Are you searching for a way to give money as a gift that’s more exciting than just handing over an envelope? In a world saturated with generic gift cards and predictable presents, giving cash can sometimes feel a bit… impersonal. But what if giving money could be an experience in itself?
Whether it’s a birthday bash, a graduation milestone, a wedding celebration, or just a thoughtful gesture, there are countless Creative Ways To Give Gifts Of Money that will leave a lasting impression. Forget the mundane; it’s time to infuse your cash gifts with personality, fun, and a touch of unforgettable charm.
I’ve curated a list of 27 creative ways to give money as a gift, transforming your present from simply practical to wonderfully memorable. These ideas are designed to inspire you to make your monetary gifts stand out, showing your loved ones how much you care with a touch of creativity.
From crafting intricate money origami to orchestrating thrilling scavenger hunts, these unique money gift ideas offer something for every occasion and personality. You’ll discover the joy in creating these gifts is almost as rewarding as the recipient’s delight in receiving them.
Let’s dive into these fun ways to gift cash and make your next money present an absolute hit!
27 Delightful and Creative Ways To Give Money
Sometimes, finding the perfect gift feels impossible. Gift cards can seem impersonal, and another generic present might miss the mark. In these moments, giving money is a thoughtful and practical choice. The key is to elevate the experience by making it fun and unique!
Here are 27 of my favorite creative cash gift ideas to make giving money special for any occasion:
1. DIY Chocolate Box Surprise
Imagine the surprise of opening a chocolate box only to discover it’s filled with cash! This DIY money gift is both sweet and surprising. Simply repurpose a clean, empty chocolate box and replace the chocolates with rolled-up dollar bills. For an extra touch, include a few actual chocolates alongside the cash for a delightful mix of treats and treasure. You can also get creative by folding the bills into origami flowers or other small shapes to fit snugly in the chocolate compartments. This charming cash-filled box is perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to blend a touch of sweetness with practical gifting.
2. Pizza “Dough” Delight
Picture the moment when your loved one opens a pizza box expecting a delicious pie, only to find it’s filled with “pizza dough” of a different kind – cash! This fun money gift idea involves arranging dollar bills inside a pizza box, giving a playful twist to the term “pizza dough.” Fold the bills into triangles to resemble pizza slices, roll some to create a “crust” around the edge, and use pennies or dimes as “toppings” for an authentic pizza look. If you’re using a recycled pizza box, be sure to line it with parchment paper to avoid any oily residue. To complete the surprise, have a real pizza ready to enjoy after they uncover their creative cash gift!
3. Cash Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Turn receiving a cash gift into an exciting adventure with a cash scavenger hunt! This interactive money gift idea is perfect for adding an element of fun and engagement to your present. Hide money in various locations within a designated area, ensuring they are challenging to find but safe from damage. Create a series of clues, either written or visual, to guide the recipient on their treasure hunt. You can hide clues with the money itself, leading them from one discovery to the next. This engaging approach is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just for a spontaneous surprise, making the experience of giving and receiving cash truly unforgettable. Remember to keep a list of hiding places and the amounts hidden to ensure all the “treasure” is found!
4. Money Cake Centerpiece
For a truly show-stopping unique money gift, craft a money cake that serves as both a gift and a decorative centerpiece. This eye-catching creation is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any celebratory occasion where cash is a much-appreciated gift. Roll up dollar bills and carefully secure them with tape to maintain their shape. Arrange these rolled bills upright, side-by-side, to form circular tiers, mimicking the layers of a cake. You can customize the shape for different occasions – a heart for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, a ring for a bridal shower or wedding, or a graduation cap for graduates. Use foam discs to create multiple tiers and add ribbons, paper flowers, or other embellishments to enhance the cake-like appearance. Imagine the recipient’s delight as they realize this beautiful “cake” is actually made of cash!
5. Balloon Pop Cash Explosion
Inject excitement and anticipation into your cash gift with a balloon popping surprise! This fun money gift idea is sure to bring smiles and laughter. Fill balloons with cash, confetti, and perhaps even small candies for an extra festive touch. Inflate the balloons and arrange them creatively – you could tie them to a chair, create a balloon bouquet, or even attach them to a board for a “darts” style game. Invite the recipient to pop the balloons and watch as the cash and confetti rain down. For added fun, you can include a mix of balloons with cash and balloons with coupons or small joke prizes. This interactive and entertaining gift is perfect for kids and adults alike, making any celebration even more memorable and playful.
