Are you looking for a way to make giving money as a gift more exciting and personal than just handing over cash or a gift card? In a world saturated with generic presents, offering money can be incredibly practical and appreciated, but it doesn’t have to lack creativity.
Whether it’s for a birthday bash, a graduation celebration, a wedding, or just to show you care, these imaginative money gift ideas are designed to make a lasting impression. Forget boring envelopes and predictable gift cards! We’ve curated a list of creative and fun ways to give money, transforming your present into a memorable experience for both you and the recipient.
From crafting dollar bills into amazing origami art to cleverly concealing cash in unexpected everyday items, our collection of Gift Ideas To Give Money offers something for every personality and occasion. You’ll discover that the joy of creating these unique gifts is almost as rewarding as the delight your loved ones will experience when they receive them.
Get ready to explore these inventive gift ideas to give money and turn your next cash present into an unforgettable moment!
Discover 27 Creative Gift Ideas to Give Money
Sometimes, finding the perfect gift feels impossible. While spa baskets and standard gift cards are always options, they often lack a personal touch. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with giving money, especially when you can elevate it from a simple transaction to a fun and memorable gift!
Here are 27 of the best creative gift ideas to give money for any occasion, ensuring your generosity is remembered and cherished:
1. DIY Chocolate Box of Cash
Imagine the surprise of opening a chocolate box only to find it filled with cash instead of sweets! This delightful gift idea is simple yet incredibly effective. Start with a clean, empty chocolate box. Roll up dollar bills tightly and place them in each chocolate compartment. For an extra touch, you can include a few actual chocolates amongst the cash for a playful mix of treats and treasure. Consider crafting origami flowers or small paper shapes from some of the bills to add an artistic flair and perfectly fit the compartments. This “sweet” cash box is ideal for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any occasion that calls for a blend of indulgence and practicality.
2. Pizza “Dough” Money Gift
Picture the moment when your recipient opens a pizza box, not to find their favorite pizza, but a “pizza” made of money! This fun and quirky gift idea is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Use a pizza box as your base, and arrange dollar bills inside to mimic a pizza. Fold bills into triangles for “slices,” roll some to create a “crust” around the edge, and use pennies and dimes as “pepperoni” toppings for a truly authentic pizza look. Candy pizza boxes with compartments work wonderfully, or you can repurpose a regular pizza box by lining it with parchment paper to avoid any grease stains. To complete the experience, have a real pizza on hand – the surprise of the money pizza is sure to spark a craving for the real thing!
3. Cash Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Turn gift-giving into an exciting game with a cash scavenger hunt! This interactive idea is perfect for making receiving money an engaging and memorable experience. Hide money in various locations within a designated area, ensuring the hiding spots are challenging but not impossible to find, and safe for the cash (away from moisture or potential damage). Create a series of clues, each leading to the next hiding spot, culminating in the final cash prize. This is a fantastic way to gift money for birthdays, holidays, or just for a fun surprise. Crucially, keep a detailed list of hiding places and the amount hidden at each to ensure all the “treasure” is found at the end!
4. Money Cake Centerpiece
For a truly impressive and unique money gift, construct a money cake! This eye-catching creation uses rolled-up dollar bills as decorations, forming the layers of a cake. It’s an ideal centerpiece for birthdays, graduations, or any celebratory event where cash is a welcome gift. Carefully roll dollar bills and secure them with tape, ensuring they stand upright and form circular layers. Arrange these rolls to create tiers, using foam bases to build height and structure. Customize the cake’s shape for different occasions: a heart for Valentine’s Day or anniversaries, a ring for bridal showers or weddings, or a graduation cap for graduates. Add ribbons, toppers, and other cake decorations to enhance the festive look. Watch the recipient’s face light up as they realize this beautiful “cake” is actually made of valuable cash!
5. Balloon Pop Cash Surprise
Inject some playful excitement into your gift with balloon popping! Fill balloons with cash and confetti for a burst of fun. Invite the recipient to pop the balloons and collect the hidden money within. To amplify the entertainment, turn it into a game – create a “pin the tail on the donkey” style game board or a dartboard, attaching the balloons to it. For added variety, mix it up by including coupons in some balloons, alongside the cash in others. These could be anything from store coupons to personalized “love coupons,” offering a range of surprises. This interactive and entertaining gift is perfect for both kids and adults, making any celebration more dynamic and memorable.
