Are you looking for a way to give money as a gift that’s more exciting than just handing over an envelope? Tired of generic gift cards that feel impersonal? Giving money can be a fantastic and practical gift, but it doesn’t have to lack creativity!
Whether it’s for a birthday bash, a graduation celebration, a wedding, or just to show someone you care, these inventive money gift ideas will definitely leave a lasting impression.
I’ve put together a fantastic collection of 27 creative ways to gift money, turning your present into something truly memorable and enjoyable for both you and the recipient.
From the art of folding dollar bills into money origami to playfully hiding cash in unexpected everyday items, this list offers a wealth of creative options for everyone.
You’ll find that crafting these unique money gifts is almost as much fun as seeing the recipient’s reaction when they receive them.
Let’s dive into these creative gift ideas and make giving money an unforgettable experience!
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Key Takeaways
- Make gifting money personal and thoughtful with unique presentation ideas.
- Discover 27 creative and easy ways to give money that show you care.
- Explore budget-friendly gift ideas that are quick to make and impactful.
- Wow your loved ones with DIY Chocolate Boxes, Cash Scavenger Hunts, Money Cakes & more!
- Transform cash gifting into a fun and memorable experience with origami, candy necklaces, and hidden surprises.
27 Best Creative Ways To Give Money
Sometimes, finding the perfect gift feels impossible. While gift cards and spa baskets are nice, they can lack a personal touch. Giving money is a wonderfully practical gift, and with a little creativity, you can make it feel extra special and fun!
Here are my top creative ways to give money for any occasion:
1. DIY Chocolate Box
Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive a box of chocolates? Especially when it’s a surprise filled with cash instead of sweets!
For this creative money gift idea, simply use an empty (and clean!) chocolate box. Replace each chocolate with a rolled-up dollar bill.
For an extra touch, you can include a few actual chocolates to add to the sweet surprise and reduce the amount of rolling you need to do. Alternatively, get crafty and create origami flowers or other small paper shapes to fill the chocolate compartments for a unique twist.
This cash-filled chocolate box is a delightful and unexpected gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion where you want to blend sweetness with practicality.
2. Pizza “Dough” (Money Pizza)
Imagine the look on their face when your loved one opens a pizza box expecting their favorite meal, only to discover it’s filled with cash!
This fun gift idea involves arranging dollar bills inside a pizza box, giving a whole new meaning to “pizza dough.”
Get creative by folding the bills into triangles to resemble pizza slices. Roll some bills to form the “crust,” and use pennies and dimes as “toppings” to enhance the pizza effect.
If you can find candy pizza boxes, they work perfectly. If you’re reusing a regular pizza box, be sure to line it with parchment paper to avoid any oily residue.
Don’t forget to have some actual pizza on hand to satisfy any real cravings after they uncover this clever money gift!
3. Cash Scavenger Hunt
Turn receiving cash into an exciting adventure with a personalized scavenger hunt! This is one of the most engaging Gift Ideas To Give Money.
Organize a cash scavenger hunt by hiding money in a designated area. Choose hiding spots that aren’t too obvious but also safe, ensuring the money won’t get damaged or lost.
Create clues, either written or picture-based, and place them strategically to guide the recipient through the hunt towards their hidden treasure. You can hide clues with portions of the money itself, leading them step-by-step to the final prize.
This interactive and playful approach is perfect for gifting money on birthdays, holidays, or simply for a fun surprise, making the experience of giving and receiving cash incredibly memorable.
Remember to keep a list of all hiding places and the amount hidden at each spot to ensure everything is accounted for at the end of the hunt!
4. Money Cake
For a truly standout money gift idea, construct a money cake using rolled-up dollar bills as decorations.
This impressive centerpiece is ideal for birthdays, graduations, or any celebratory occasion where cash is a welcome gift.
Roll dollar bills tightly and secure them with tape – be gentle to avoid tearing the bills! You want them to stand upright and form circles or other shapes suitable for the occasion.
Arrange the rolled bills to create shapes like a heart for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary, a ring for a bridal shower or wedding gift, or a graduation cap for graduates.
