Answer:
Because there are different programs that may or may not provide a benefit for your particular situation, please read IRS Publication 970.
You should also look to see if your state has a state tax benefit for 529 plans (College Savings Plans). These generally can be used at any US college or university, not just ones in your state.
If you're considering buying federal savings bonds for education, please read the rules carefully about who's name they need to be in and how long they need to be held.
There are also programs to save expenses (although not necessarily taxes) by prepaying for tuition at particular school or a group of schools. You'll want to be sure you know what happens if the child is unable to or not interested in attending that school or gets a scholarship. The consequences may not make it worthwhile, so read the fine print.
With some programs you can transfer it to another student (child or grandchild or other relative) if the original one will not be using it.