---
title: "Needs & Wants"
description: "The difference between things we need (food, shelter, clothing) and things we want (toys, treats); that we sometimes have to choose because money is limited"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/needs-and-wants-mt__ab4knIaSL
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/needs-and-wants-mt__ab4knIaSL.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Needs & Wants

The difference between things we need (food, shelter, clothing) and things we want (toys, treats); that we sometimes have to choose because money is limited

Subject: Life Skills · Area: Money & Finance · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/needs-and-wants-mt__ab4knIaSL

## Ready when they can

- Sort a set of pictures into 'need' and 'want' categories and explain their choices
- Give an example of something everyone needs and something that is a want
- Explain why a family might choose to buy a need before a want

## Lesson: Needs and Wants

A need is something your body must have. Food, water, clothes, and a home are needs. You cannot stay healthy without them.

*(drawing: Sam sorted 5 pictures. He found 3 needs and 2 wants.)*

**Example.** Zoe wants a toy robot. She also wants a new coat for winter. The coat is a need, so her family buys it first.

**Tip.** Ask yourself: can I stay safe without this? If yes, it might be a want. If no, it is a need.

**Recap.** Needs keep you safe, but wants can wait.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [What Money Is](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/what-money-is-mt_SsS7GptD_o)

## Opens up

- [Making Something to Sell](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/making-something-to-sell-mt_CrGnpVjnk8)
- [Fair Trade & Ethics](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/fair-trade-and-ethics-mt_HPf-dVtA3p)
- [Incentives and Choices](https://lightmysky.com/learn/civics-and-economics/incentives-and-choices-mt_KxkoDkbjPy)
- [Advertising & Spending](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/advertising-and-spending-mt_My0OL6fhGL)
- [Budgeting Pocket Money](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/budgeting-pocket-money-mt_Qzbh-_v0Gq)
- [Saving Money](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/saving-money-mt_zrCyqhngYm)