6. Tissue Box Cash Roll Dispenser
Embrace a fun DIY project that’s also eco-friendly by repurposing a tissue box into a cash dispenser! This creative gift idea is both practical and amusing. Transform an ordinary tissue box into a unique money gift by creating a continuous roll of cash inside, similar to a roll of toilet paper. Connect dollar bills end-to-end using painter’s tape – it’s gentle on the bills and less likely to tear them when the recipient separates them. Place the linked bills inside the tissue box, with the leading edge of the roll peeking out like a tissue. Attach a real tissue to the very end of the cash roll to initially disguise the surprise. As they pull out what seems to be a tissue, they’ll be delighted to find a stream of cash unfolding before them. This tissue box cash roll is a fun and practical gift idea, suitable for any occasion.
7. Birthday “Cheddar” Money Gift
Add a dash of humor to your birthday gift with a “cheddar” themed money presentation! This playful idea is both funny and practical, perfect for those who appreciate a good pun. Place dollar bills in a clear plastic baggie or envelope. Print out a label resembling a cheese brand logo, but rename it “Birthday Cheddar” or something similar, and attach it to the bag. You can fold, roll, or stack the bills inside – just like cheese comes in various forms like shreds, blocks, or slices, you have flexibility in how you arrange your “cheddar.” This gift is a lighthearted and useful way to give money, requiring minimal effort to assemble but delivering maximum smiles.
8. DIY Personalized Money Bag
Turn a simple paper lunch bag or a ziplock bag into a charming and personalized money gift bag. This DIY approach allows you to tailor the presentation to the specific occasion and recipient. Decorate the bag with stickers, drawings, stamps, or any embellishments that fit the event. For a birthday, use birthday-themed stickers, draw cakes, or balloons. For graduation, graduation caps or diplomas are fitting. Wedding gifts can feature heart stickers or drawn wedding rings. Holiday gifts can be adorned with holiday-specific images like Christmas trees or snowflakes. Personalize it further by writing the recipient’s name or a heartfelt message on the bag. This DIY money bag transforms a plain cash gift into something thoughtful and uniquely personal, making it a more special and memorable present.
9. Emergency “Break Glass” Cash Frame
For a gift that’s both humorous and practical, create an “Emergency Moolah” frame! This eye-catching and interactive gift idea presents cash in a fun, accessible way. Frame dollar bills in a shadow box frame, behind a clear front. Add a label to the front of the frame that reads “Break Glass In Case of Emergency.” This humorous presentation is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any time you want to give cash with a playful twist. The recipient will appreciate the creativity and thoughtfulness. For safety and ease, consider using a frame with a plastic “glass” front and an easy-open back, avoiding any risk of broken glass. Personalize further with stickers, small artificial flowers, or the recipient’s name embellished around the frame to make it even more special.
10. Money Notepad Gift
Combine utility with surprise by crafting a money notepad! This clever gift idea turns cash into a functional and amusing present. Simply stack dollar bills neatly and bind one edge together with tape and a piece of cardboard for backing, creating a notepad shape filled with cash. For an even simpler approach, purchase a regular notepad and discreetly insert bills between the pages. This gift is perfect for anyone who appreciates practical items or enjoys stationery. It’s a unique way to present money that’s both useful and unexpected.
11. Play “Dough” Cash Container
For a playful and unexpected gift, especially for kids or the young at heart, hide money inside a Play-Doh container! This creative idea brings back childhood memories with a fun, cash-filled twist. Remove the Play-Doh from a container and thoroughly clean it. Roll up dollar bills tightly and conceal them inside the empty container. Present the Play-Doh container as a gift and watch the recipient’s surprise and delight as they discover the hidden cash within. This interactive and surprising gift idea is perfect for birthdays or just a fun, whimsical present. For an extra treat, include a fresh container of Play-Doh alongside the cash-filled one, ensuring they also get the actual toy to enjoy!
12. Cash In A Can Surprise
Transform an ordinary food can into a clever and surprising money gift. This idea is all about the element of unexpectedness. Choose a can of fruit, vegetables, or even a snack can like Pringles. Carefully open the can from the bottom to preserve the top seal. Empty the contents, thoroughly clean and dry the inside. Roll up dollar bills and place them inside the can. “Reseal” the bottom either with the original can bottom (if carefully removed) or with a piece of sturdy cardboard, securely taped. For Pringles cans, you can simply replace the plastic lid. The recipient will be completely unsuspecting when they receive what appears to be a regular can of food, only to be pleasantly surprised upon opening it and finding cash! This is a fun and deceptive way to gift money, perfect for adding an element of surprise.
