Needs and Wants Worksheets
These needs and wants worksheets help children aged 6 to 12 tell the difference between things people need and things they want. They are free to print and suit home practice, small groups and classroom money lessons.
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At a glance
- Ages: 6 to 12
- Skills: Needs, wants and money choices
- You need: Pencil, crayons and a grown-up
- Time: 10 to 20 minutes each
What children practise
The set introduces needs such as food, water, clothing and a safe home, then compares them with wants such as toys, treats and extra items. Children sort pictures, circle choices, match examples, complete simple sentences and explain why an item belongs in one group. Younger children can work with clear pictures and short choices. Older children can compare priorities, think about limited money and write their own examples. The worksheets use familiar situations so children can connect the activity with everyday family life.
Using the worksheets at home or school
At home, give your child a few items to sort before starting, such as a school notebook, fruit, a toy and a snack. Ask what could happen if the family had money for only one item. In class, use a board sorting activity first, then let children complete a worksheet independently or with a partner. Groups can make a two-column chart and explain one choice to the class. Finish with a short role-play about shopping for a school day, a picnic or a family meal.
Helping children make fair choices
Children may call something a need simply because they like it, or label every want as bad. Explain that wants are allowed, but needs usually come first when money is limited. Some choices depend on the situation. A warm jacket may be a need in cold weather, while a new one may be a want if an older jacket still fits. Ask gentle questions such as, What do we already have? What must we buy first? Who needs this item? This helps children give reasons instead of guessing from price or popularity.
Lumi's tips
- For younger children, begin with familiar food, clothing, school supplies and toys before introducing less obvious examples.
- For older children, give a pretend budget and ask them to choose needs first, then explain which wants they would buy with the money left.
- Link the worksheet to a real shopping list and ask your child to mark each item as a need or a want before visiting a shop.
How to download and print
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Questions parents ask
What is the difference between a need and a want?
A need is something people require for health, safety, learning or daily life. A want is something they would like, but can usually manage without.
What age are needs and wants worksheets suitable for?
These worksheets suit children from about 6 to 12 years. Younger children can sort pictures, while older children can explain choices and work with simple budgets.
How can I teach needs and wants without making wants seem bad?
Tell your child that wants are a normal part of life. When money or time is limited, needs come first, and wants can be considered afterwards.
Can I use these worksheets in a classroom?
Yes. Use them for independent work, partner sorting, group discussion or a short money skills lesson. Children can share the reasons behind their answers.
How do I download and print these worksheets?
Choose a worksheet, sign in to your free EarlyActivity account and download the PDF. Print it at home or in your own classroom.
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