Are you looking for Creative Ways To Give Gifts Of Money that go beyond the typical card and check? In a world saturated with generic presents, gifting cash can be incredibly practical and appreciated. But, let’s face it, simply handing over bills can feel a bit…uninspired.
This guide is your ultimate resource for transforming a monetary gift into a memorable experience. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, wedding, or just because, these creative ways to give money as a gift will add a personal touch and a whole lot of fun to your present.
Forget boring gift cards! We’ve compiled a list of 27 ingenious and creative money gift ideas that are guaranteed to impress your recipients. From playful DIY projects to elegant presentations, you’ll find inspiration to make your cash gift stand out. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make giving money an exciting and thoughtful gesture!
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27 Fun and Creative Ways to Gift Money
Sometimes, the perfect gift isn’t an object, but the freedom to choose. Money offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing recipients to put it towards their needs, wants, or dreams. However, gifting cash doesn’t have to lack thoughtfulness. Here are 27 of the best creative ways to give money that are both fun to create and delightful to receive:
1. DIY Chocolate Box of Cash
Imagine the surprise of opening a classic chocolate box only to discover it’s filled with cash! This creative money gift idea is both sweet and practical.
How to make it:
- Get an empty chocolate box (clean and dry).
- Roll up dollar bills tightly.
- Place the rolled bills into the chocolate compartments.
- Optionally, add a few real chocolates for an extra layer of sweetness and to fill any gaps.
- For a personalized touch, create origami flowers or small shapes from dollar bills to fit into the spaces.
This unique money gift is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to blend a touch of indulgence with the practicality of cash.
2. Pizza “Dough” – The Money Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? Turn that love into a fun surprise with a money pizza gift!
Crafting your money pizza:
- Use a clean pizza box (consider using parchment paper inside to avoid any grease).
- Fold dollar bills into triangles to resemble pizza slices.
- Arrange the “slices” in the pizza box.
- Get creative with toppings! Use coins (pennies, dimes) as “pepperoni” or other toppings.
- Candy pizza boxes can also be repurposed for a smaller, sweeter version.
This funny way to give money is guaranteed to bring smiles and is ideal for casual occasions or pizza lovers. Just make sure to have a real pizza on hand for when cravings strike!
3. The Cash Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Transform gift-giving into an exciting game with a cash scavenger hunt. This interactive approach makes receiving money an engaging experience.
Plan your hunt:
- Hide money in various locations within a designated area (house, garden, etc.). Ensure hiding spots are safe and won’t damage the cash.
- Create clues that lead the recipient from one hiding spot to the next. Clues can be riddles, rhymes, or simple directions.
- Place clues at each location, leading to the next, and finally to the cash prize.
- Keep a list of hiding places and amounts to ensure all the money is found.
A money scavenger hunt is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or adding an element of adventure to any gift-giving occasion. It’s one of the most memorable ways to give money.
4. Build a Money Cake Masterpiece
For a truly show-stopping creative money gift, construct a money cake. This impressive centerpiece is both decorative and practical.
Constructing your cash cake:
- Roll dollar bills tightly and secure them with tape (be gentle to avoid tearing).
- Arrange the rolled bills upright to form circular layers, mimicking a cake. Use foam discs or cardboard to create tiers and structure.
- Secure the rolls together to maintain the cake shape.
- Decorate with ribbons, paper flowers, or other embellishments to enhance the cake effect.
- Customize the cake shape for different occasions: hearts for Valentine’s, rings for weddings, graduation caps for grads.
A money cake is a fantastic unique money gift idea for birthdays, graduations, weddings, and milestone celebrations. It’s visually stunning and reveals a valuable surprise.
5. Balloon Pop Cash Surprise
Bring a burst of fun with balloon popping money gifts. This interactive and exciting idea is perfect for all ages.
Creating balloon pop surprises:
- Inflate balloons and insert cash and confetti inside each before fully inflating.
- Tie off the balloons.
- Arrange the balloons creatively – tie them to a chair, create a balloon bouquet, or attach them to a board for a dart game.