13. Hidden Cash Book Safe
For the book lover in your life, a hidden cash book safe is a uniquely thoughtful and intriguing gift. If you know they are avid readers but are unsure of their current book wishlist, this gift combines a love for reading with a financial surprise. Select a book – either a new one or a gently used, thicker hardcover works best. Carefully create a hidden compartment within the book by cutting out a rectangular section from the inner pages, leaving a border around the edges to maintain the book’s appearance. Place the cash inside this secret compartment. This gift is perfect for book enthusiasts and adds an element of mystery and personal touch to your present. The money can then be used to purchase whatever book truly captures their interest, or anything else they desire!
14. Cash Bouquet of Flowers
Elevate the traditional flower bouquet by creating a stunning cash bouquet! This gift is both beautiful and practical, offering lasting value unlike traditional floral arrangements. Instead of real flowers, craft “flowers” from rolled-up dollar bills. You can enhance the realism by using origami techniques to fold the bills into more intricate floral shapes. Attach these money flowers to floral wire or skewers to create stems. Arrange them in a vase or decorative container, just as you would with a regular bouquet. Personalize the bouquet further by adding paper flowers in the recipient’s favorite colors, ribbons, and decorative washi tape to introduce pops of color and flair. This eye-catching and unique bouquet is perfect for weddings, graduations, or any special occasion where a memorable and beautiful gift is desired.
15. Candy Mason Jar with Hidden Cash
Sweeten your cash gift, literally, by hiding it in a candy-filled mason jar! This gift idea is a delightful combination of treats and treasure. Fill a mason jar with colorful candies, or better yet, the recipient’s favorite candies. Secretly place rolled dollar bills in the center of the jar, nestled amongst the candies. The recipient will first enjoy the sweet treat and then be pleasantly surprised to discover the hidden cash within. Make sure to include a card that hints at the surprise inside, so they don’t overlook the cash amidst the candy! This is a fun and delicious way to give money, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
16. Gift Card Snow Globe Creation
Add a festive and whimsical touch to your gift card presentation by turning it into a snow globe! This creative idea is especially charming for holiday gifting. You’ll need a wide-mouth mason jar, fake snow, small winter figurines (bottle brush trees, miniature animals, etc.), and your gift card. Arrange a festive scene inside the jar by gluing the figurines to the bottom of the jar or the inside of the lid, depending on your desired snow globe orientation. Place the gift card centrally within the scene. Fill the jar with water, a bit of glycerin (to make the “snow” fall slowly), and glitter for sparkle. Secure the lid tightly to prevent leaks – using duct tape around the lid can provide extra security if needed. Shake gently to create a winter wonderland effect! This gift card snow globe is a festive and interactive way to present a gift, adding a touch of magic to the act of giving.
17. “Raining Cash” Umbrella Gift
Make it literally “rain cash” with this fun and interactive gift idea! This presentation is guaranteed to create a memorable and joyful moment. Attach cash to the inside of an umbrella so that when opened, it appears to be raining money. You can use clear fishing wire to hang the bills from the umbrella’s ribs, making it look like they are dangling mid-air. To enhance the whimsical theme, consider adding cotton balls glued to the top of the umbrella to mimic clouds, and perhaps a construction paper rainbow extending out from the side. This “raining cash” umbrella is perfect for birthdays, graduations, or any special occasion where you want to make a splash with your gift.
18. Piggy Bank Overflowing with Cash
Encourage a saving habit by gifting a piggy bank that’s already full to the brim with cash! This gift is both practical and motivational, particularly meaningful for children, teenagers, or anyone looking to start or boost their savings. You can use a traditional piggy bank, or get creative with a clear shadow box. For a shadow box, create a slit in the top to insert coins and bills, allowing the recipient to see their savings grow. Personalize it by decorating the piggy bank or shadow box with stickers, paint, or the recipient’s name. This gift is a tangible way to encourage financial responsibility while still providing an immediate and enjoyable present.