6. Tissue Box Money Roll Reveal
Turn an ordinary tissue box into a dispenser of delightful surprises with a tissue box cash roll. This DIY money gift is not only creative but also a clever way to recycle an everyday item. Link dollar bills end-to-end using painter’s tape, which is gentle on the bills and less likely to tear them when the recipient unravels the roll. Create a long chain of bills and carefully roll it up to fit inside a tissue box, leaving the end of the first bill sticking out like a tissue. Attach a real tissue to the very end of the roll to further disguise the gift. As the recipient pulls out what they think is a tissue, they’ll be surprised to find a continuous stream of cash unfolding before their eyes. This unique way to give money is both practical and entertaining, making it a fantastic gift for any occasion.
7. Birthday “Cheddar” Humor
Add a slice of humor to your birthday gift with a “cheddar” themed cash surprise. This funny money gift idea is simple to create and guaranteed to get a chuckle. Place the cash inside a plastic baggie or envelope. Print out a label resembling a cheese brand logo, or create your own playful “Birthday Cheddar” label. Attach the label to the bag or envelope, transforming your cash gift into a block of “cheddar.” You can fold, roll, or leave the bills flat inside – after all, cheddar comes in various forms! This creative way to gift money is both practical and lighthearted, requiring minimal effort to assemble and perfect for those who appreciate a good pun.
8. DIY Personalized Money Bag
Transform a simple paper lunch bag or ziplock bag into a personalized and charming money gift. This easy DIY money gift allows for customization and adds a personal touch to your cash present. Decorate the bag with stickers, drawings, stamps, or any embellishments that suit the occasion and recipient’s personality. For a birthday, use birthday-themed stickers or draw cakes and balloons. For graduations, decorate with graduation caps and diplomas. Wedding gifts can be adorned with heart stickers or ring drawings. Holiday gifts can feature festive designs like Christmas trees or snowflakes. Personalize it further by writing the recipient’s name or a heartfelt message on the bag. This creative cash gift idea is not only affordable but also a meaningful way to present money in a uniquely personalized manner.
9. Emergency “Break Glass” Cash Frame
For a humorous and attention-grabbing unique money gift, frame cash in a “break glass in case of emergency” display. This witty and visually appealing gift is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or whenever you want to give cash with a playful twist. Use a shadow box frame to give depth to your display. Arrange the cash inside the frame behind a clear front, and add the humorous “In Case of Emergency” label. For safety and ease, consider using a frame with a plastic “glass” front and an easy-open back to avoid any risk of broken glass. Personalize the frame further with the recipient’s name, decorative stickers, or small artificial flowers to make it even more special. This creative way to give gifts of money combines practicality with a memorable and humorous presentation.
10. Money Notepad – Write Your Fortune
Combine practicality and a touch of surprise by creating a money notepad using real bills. This DIY money gift is both functional and creative. Stack dollar bills neatly and bind them together at one end, similar to a notepad, using tape or glue and a piece of cardboard for backing. Alternatively, you can purchase a regular notepad and cleverly insert bills between the pages for a simpler approach. Each “page” of this notepad is actually a bill, offering a delightful surprise with every “tear-off.” This unique money gift idea is perfect for stationery lovers or anyone who appreciates a blend of practicality and creativity.
11. Play “Dough” Surprise Container
Tap into playful nostalgia with a Play-Doh surprise container. This creative money gift idea is especially fun for kids or the young at heart. Empty a container of Play-Doh, thoroughly clean it out, and hide rolled-up bills inside. Repackage the “dough” (now cash!) into the container. Present the Play-Doh as a gift, and watch the recipient’s surprise as they open it to find cash instead of modeling compound. For an extra thoughtful touch, you can include a separate container or baggie of actual Play-Doh alongside the cash gift, ensuring they get the fun of both the surprise and the plaything. This fun way to give cash is interactive, unexpected, and sure to bring a smile.