- The recipient pops the balloons to release the cash and confetti.
For added fun, incorporate a game like “pin the tail on the donkey” or darts by attaching balloons to a poster. You can even mix cash balloons with balloons containing coupons or small treats for a varied surprise. Money balloons are excellent for birthdays, celebrations, and adding an element of playful surprise.
6. The Tissue Box Cash Roll – Endless Money
Repurpose a tissue box into a clever and amusing money dispenser gift. This is a simple yet surprisingly fun way to present cash.
Making a tissue box cash roll:
- Connect dollar bills end-to-end with painter’s tape (it’s gentle on bills). Create a long roll of cash.
- Roll up the connected bills and place them inside an empty tissue box, ensuring one end of the cash roll sticks out slightly.
- Attach a tissue to the end of the cash roll, making it appear as though the recipient is pulling out tissues.
- Decorate the box for a festive look.
The tissue box cash roll is a funny money gift that’s both practical and entertaining, perfect for birthdays or just a fun surprise.
7. Birthday “Cheddar” – A Cheesy Cash Gift
Inject humor into your birthday gift with a “cheesy” cash presentation. This pun-intended idea is simple, quick, and sure to get a laugh.
Creating birthday cheddar:
- Place cash in a plastic baggie or envelope.
- Print out or draw a cheese label (like a cheddar brand).
- Attach the label to the bag or envelope.
- Present it as “birthday cheddar”. You can fold, roll, or leave the bills flat, just like cheese comes in various forms.
Birthday cheddar is a funny and practical money gift that’s perfect for those who appreciate a good pun and a useful present.
8. DIY Personalized Money Bag
Transform a simple bag into a personalized money gift bag. This is an easy way to add a thoughtful touch to your cash present.
Decorating your money bag:
- Use a paper lunch bag or a ziplock bag.
- Decorate the bag with stickers, drawings, or embellishments relevant to the occasion.
- Birthday: birthday stickers, cake drawings, balloons.
- Graduation: graduation caps, diplomas.
- Wedding: heart stickers, rings.
- Holidays: holiday-themed stickers, seasonal drawings.
- Personalize further by writing the recipient’s name or a sweet message on the bag.
- Place the cash inside.
A DIY money bag is an affordable and creative way to give money, making it feel more personal and less like a generic handout.
9. Emergency “Break Glass” Cash Frame
For a humorous and memorable gift, create an “emergency cash” frame. This novelty gift is sure to stand out.
Assembling the emergency cash frame:
- Use a shadow box frame or a regular frame with a deep set. Opt for plastic “glass” for safety.
- Place cash inside the frame.
- Add a label that says “Break Glass In Case Of Emergency”.
- Decorate the frame with stickers, 3D flowers, or other embellishments to personalize it.
- Ensure the back is easy to open, so no actual glass-breaking is necessary.
The emergency cash frame is a unique and funny way to give money, perfect for graduations, milestone birthdays, or anyone who appreciates a bit of humor.
10. Money Notepad – Cash at Your Fingertips
Combine practicality with a surprise by making a money notepad. This clever gift is both useful and unexpected.
Creating a money notepad:
- Stack dollar bills to the desired thickness of the notepad.
- Use tape or binder clips to bind one edge of the stack together.
- Add a cardboard backing for stability.
- Alternatively, buy a regular notepad and insert bills between the pages for a simpler approach.
A money notepad is a practical yet creative money gift, ideal for students, writers, or anyone who appreciates stationery.
11. Play “Dough” Surprise Cash
Tap into childhood nostalgia with a Play-Doh cash surprise. This playful and unexpected gift is great for kids and the young at heart.
Preparing the Play-Doh cash surprise:
- Remove Play-Doh from its container and thoroughly clean the container.
- Roll up dollar bills tightly.
- Hide the rolled bills inside the empty Play-Doh container.
- Present the container as a gift. You can also include a separate container of Play-Doh as an extra treat.
The Play-Doh cash gift is a fun and interactive money gift idea, perfect for children’s birthdays or anyone who enjoys a bit of playful surprise.