19. Peppermint “Cash” Mint Rolls
Create festive and nostalgic peppermint “cash” mint rolls! This DIY project is easy, fun, and results in a charming and seasonally appropriate gift. Think of those classic, individually wrapped peppermint candies – you’re going to recreate that look but with cash inside. Roll up a few dollar bills tightly and insert them into a toilet paper tube (or cut down a paper towel tube). For hygiene, it’s a good idea to first place the bills in a small plastic bag before inserting them into the tube. Wrap the tube with colorful wrapping paper, leaving extra paper extending beyond both ends of the tube. Twist these extended ends and tie them off with ribbon or string to create the frilly, candy-wrapper look. These peppermint cash rolls are a festive and creative way to give money, perfect for holidays or any occasion where a touch of sweetness and surprise is desired.
20. School Supplies with Hidden Cash
For a practical and subtly surprising money gift, especially for students, hide cash within school supplies! This idea is perfect for birthdays, graduations, back-to-school, or even as a small Easter gift for younger children. Choose school supply items that offer enough space to conceal cash, such as pencil cases, notebooks, folders, or even a new backpack. Discreetly tuck rolled-up bills into pockets, sleeves, or between pages. The recipient receives useful items they likely need, along with the delightful surprise of finding cash hidden within. This gift is both thoughtful and practical, providing immediate utility and a hidden financial bonus.
21. Money Popper Celebration
Add an element of explosive fun to your gift with money poppers! These are guaranteed to bring excitement and a burst of celebration. You can create DIY money poppers or purchase pre-made empty poppers to customize. Fill poppers with cash, confetti, and perhaps small, lightweight trinkets. To use, simply follow the popper’s instructions – usually involving pulling a string or twisting the base – to release a shower of money and confetti. The sudden burst and visual spectacle make this a highly entertaining way to give money, perfect for birthdays, graduations, New Year’s, or any occasion that calls for extra festivity. The satisfying “pop” and shower of money is sure to create a memorable gifting moment.
22. A “Cash Pez-ent” Dispenser
Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a “Cash Pez-ent”! This creative cash gift idea is both unique and reminiscent of childhood fun. Purchase a Pez dispenser – they are readily available at dollar stores, supermarkets, and come in a variety of characters, from Disney favorites to cartoon figures, appealing to both kids and adults. Instead of Pez candies, fill the dispenser with tightly rolled dollar bills. This gift combines the charm of a classic childhood candy dispenser with the surprise of finding cash inside. It’s a whimsical and delightful way to give money, sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, regardless of age.
23. Money Lei of Celebration
Craft a money lei for a gift that’s both visually impressive and culturally inspired. Money leis are a unique and celebratory way to present cash, especially fitting for graduations, birthdays, or Hawaiian-themed events. You’ll need string or ribbon, dollar bills, and optional decorative elements like beads or silk flowers. Begin by folding each dollar bill accordion-style. Then, fold the accordion-folded bill in half and secure the center with a piece of string or ribbon to create a bow or butterfly shape. String these folded bills onto a longer ribbon or string, alternating with beads or silk flowers for added color and texture. Continue adding folded bills until the lei reaches the desired length to be worn around the neck. Tie the ends of the ribbon together to complete the money lei. This handcrafted gift is not only generous but also a beautiful and wearable piece of art.
24. Origami Money Art
Showcase your artistry and patience by creating origami from dollar bills! This creative money gift is truly unique and demonstrates a personal touch that goes beyond simply handing over cash. Learn origami techniques to fold dollar bills into intricate shapes like flowers, animals, hearts, shirts, or stars. Online tutorials and origami books are excellent resources for learning various folds. The time and effort invested in creating these origami money pieces will be deeply appreciated by the recipient. Present the origami figures individually, or arrange them in a display box or shadow frame for a lasting keepsake. This gift transforms money into a work of art, making it both valuable and visually stunning.
25. Money Tree of Fortune
Design a money tree, a symbolic and visually striking way to give cash. This gift represents growth, prosperity, and good fortune. Use a small potted plant, a decorative branch, or even create a DIY tree structure from craft materials like a toilet paper roll or paper towel roll. Roll or fold dollar bills to resemble leaves and attach them to the branches of your chosen tree using clips, tape, or by threading ribbon through them. Place the money tree in a decorative pot or container. For a DIY tree, you can decorate a cardboard roll as the trunk and create branches from wire or pipe cleaners, then attach the money “leaves.” This money tree is a meaningful and beautiful gift, perfect for weddings, graduations, housewarmings, or any occasion where you wish to convey wishes for prosperity and growth.