12. Cash In A Can – Unexpected Treasure
Transform an ordinary can of fruits or vegetables into a clever and unexpected money gift. This unique money gift idea plays on surprise and is quite simple to execute. Carefully open a can from the bottom to preserve the top lid. Empty the contents, thoroughly clean and dry the inside of the can. Place rolled-up bills inside. “Reseal” the bottom of the can using the original bottom or a piece of cardboard and strong tape, making it appear unopened. For an even easier approach, use snack cans like Pringles containers, which come with resealable lids. The recipient will be thoroughly surprised when they open what they expect to be a can of food and find a hidden treasure of cash instead! This creative way to give gifts of money is all about the element of surprise.
13. Hidden Cash In Books – Literary Loot
For the bookworm in your life, hide cash inside a book for a literary surprise. This unique money gift is perfect for book lovers and adds an element of mystery to your present. Choose a book – perhaps one related to their interests or a classic. You can create a hidden compartment by carefully cutting out a section of pages to create a hollow space inside. Alternatively, simply place cash inside an envelope or tucked between pages of a book. This creative cash gift idea allows the recipient to use the money to buy more books or anything else they desire, making it a thoughtful and personalized present for any bibliophile.
14. Cash Bouquet – Blooming Bills
Skip the traditional flowers and create a stunning cash bouquet that’s both beautiful and practical. This DIY money gift is a visually impressive and unique alternative to floral arrangements. Use rolled-up dollar bills to mimic flowers. You can enhance the floral effect by using origami techniques to fold the bills into more realistic-looking flower shapes. Attach the “money flowers” to floral wire or skewers to create stems. Arrange them in a vase or decorative container just like a regular bouquet. Personalize it by adding paper flowers in their favorite colors, ribbons, and decorative tape to enhance the overall presentation. This creative way to give money is perfect for weddings, graduations, or any special occasion where you want to make a lasting impression.
15. Candy Mason Jar with Hidden Cash Sweetness
Combine the sweetness of candy with the surprise of cash by hiding money in a candy mason jar. This fun money gift idea is delightful and easy to assemble. Fill a mason jar with colorful candies, or the recipient’s favorite treats. Secretly place rolled-up dollar bills in the center of the jar, amidst the candy. The recipient will enjoy the sweet treats and then discover the hidden cash treasure, making it a double surprise. Ensure your gift card or a note mentions the hidden surprise so they don’t accidentally overlook the cash while enjoying the candy! This creative cash gift idea is perfect for those with a sweet tooth and a love for surprises.
16. Gift Card Snow Globe – Winter Wonderland of Cash
Add a festive and whimsical touch to a gift card by turning it into a snow globe. This DIY money gift is perfect for holiday gifting and adds a magical element to your present. Use a wide-mouth mason jar to create the snow globe. Fill it with fake snow, miniature bottle brush trees, and small winter-themed figurines. You can use old toys or craft store miniatures to create a charming winter scene. Place the gift card in the center of the jar within the scene. Fill the jar with water, glycerin (to make the snow fall slowly), and glitter for a sparkling snow effect. Secure the lid tightly and consider using duct tape around the lid for extra leak protection. Shake gently to create a snowstorm effect. This creative way to give a gift card is both festive and enchanting.
17. “Raining Cash” Umbrella Surprise
Make it “rain” cash with this fun and interactive umbrella gift. This unique money gift idea is sure to bring laughter and surprise. Attach cash to the inside of an umbrella using clear fishing wire or ribbon, allowing the bills to dangle like raindrops. You can find inexpensive umbrellas at thrift stores or dollar stores for this project. To enhance the theme, decorate the outside of the umbrella with cotton balls to resemble clouds and create a paper rainbow to extend from the handle. When the recipient opens the umbrella, they will be greeted by a shower of cash! This creative cash gift is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any occasion where you want to make a splash and deliver a memorable surprise.