12. Cash In A Can – The Unexpected Treasure
Transform an ordinary can into a surprising cash can gift. This is a clever way to disguise your monetary present.
Creating a cash can:
- Choose a can (soup, vegetables, or snack cans like Pringles work well).
- Carefully open the can from the bottom to preserve the top seal.
- Empty and thoroughly clean the can.
- Roll up cash and place it inside.
- Reseal the bottom using the original can bottom or cardboard and strong tape. For Pringles cans, simply replace the lid.
The cash in a can is a funny and unexpected way to give money, perfect for grads, dads, birthdays, or anyone who enjoys a bit of intrigue.
13. Hidden Cash In Books – For Book Lovers
For the bookworm in your life, hide cash inside a book. This thoughtful gift combines two beloved things: reading and money!
Hiding cash in a book:
- Select a new or gently used book.
- Create a hidden compartment by carefully cutting out a section of pages (plenty of tutorials online for making a book safe, if you want to go this route). Alternatively, simply place cash in an envelope and tuck it inside the book.
- Wrap the book as a gift.
Cash hidden in books is a unique and thoughtful money gift for avid readers, allowing them to buy more books or enjoy something else they desire.
14. Cash Bouquet – Flowers That Last
Why give flowers that wilt when you can give a cash bouquet that blossoms with value? This beautiful and practical gift is a stunning alternative to traditional bouquets.
Crafting a cash bouquet:
- Roll dollar bills to resemble flowers. Secure with tape or floral wire.
- Optionally, use origami techniques to create more elaborate money flowers.
- Attach the money flowers to floral wire or skewers.
- Arrange the money flowers in a vase or decorative container, just like a regular bouquet.
- Enhance with paper flowers, ribbons, and washi tape for added color and flair.
A cash bouquet is an eye-catching and memorable money gift perfect for weddings, graduations, anniversaries, or any special occasion where a grand gesture is appreciated.
15. Candy Mason Jar with Hidden Cash
Sweeten the deal with a candy mason jar with hidden cash. This gift combines treats with a financial surprise.
Creating a candy jar surprise:
- Fill a mason jar with colorful candies or the recipient’s favorite sweets.
- Secretly place rolled dollar bills in the center of the jar, hidden among the candy.
- Include a card mentioning the hidden surprise so it’s not missed.
The candy mason jar with hidden cash is a delightful and fun money gift idea, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
16. Gift Card Snow Globe – Festive and Fun
Add a festive and whimsical touch to a gift card with a DIY snow globe. This is a charming way to present a gift card during the holiday season.
Making a gift card snow globe:
- Use a wide-mouth mason jar.
- Fill the jar with fake snow, miniature winter figurines (bottle brush trees, small toys).
- Place the gift card in the center, securing it if necessary.
- Fill the jar with water, glycerin (to make snow fall slowly), and glitter.
- Seal the lid tightly and decorate the jar exterior.
The gift card snow globe is a festive and creative way to give a gift card, perfect for Christmas or winter birthdays.
17. “Raining Cash” Umbrella – A Shower of Money
Make it rain… cash! The “raining cash” umbrella is a fun and interactive gift that’s sure to bring laughter and delight.
Creating a raining cash umbrella:
- Use an umbrella (thrift store finds work great).
- Attach cash to the inside of the umbrella using clear fishing wire or string, allowing the bills to dangle down when opened.
- Decorate the top of the umbrella with cotton balls (to resemble clouds) and a paper rainbow for a whimsical touch.
- Present the closed umbrella – the surprise is revealed when it’s opened!
The raining cash umbrella is a unique and funny way to give money, ideal for birthdays, graduations, or any celebratory occasion.
18. Full Piggy Bank – Savings Starter
Encourage saving habits with a full piggy bank. This practical and motivating gift is great for children, teens, or anyone starting a savings journey.
Preparing a full piggy bank:
- Choose a piggy bank or a clear shadow box with a coin slot.
- Fill it with coins and/or dollar bills.
- Personalize the piggy bank with stickers or the recipient’s name.