Enhance the look with ribbons and other decorative elements. Consider using foam layers to build a multi-tiered cake for added impact!
Watch their face light up as they realize this “cake” is actually made of cash!
5. Balloon Popping
What’s more exciting than popping balloons to discover hidden cash inside?
For this fun money gift idea, fill balloons with cash and colorful confetti. Then, invite the recipient to pop the balloons and gather their hidden treasure.
To make it even more entertaining, turn it into a game like “pin the tail on the donkey” or a dart game. Attach the balloons to a poster and use darts to pop them.
You can add variety by including money in some balloons and fun coupons in others – these could be anything from store discounts to personalized “love coupons.” The possibilities are endless!
This interactive and entertaining money gift idea is a hit with both kids and adults, making any celebration extra special.
6. Tissue Box Cash Roll
I love DIY ideas that are both creative and eco-friendly! This one is a great way to recycle while creating a fun money gift.
Transform a regular tissue box into a unique money dispenser by creating a cash roll inside, similar to a toilet paper roll that the recipient can pull to reveal the money.
Connect dollar bills end-to-end using painter’s tape, which is less likely to tear the bills when they are separated for use.
Place the connected bills inside the tissue box, ensuring the end of the roll sticks out so the recipient can easily grab it.
Attach a tissue to the visible end of the cash roll, so the gift appears to be a normal tissue box at first glance. As they pull out what seems to be a tissue, they’ll uncover a continuous stream of cash!
This creative money gift idea is both fun and practical, making it a fantastic gift for any occasion. It’s one of the most surprising gift ideas to give money.
7. Birthday “Cheddar”
Inject some humor into your birthday gift by presenting it as “cheddar.”
Simply place the bills in a plastic bag or envelope. Print out a label from a cheese brand and stick it on the bag – now you have a funny and unique money gift.
You can fold, roll, or leave the bills flat – after all, cheddar cheese comes in various forms like shreds, blocks, and slices, so you have options for your birthday “cheddar.”
This is a perfect gift idea to give money in a way that’s both practical and amusing, and it requires minimal effort to put together.
8. DIY Money Bag
Turn a plain paper lunch bag or ziplock bag into a charming and personalized money gift.
Decorate the bag with stickers, drawings, or other embellishments, then slip the cash inside.
For a birthday, use birthday-themed stickers or draw cakes and balloons on the bag. If it’s a graduation gift, decorate with graduation caps or diplomas.
For a wedding, heart stickers or drawings of wedding rings would be lovely. Craft stores often have adorable sticker packs for various occasions.
If it’s a holiday gift, use holiday-themed decorations. For Christmas, you could draw a Christmas tree or Santa Claus.
Personalize the bag further by writing the recipient’s name or a sweet message. This makes the gift even more special and memorable.
This DIY money bag is a quick, easy, and affordable way to present cash with a creative and personal touch.
9. Emergency Moolah
For one of the most creatively humorous gift ideas to give money, frame cash in a “break glass in case of emergency” frame.
This funny and attention-grabbing gift is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any time you want to give cash with a humorous twist.
The recipient will appreciate the thought and creativity behind this unforgettable present.
Consider using a frame with plastic “glass” for safety and ease of access. Ensure it has an easily opened back to avoid any risk of broken glass.
Personalize it further with the recipient’s name, stickers, and decorative flowers – 3D flowers and stickers can add a lovely, stand-out touch to the frame.
10. Money Notepad
Combine practicality with a touch of creativity by making a money notepad using real dollar bills.
Simply stack the bills and bind them together at one edge with tape and a cardboard backing to create a notepad filled with cash.
If you know someone who loves stationery or enjoys writing notes, this is a fantastic gift. You could even buy a regular notepad and discreetly insert money between the pages instead of making a fully money-based notepad.
11. Play “Dough”
For a playful and delightfully surprising money gift idea, incorporate a childhood favorite – Play-Doh!
This is by far one of the easiest and most fun gift ideas to give money. Simply use a container of Play-Doh to hide the cash.