26. “Cash Vitamins” for Health and Wealth
Give the gift of both health and wealth with “Cash Vitamins”! This humorous and practical gift idea presents money in a quirky and unexpected way. Clean out an empty vitamin bottle thoroughly. Roll up dollar bills tightly and place them inside the vitamin bottle. Create a custom label for the bottle to enhance the theme – something like “Vitamin M for Moolah,” “Daily Dose of Dollars,” or “Financial Fortification.” This gift plays on the idea of health and well-being, adding a playful twist to giving cash. The recipient will get a chuckle out of the presentation while appreciating the practical gift inside.
27. Game On: Hidden Cash Surprise
For an entertaining and truly unexpected money gift, conceal cash within a board game or puzzle. This idea combines the fun of a game with the surprise of a financial gift. Choose a board game or puzzle that the recipient would enjoy. For a board game, you can hide cash within the game box, under the game board, or even replace the game’s play money with real bills for a high-stakes twist! For puzzles, discreetly insert rolled bills into the puzzle box among the pieces. Thrift stores are great places to find inexpensive board games for this purpose. Imagine finding an old Monopoly game and discovering that all the play money has been replaced with real cash! While the example of $8,000 in Monopoly money might be extravagant, adjusting the amount to your gift budget makes this a thrilling and generous surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I give cash creatively as a gift?
The possibilities for creative cash gifting are truly limitless! Here are a few key approaches:
- Money Origami: Transform ordinary dollar bills into beautiful and intricate origami shapes.
- Hidden Surprises: Conceal cash in unexpected everyday items like school supplies, candy jars, or even food cans.
- Decorative Displays: Create visually appealing money arrangements such as money trees, bouquets, or cakes.
The secret is to think beyond the standard envelope and find a presentation method that is both unique and reflective of your personal touch.
Is giving cash as a gift appropriate?
Absolutely! Giving cash as a gift is not only appropriate in many situations but often highly appreciated. Studies even suggest that cash is frequently the most desired gift. Cash is universally useful, allowing recipients the freedom to spend it exactly as they need or desire. Don’t hesitate to give cash – the key is to present it in a way that feels thoughtful and intentional, as demonstrated by the creative ideas above!
What are some prank-like ways to give money as a gift?
For a bit of fun and a mild prank, consider these ideas:
- Cold Hard Cash (Literally): Freeze money in a block of ice! Fill a container partway with water, place a dollar bill on top, freeze it, then add more water and refreeze. Wrap the ice block in foil and present it with a card saying, “Here’s your Cold Hard Cash!”
- Unwanted Food Can Surprise: Take a can of a notoriously disliked food (like sardines or spinach). Open it from the bottom, remove the contents, clean the can, and insert rolled-up cash. Give them the can and watch their initial look of dismay turn to surprise and laughter!
How do you put money in a tissue box creatively?
Tissue boxes offer versatile options for creative money gifts:
- Cash Roll Dispenser: Tape bills together end-to-end to create a long roll, stuff it into a tissue box, and let the end peek out for a tissue-like dispensing effect.
- Money Tree Pot: Use a tissue box as the base “pot” for a money tree, with branches and leaves made of dollar bills extending from it.
What are some unique ways to give cash as a gift?
For truly unique cash gift presentations, consider:
- Money Origami: Crafting intricate shapes from dollar bills.
- Unexpected Hiding Places: Hiding bills in everyday items for a surprise discovery.
- Money Tree Creation: Building a decorative tree adorned with dollar bill “leaves.”
Is it appropriate to give cash as a wedding gift?
Yes, cash is an excellent and highly appreciated wedding gift! It’s especially practical for couples starting their lives together, helping with honeymoon expenses, setting up a new home, or covering various post-wedding costs.
Is it okay to give cash as a birthday gift?
Absolutely, giving cash for birthdays is a fantastic choice! It’s a thoughtful way to show you care while respecting the recipient’s autonomy to choose something they truly want or need, ensuring your gift is always well-received.
Final Thoughts
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be impersonal or lack thoughtfulness. In fact, when presented creatively, it can be incredibly meaningful and exciting. With these 27 unique gift ideas to give money, you can transform a simple cash present into a memorable and joyful experience for your loved ones.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, graduation, wedding, or any special occasion, these clever money gift ideas are sure to leave a lasting positive impression and bring genuine happiness to the recipient. So, step up your gifting game and try out some of these creative approaches to make your next cash gift truly unforgettable!
