We divide our kids' education budget in half. We put one half in Coverdell ESAs and the other pays for lessons or camps now.
Coverdells: At only $2,000 per year maximum contribution per child, it's also a way for us to avoid overspending for college. The kids will know they need to work and have skin in the game when they go. Work a job, join the military, or start a side gig.
Spending Money Now: There are plenty of reasons to not save for college. It's only a 3-5 year window and there's plenty that comes before it that builds a person's intellect and character.
We've already capped our college savings contributions at $2,000 per child. Before we maximize that amount, we let each kid pick some kind of educational experience - music or language lessons, computer club, science camp, or something else they normally may not do. Go find what you enjoy and let's get after it!
We're also planning to take a longer family vacation somewhere to learn a foreign language together. After those grow-your-brain activities are paid for, we got back to maxing out the Coverdells.