Remove the Play-Doh and thoroughly clean the container. Roll up the bills and hide them inside the container. Watch the recipient’s surprise and delight as they open it to find cash instead of dough!
This interactive and fun birthday gift idea is perfect for kids or anyone who is young at heart.
You can also include the Play-Doh in a separate plastic container or bag as an additional small gift if you think they’d enjoy it!
12. Cash In A Can
Turn an ordinary can of fruits or vegetables into a clever money gift by secretly hiding cash inside.
Carefully open the can from the bottom to preserve the top seal. Empty the contents, thoroughly clean the can, insert a roll of cash, and then re-seal the bottom using the original can bottom or a piece of sturdy cardboard.
The recipient will be completely surprised when they open what they expect to be a can of food, only to find a hidden treasure!
This works particularly well with snack cans like Pringles, as you can easily replace the plastic lid to reseal it.
13. Hide Cash In Books
If you’re gifting to a book lover but aren’t sure which title is on their reading list, hiding money inside a book is a fantastic surprise. This is one of the more thoughtful gift ideas to give money.
Choose a book with a hollowed-out compartment, or create your own by carefully cutting out a section from the pages of a thicker book to make a secret space.
This unique money gift is perfect for bibliophiles and adds an element of mystery to your present.
The cash gift can then be used towards purchasing whatever book they truly desire or anything else they choose.
14. Cash Bouquet
Flowers are beautiful, but their beauty is fleeting. Why not make the flowers themselves the gift?
Instead of traditional blooms, create money flowers to assemble a cash bouquet!
Design a stunning bouquet using rolled-up bills as the flower heads. If you’re skilled in origami, you can even fold the bills into more elaborate and realistic-looking flowers.
Attach the bills to floral wire or skewers and arrange them in a vase or decorative container to create a beautiful and truly unique money gift.
Personalize it by adding paper flowers in their favorite colors, and use fun ribbons and washi tape to introduce pops of color and texture.
This eye-catching and impressive present is perfect for weddings, graduations, or any special occasion where you want to make a visual impact.
15. Candy Mason Jar (Hidden Cash!)
Cash is always a welcome gift, and you can make it even sweeter by hiding it in a candy jar.
Fill a mason jar with colorful candies, or better yet, the recipient’s favorite candies. Secretly tuck a dollar bill (or several!) into the center of the candy, hiding it from view.
The recipient will be thrilled to discover the hidden treasure among the sweets, making this a doubly delightful gift.
Make sure your gift card or note mentions the hidden surprise, so they don’t just enjoy the candy and miss out on the cash!
It’s easy to overlook hidden cash – a little reminder ensures they find their sweet and financial treat!
16. Gift Card Snow Globe
Looking for festive and creative ways to give money during the holiday season? Grab a gift card and get ready to make it snow!
Add a festive and magical touch to a gift card by turning it into a charming snow globe with a winter scene inside.
Fill a wide-mouth jar with fake snow, small bottle brush trees, and miniature winter figurines. You can repurpose old plastic toys or find miniatures at craft stores to populate your snow globe.
You can glue the decorations to the bottom of the jar or the inside of the lid, depending on how you want to assemble your globe.
Place the gift card in the center of the jar. Then, fill the jar with water, glycerin (to make the snow fall slowly), and glitter for that classic snow globe sparkle.
Secure the lid tightly to prevent leaks – using duct tape around the lid can provide extra security if you’re concerned about spills. Shake gently to create a swirling snowstorm effect.
17. It’s Raining Cash
Make it literally rain cash with this fun and interactive gift idea. Attach cash to the inside of an umbrella so that it cascades down when opened, creating a “raining cash” surprise.
You can find inexpensive umbrellas at thrift stores or dollar stores. Use clear fishing wire or thread to attach the money, allowing it to dangle freely from the umbrella’s ribs.
To enhance the presentation, glue cotton balls to the top of the umbrella to mimic clouds and craft a construction paper rainbow that extends from the handle.
This creative money gift is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any special occasion where you want to make a splash – literally and figuratively!
18. Full Piggy Bank
Promote good saving habits by gifting a piggy bank that’s already full of cash and coins.