18. Full Piggy Bank – Saving Surprise
Encourage saving habits with a gift that’s both practical and fun – a full piggy bank. This thoughtful money gift is perfect for children, teenagers, or anyone starting to save. Fill a piggy bank to the brim with coins and cash. You can choose a new, decorative piggy bank or even repurpose a clear jar or shadow box to make the money visible and appealing. For a personalized touch, decorate the piggy bank with stickers, paint, or the recipient’s name. This creative way to give gifts of money not only provides them with cash but also promotes the valuable lesson of saving.
19. Peppermint “Cash” Mints – Sweet Rolls of Money
Create festive and nostalgic peppermint “cash” mint rolls. This DIY money gift is inspired by classic candy mint rolls and is perfect for any season or occasion. Roll up a few dollar bills tightly. Use a toilet paper tube as a mold to maintain the roll’s shape. Wrap the roll in clear cellophane or a plastic bag to protect the bills. Then, use decorative wrapping paper to wrap the tube, leaving extra paper extending from both ends. Twist the excess paper at each end and tie with ribbon or string to mimic the frilly ends of a peppermint candy wrapper. This creative cash gift idea is both visually appealing and playfully deceptive.
20. Hidden Cash In School Supplies – Practical Surprise
For a practical and surprising money gift, cleverly hide cash within school supplies. This thoughtful money gift idea is excellent for students, graduations, or even as a back-to-school surprise. Choose school supply items that offer hiding spaces, such as pencil cases, notebooks with pockets, or even inside a box of crayons. Roll or fold bills to fit discreetly inside these items. The recipient receives useful school supplies and a delightful cash bonus! This creative way to give gifts of money is both functional and unexpected, perfect for students of any age.
21. Money Popper – Confetti Cash Blast
Add a burst of excitement to your gift with money poppers. This fun money gift idea is perfect for celebrations and creating a moment of joy. Fill confetti poppers with cash and colorful confetti. You can purchase empty poppers and fill them yourself or find pre-filled options and add cash. Alternatively, you can make your own poppers using toilet paper rolls, balloons, and decorative paper. When the recipient pops the popper, a shower of cash and confetti will erupt, creating a festive and memorable moment. This creative cash gift idea is interactive, celebratory, and sure to bring a smile.
22. A Cash Pez-ent – Nostalgic Dispenser
Take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic and creative cash Pez dispenser gift. This unique money gift idea is playful and appeals to both kids and adults. Purchase a Pez dispenser – they are readily available and come in various character designs. Carefully disassemble the Pez dispenser and insert rolled-up dollar bills into the candy compartment. You can also include a few actual Pez candies for an extra treat. Reassemble the dispenser and present it as a fun, nostalgic gift. The recipient will enjoy the Pez dispenser and be surprised to find cash instead of candy. This creative way to give cash combines a fun novelty item with a practical gift.
23. Money Lei – Festive Cash Necklace
Create a festive and wearable money lei. This DIY money gift is a unique and decorative way to present cash, especially for graduations, birthdays, or Hawaiian-themed parties. You’ll need dollar bills, ribbon or string, and optional decorative beads or artificial flowers. Fold each dollar bill accordion-style. Tie each folded bill in the center with a short piece of ribbon or string to create a bow-tie shape. String these folded bills onto a longer ribbon or string to form a lei. You can alternate bills with beads or flowers for added decoration. Continue until the lei reaches the desired length. Tie the ends of the ribbon together. This creative cash gift idea is both visually impressive and fun to wear.
24. Origami Moolah – Artistic Bills
Showcase your artistic flair by creating origami shapes from dollar bills. This unique money gift idea is both creative and impressive. Use online tutorials or origami books to learn how to fold dollar bills into various shapes like flowers, animals, hearts, or stars. The intricate folds transform ordinary bills into miniature works of art. Present the origami money in a decorative box or arrange them in a display. This creative way to give gifts of money demonstrates thoughtfulness and effort, making the cash gift feel extra special and personalized.
25. Money Tree – Growing Fortune
Design a money tree, symbolizing growth and prosperity. This DIY money gift is a beautiful and meaningful way to give cash, especially for weddings, housewarmings, or graduations. Use a small potted plant, a decorative branch in a vase, or even craft a DIY tree from a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll as the base. Fold dollar bills into leaf shapes or simply roll and tie them to resemble leaves. Attach the “money leaves” to the branches of your tree using wire or ribbon. Decorate the base with moss, stones, or ribbons to enhance the presentation. This creative cash gift idea is both symbolic and visually appealing, representing wishes for prosperity and growth.
