A £100 investment into the average investment trust grew to £428 over the 18 years to 31 October 2015, according to the AIC.
Meanwhile, a £100 lump sum invested annually each year, for 18 years, grew to £4,724.
The figures were released by the AIC to highlight the benefit of putting money aside for a child this Christmas rather than buying another present.
Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director at the AIC, said: “We all want our children to enjoy Christmas with lots of toys, but any parent knows that some presents are opened and quickly forgotten.
“Parents might like to contribute towards a gift that can last long into the future, and an investment trust can be a useful way to access the long-term potential of the stock market.”
Investment companies are available through online platforms and there are also manager-sponsored children’s savings schemes and Junior Isas,
Any investment trust savings scheme can be designated to a child.
Adviser view
William Hunter, of Edinburgh-based Hunter Wealth Management, said: “Investing for children is a great thing to do and Christmas is a great time for it to happen.
“We do have some people doing it, but it tends to be lump sums.”