A full piggy bank is a thoughtful and practical money gift, promoting financial responsibility and making saving fun.
19. Peppermint “Cash” Mints – Sweet and Minty Money
Create festive peppermint “cash” mints. These handmade treats look like classic peppermint candies but hold a cash surprise inside.
Making peppermint cash mints:
- Roll a few dollar bills tightly and secure them in a small roll. Place the roll in a small plastic bag to protect it.
- Use toilet paper tubes cut into smaller sections, or craft paper tubes.
- Wrap each tube with festive wrapping paper, leaving extra paper at the ends.
- Twist the excess paper at both ends to resemble the frilly ends of peppermint candy wrappers. Tie with ribbon.
Peppermint cash mints are a festive and creative way to give money, suitable for holidays, Christmas, or any occasion where a sweet and surprising gift is desired.
20. Hidden Cash In School Supplies – Practical Surprise
For students or teachers, hide cash in school supplies. This practical and surprising gift is both useful and thoughtful.
Hiding cash in school supplies:
- Choose school supply items like pencil cases, notebooks, or even new backpacks.
- Conceal rolled-up bills inside compartments or pockets of these items.
- Present the school supplies as a gift.
Cash hidden in school supplies is a practical and creative money gift perfect for back-to-school, graduations, or teacher appreciation.
21. Money Popper – Celebrate with a Pop
Add excitement with money poppers. These celebratory devices burst open to reveal cash and confetti.
Creating money poppers:
- Use DIY confetti poppers or purchase empty poppers.
- Fill poppers with cash and confetti.
- Alternatively, use balloons filled with cash and confetti as poppers.
Money poppers are fun and interactive money gift ideas perfect for birthdays, graduations, New Year’s, or any festive celebration.
22. A Cash Pez-ent – Nostalgic Candy Dispenser
Tap into childhood memories with a Pez dispenser cash gift. This nostalgic and quirky idea is fun for all ages.
Making a Pez cash dispenser:
- Purchase a Pez dispenser (character-themed ones add extra fun).
- Clean out the dispenser.
- Fold dollar bills to fit inside the Pez dispenser and load them in where the candy usually goes.
- Include a few Pez candies for a complete gift.
The Pez dispenser cash gift is a unique and nostalgic way to give money, great for kids and adults who appreciate a touch of retro fun.
23. Money Lei – A Hawaiian Cash Necklace
Create a money lei for a celebratory and unique gift. This wearable cash garland is perfect for graduations or Hawaiian-themed parties.
Making a money lei:
- Gather dollar bills, ribbon or string, and optional beads or paper flowers.
- Fold each dollar bill accordion-style.
- Fold the accordion-folded bill in half and secure the center with ribbon or string to create a bow shape.
- String these folded bills onto a longer ribbon or string, alternating with beads or flowers if desired.
- Continue until the lei is the desired length and tie off the ends.
A money lei is a festive and creative way to give money, especially suitable for graduations, celebrations, or as a fun party gift.
24. Origami Moolah – Artistic Money Folds
Showcase your artistic skills with origami money. Folding dollar bills into intricate shapes turns cash into a work of art.
Creating origami money:
- Learn basic origami folds (hearts, flowers, animals, shirts – tutorials are widely available online and in books).
- Carefully fold dollar bills into your chosen origami shapes.
- Present the origami money in a box, frame, or as part of a bouquet.
Origami money is a unique and artistic way to give money, showing thoughtfulness and effort. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates handmade gifts and creativity.
25. Money Tree – Growing Wealth
Symbolize prosperity with a money tree. This decorative and meaningful gift represents growth and good fortune.
Building a money tree:
- Use a small potted plant, a branch in a vase, or create a DIY tree shape from craft materials like toilet paper rolls and cardboard.
- Roll or fold dollar bills to resemble leaves.
- Attach the money “leaves” to the branches using clips, tape, or wire.
- Decorate the base of the tree with moss, stones, or ribbons.
A money tree is a symbolic and creative money gift, ideal for weddings, housewarmings, graduations, or any occasion where you want to wish someone prosperity.