26. Cash Vitamins – Health and Wealth Boost
Give the gift of “health and wealth” by hiding cash in an empty vitamin bottle. This funny money gift idea is a humorous and unexpected way to present cash. Thoroughly clean and dry an empty vitamin bottle. Roll up dollar bills and place them inside. You can create a custom label for the bottle, such as “Vitamin M for Moolah” or “Financial Fitness Formula,” to enhance the joke. Present the “vitamins” with a playful card explaining the “health benefits.” This creative way to give gifts of money is sure to bring a laugh and a useful financial boost.
27. Hide Money In A Game – Gaming Gold
For an entertaining and surprising money gift, conceal cash within a board game or puzzle. This unique money gift idea is perfect for game lovers and adds an element of discovery to your present. Choose a board game or puzzle that the recipient enjoys. You can hide cash within the game box, under game pieces, or even replace the game’s play money with real bills for a fun twist, like replacing Monopoly money with real cash! You can also create a hidden compartment within the game box to securely stash the cash. This creative cash gift is both fun and interactive, offering a surprise that unfolds as they engage with the game.
FAQs About Creative Cash Gifting
How can I give cash creatively as a gift?
Creatively gifting cash is all about presentation and thoughtfulness. Creative ways to give money include:
- Money Origami: Fold bills into beautiful shapes.
- Hidden Surprises: Conceal cash in unexpected items like candy jars or school supplies.
- Decorative Displays: Create money trees or bouquets.
The key is to think beyond the plain envelope and find a unique and memorable way to present your cash gift, making it feel more personal and special.
Is giving cash as a gift impersonal?
Not at all! While some might perceive cash as impersonal, studies actually show that money is often the most desired and appreciated gift. Cash offers unparalleled versatility, allowing recipients to use it exactly as they need or want. The perception of impersonality can be easily overcome by presenting cash in creative and thoughtful ways. It’s about making the act of giving money an experience, not just a transaction.
What are some prank-like ways to give money as a gift?
Add a playful prank to your cash gift for a bit of fun:
- Frozen Cash: Freeze money in a block of ice for “cold hard cash” that they have to thaw to access.
- Canned Food Surprise: Hide cash in a can of their least favorite food for a humorous bait-and-switch.
These funny money gift ideas add an element of surprise and laughter, making the gift more memorable and entertaining.
How do you make a tissue box money dispenser?
Creating a tissue box money dispenser is simple and fun:
- Money Roll: Tape bills end-to-end to create a long roll.
- Tissue Box Load: Place the roll inside a tissue box, leaving the end of the first bill protruding like a tissue.
- Surprise Reveal: As they pull, they’ll discover a stream of cash instead of tissues!
This DIY money gift is easy to make and provides a fun, interactive way to reveal the cash.
What are some unique ways to give cash as a gift for a wedding?
Unique ways to give cash as a wedding gift include:
- Money Tree: Symbolize growth and prosperity for the new couple.
- Cash Bouquet: A beautiful and practical alternative to flowers.
- Personalized Money Jar: Decorate a mason jar and fill it with cash and well wishes.
These options offer elegant and creative ways to gift cash for a wedding, making your contribution both appreciated and memorable.
Is it appropriate to give cash as a birthday gift?
Absolutely! Cash is a fantastic and highly appreciated birthday gift. It allows the birthday person to treat themselves to something they truly desire, whether it’s a special item, an experience, or simply saving for the future. Presenting cash in creative ways for a birthday shows you care and respect their personal choice in how they use their gift.
Final Thoughts: Gifting Money with Heart
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be impersonal or boring. When done creatively, it becomes a thoughtful and memorable gesture that recipients genuinely appreciate. These 27 creative ways to give gifts of money demonstrate that with a little imagination, you can transform a simple cash gift into an exciting and delightful experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, wedding, or any special occasion, these unique money gift ideas are sure to leave a lasting positive impression and bring joy to your loved ones. So, step up your gifting game and try out these creative ideas to make your next cash gift truly unforgettable!