This practical and motivational gift idea is especially great for children, teenagers, or anyone you want to encourage to start saving money.
Instead of a traditional piggy bank, consider using a shadow box with a slit cut in the top to deposit coins and bills. Personalize it by adding the recipient’s name with stickers – a thoughtful and customized touch they’ll love!
19. Peppermint “Cash” Mints
Craft a festive and nostalgic gift with handmade peppermint cash rolls, reminiscent of the individually wrapped mints often found in candy dishes.
This is an easy and festive gift idea suitable for any season or occasion.
Roll up a few dollar bills and insert them into a toilet paper tube. To keep the bills clean and make the next step easier, it’s a good idea to place the bills inside a small plastic bag first.
Use decorative wrapping paper to wrap the entire tube, leaving extra paper extending from both ends.
Twist the excess paper at each end into a spiral or fan shape and tie them off with ribbon or string to create the frilly ends that mimic the look of classic candy wrappers.
20. Hide Cash In School Supplies
For a practical and surprisingly useful money gift, hide cash within school supplies. This is an excellent idea for birthdays, graduations, or even a small Easter gift for younger students.
Choose a school supply item that offers enough space to conceal the cash, such as a pencil case, a new binder, or a notebook.
The recipient gets something immediately useful, along with a financial boost for other things they might want or need.
They’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness and creativity of this unique money gift, and they can use the cash for school necessities or personal treats.
21. Money Popper
Inject some celebratory excitement into your gift with money poppers.
Fill confetti poppers with cash and colorful confetti for a burst of fun and financial surprise.
You can buy pre-made empty poppers or purchase pre-filled ones and add cash to them. The satisfying pop and shower of confetti and cash make this gift extra special!
This fun and interactive money gift idea is ideal for birthdays, graduations, or any celebration that calls for a bit of extra flair and excitement.
22. A Cash Pez-ent
Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic and creative cash gift: a Pez dispenser filled with money!
Purchase a cute Pez dispenser from a dollar store, supermarket, or toy store – they come in various characters from Disney to cartoons, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Fill the Pez dispenser with rolled-up cash and perhaps a few pieces of Pez candy for a unique and sweet money gift.
The recipient will love the nostalgic charm of Pez candy combined with the delightful surprise of finding cash inside.
23. Money Lei
Craft a money lei using dollar bills to create a unique and memorable gift. It takes a bit more time but is definitely worth the effort for a special occasion.
You’ll need string or ribbon, dollar bills, and optional decorative elements like beads or small paper flowers to make a money lei.
Begin by folding each dollar bill accordion-style. Then, pinch each folded bill in the center and tie it with a small piece of string or ribbon to create a bow or butterfly shape.
String these folded bills onto a longer piece of string or ribbon, alternating with beads or paper flowers if desired to add color and texture.
Continue adding folded bills until the lei reaches the desired length to comfortably wear around the neck. Knot the ends of the string or ribbon securely together to complete the money lei.
24. Origami Moolah
Show off your artistic flair by creating origami shapes from dollar bills for a creative and truly unique money gift. This is one of the most personalized gift ideas to give money.
Follow online tutorials or utilize your origami skills to fold the bills into intricate shapes, such as elegant flowers, playful animals, or even miniature clothing items.
Libraries often have a wide selection of origami books with step-by-step instructions that can be very helpful.
Your loved one will surely appreciate the time and effort you invested in creating this one-of-a-kind money gift.
25. Money Tree
Design a money tree, using dollar bills as leaves, for a symbolic and visually striking cash gift.
Attach rolled or folded bills to a small decorative tree or even a branch you’ve styled, and set it in a pretty pot or container to create a beautiful and meaningful money gift.
You can also craft a DIY tree using a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll for the trunk, ribbons for decoration, and tissue paper to fill out the base, with folded dollar bills serving as the leaves.
This creative gift idea is particularly fitting for weddings, graduations, or any significant milestone, symbolizing growth and prosperity.
26. Cash Vitamins
Give the gift of both health and wealth by cleverly hiding cash in an empty vitamin bottle.
