Is it permissible for a father to take money gifted to his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, knowing that he cannot invest it and does not want zakat to consume it, and is there a specific age at which he must stop taking it?

The money gifted to a daughter is considered her property, and the father should manage it in a way that serves her best interest. He may spend from it on her necessities, such as clothes and jewelry, and he may save it for her or invest it.

It is permissible for a father to benefit from his daughter's money when needed. He may take from his child's money whatever he wishes and possess it, whether he is in need or not, and whether the child is young or old. This is provided that he does not act unjustly towards the child or harm them, and that he does not take something that the child needs, and that he does not take it to give to another child.

The father must pay zakat on this money if it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold) and a hawl (full lunar year) has passed on it.

It is advisable to observe custom regarding gifts and to reciprocate the giver, especially if it is customary for gifts to be given with the intention of being reciprocated on later occasions.