Feeling guilty about writing a check instead of taking the time to find the perfect gift for the teens on your shopping list? A recent "Money Matters Holiday Survey" confirms that cash is king when it comes to satisfying teenagers' wish lists at holiday time.

The survey, conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), includes insights from more than 700 teen members nationwide, 286 of whom have participated in the Money Matters: Make It Count program, a joint initiative of BGCA and The Charles Schwab Foundation, which promotes financial literacy among teens from disadvantaged circumstances.

Findings from the survey reveal 38-percent of teens would prefer to receive cash or a check. Other in-demand holiday gifts included cell phones or portable electronics (15-percent), clothing (12-percent), and a car (9-percent).

The survey also finds 35-percent say they began saving money for gifts one to three months in advance of the holiday season; 38-percent would put any extra money not spent on holiday gifts in the bank; and, when asked what they would do if they received $1,000 as a holiday gift, 28-percent of teens said they would save it.