Thoroughly clean out a vitamin bottle, roll up the dollar bills, and place them inside for a unique and practical money gift with a healthy twist.
Your loved ones will likely be initially puzzled or amused by receiving vitamins as a gift. To hint at the surprise inside, add a funny label like ‘Vitamin “M” For Moolah’ or ‘Extra Strength Cash Pills.’
27. Hide Money In A Game
For an entertaining and totally unexpected money gift, conceal cash within a board game or puzzle.
Choose a game that has compartments or spaces where money can be hidden, or create your own secret compartments by strategically placing the cash amongst the game pieces.
A fun idea is to find a classic board game like Monopoly at a thrift store and replace the fake Monopoly money with real bills!
While the Redditor who used $8,000 might be a bit extreme for most gifts, adjusting the amount to suit your gift budget makes this a wonderfully surprising and fun gift.
FAQs
How can I give cash creatively as a gift?
The possibilities for creatively gifting cash are virtually limitless! Here are several creative ways to give money:
- Master the art of money origami to fold dollar bills into decorative shapes.
- Surprise the recipient by hiding money in unexpected everyday items like school supplies or candy jars.
- Construct an elegant money tree where bills serve as the leaves.
The key is to think outside the traditional gift box and discover a unique and memorable way to present your cash gift that reflects your thoughtfulness.
Can I give cold hard cash as a gift?
Absolutely! Giving cash as a gift is perfectly acceptable and often highly appreciated in many situations.
In fact, studies indicate that cash is frequently the most desired gift and often exactly what people want.
Cash offers unmatched convenience and versatility, allowing recipients the freedom to use it as they see fit, whether for necessities, savings, or a special treat.
Never hesitate to gift cash – the secret is in the presentation. By presenting it innovatively and thoughtfully, you elevate cash from a simple transaction to a cherished gift.
What are some ways to give money as a gift and a small prank?
Combine your cash gift with a playful prank! Freeze money in a block of ice for a truly “cold hard cash” gift. Fill a container partway with water, place the bill on top, and freeze in layers.
Wrap the ice block in foil and present it with a card that playfully reads, “Here’s your Cold Hard Cash – when it thaws, don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket!”
Another fun prank involves their least favorite canned food, like spinach or sardines.
Open the can from the bottom, remove the contents, clean it thoroughly, and insert a roll of cash. Gift the can and watch their initial disappointment turn into surprise and laughter upon discovering the real gift!
How do you put money in a tissue box?
Tissue boxes offer many creative possibilities for gifting money with a surprising twist!
One popular method is to create a money roll. Tape dollar bills end to end to form a long chain. Roll up the chain tightly and place it inside a tissue box, ensuring the end of the roll peeks out like a tissue. As they pull, they’ll be pulling out cash!
Alternatively, use the tissue box as a creative base for other money gifts, such as using it as the pot for a DIY money tree.
What are some unique ways to give cash as a gift?
Delight your loved ones with a unique cash gift by exploring options like money origami, strategically hiding bills in unexpected places, or crafting a money tree with bills as leaves.
These methods transform a simple cash gift into an engaging and memorable experience.
Can I give cash as a gift for a wedding?
Yes, cash is an excellent and highly practical wedding gift! It’s especially appreciated by couples who may be saving for a honeymoon, setting up a new home, or managing wedding expenses.
Is it appropriate to give cash as a birthday gift?
Absolutely, giving cash as a birthday gift is a fantastic idea! It demonstrates thoughtfulness and respect for the recipient’s preferences, allowing them the freedom to purchase something they truly want or need, making it a highly versatile and appreciated gift.
My Thoughts
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be impersonal or boring. When done creatively, it can be incredibly thoughtful and meaningful.
With these 27 creative ways to give money, you can transform a simple cash present into a memorable and exciting experience for the recipient.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a graduation, a wedding, or any other special occasion, these clever money gift ideas are sure to leave a lasting positive impression and bring joy to those you care about.
So, go ahead and try out some of these unique gift ideas to elevate your gifting game and make your next cash gift truly special!
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