26. Cash Vitamins – For Health and Wealth
Give a humorous gift of “health and wealth” with cash vitamins. This witty and practical idea is sure to get a chuckle.
Creating cash vitamins:
- Clean out an empty vitamin bottle.
- Roll up dollar bills and place them inside the bottle.
- Create a funny label like “Vitamin M for Moolah” or “Daily Dose of Dollars” and stick it on the bottle.
Cash vitamins are a funny and creative way to give money, perfect for lighthearted occasions or for someone who appreciates a good pun.
27. Hide Money In A Game – Game Night Surprise
Make game night extra exciting by hiding money in a board game or puzzle. This interactive gift adds an element of surprise to leisure time.
Hiding money in a game:
- Choose a board game or puzzle – thrift stores are great for affordable options.
- Hide cash within the game box – inside the box compartments, under game pieces, or within puzzle pieces (if possible). For Monopoly, replace the play money with real bills for a truly grand surprise.
- Wrap the game as a gift.
Cash hidden in a game is an entertaining and unexpected money gift, perfect for game lovers, families, or anyone who enjoys puzzles and board games.
FAQs About Creative Money Gifting
How do you give cash creatively as a gift?
Giving cash creatively involves thinking beyond the standard envelope. Consider these creative ways to give money:
- Money Origami: Fold bills into beautiful and intricate shapes.
- Hidden Surprises: Tuck cash into unexpected items like school supplies, candy jars, or books.
- Money Art: Create displays like money trees or bouquets using cash as a decorative element.
The key is to personalize the presentation to make the cash gift feel thoughtful and unique.
Is it okay to give cash as a gift?
Absolutely! Giving cash is not only okay, but often highly appreciated. Studies show that cash is frequently the most desired gift. It’s practical, versatile, and allows recipients the freedom to spend it as they wish. The trick is to present it in a creative and thoughtful way to elevate the gifting experience.
What are some funny ways to give money as a gift and a small prank?
Combine a gift with a giggle using these funny money gift pranks:
- Frozen Cash: Freeze money in a block of ice for “cold hard cash.”
- Disguised Can: Hide cash in a can of an unappealing food for a surprise reveal.
These playful approaches add humor and make the act of receiving money even more memorable.
How do you put money in a tissue box creatively?
Transform a tissue box into a creative money dispenser by:
- Creating a cash roll: Tape bills together to form a long roll that dispenses like tissues from the box.
- Using it as a base for a money tree: Place a small money tree or bouquet inside the tissue box for a decorative presentation.
These methods turn an ordinary item into a fun and functional money gift container.
What are some unique ways to give cash as a gift?
For unique money gift ideas, consider:
- Experiences: Present cash in a way that suggests an experience, like tickets to an event with cash tucked inside.
- Personalized Displays: Use the recipient’s hobbies or interests as themes for your money presentation (e.g., movie tickets and cash for a film buff).
- DIY Creations: Handmade money gifts like origami, bouquets, or money trees always feel more special.
Is cash an appropriate wedding gift?
Yes, cash is a very appropriate and often preferred wedding gift. It’s incredibly helpful for couples starting their life together, contributing to honeymoons, new homes, or other significant expenses. Presenting cash creatively, perhaps in a decorative box or as part of a money tree, adds a thoughtful touch to this practical gift.
Is it suitable to give cash as a birthday gift?
Absolutely! Cash is an excellent birthday gift. It’s thoughtful because it allows the birthday person to choose exactly what they want, whether it’s something they need or a special treat for themselves. Making the presentation creative and personalized enhances the sentiment of the gift.
Final Thoughts: Making Money Gifts Meaningful
Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be impersonal. In fact, when presented creatively, it can be incredibly thoughtful and exciting. These 27 creative ways to give gifts of money prove that cash can be a truly memorable and appreciated present.
By choosing one of these unique money gift ideas, you’re not just giving money; you’re giving an experience, a laugh, and a moment of joy. So, step up your gifting game and turn that cash into something truly special!
