easy to send, takes seconds to use, and contributes directly to a child’s Junior ISA. It doesn’t have to replace traditional gifts; it simply offers a practical alternative that supports a child’s future in a small but tangible way.
Finally, I want to say thank you for being part of the journey and for trusting us with something important. We’ll continue building tools that make it easier for families to save and invest for their children in ways that are simple, flexible, and designed for the long term.