Although cash is most people’s preferred present, handing out bills and checks doesn’t have the impact of other, more tangible gifts. That leaves many people searching for creative ways to give money to those they care about.
This guide outlines 30 inventive and original ways to give cash gifts, such as hidden treasure hunts, custom confections, and long-term investments.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or “just because,” let these ideas inspire you to find new and memorable ways to give cash.
1. Cash bouquet
Cash bouquets are a visually striking way to gift money. To make one, fold bills into flower shapes, secure them with floral wire, and arrange them in a bouquet.
A cash bouquet could be ideal for events where people might not be sure how much money to give, like birthdays, graduations, or weddings. The bouquet style makes any amount of cash feel more gift-like.
2. Cash cake
A cash cake is another creative way to give money as a gift. To make one, stack rolled bills to resemble a layer cake. Secure the bills with ribbons or pins, and decorate with ribbons, bows, and maybe even edible decorations to create a festive gift.
3. Money tree
To make a money tree, clip or tie bills to the branches of a small tree or plant. Decorative elements like ribbons and ornaments can add a festive touch for birthdays, graduations, or weddings.
4. Cash-filled piñata
Across the Americas, piñatas are a popular and creative way to give money. These vibrant, hanging containers can also be filled with candies, fruits, or small toys.
To create a cash-filled piñata, simply stuff a store-bought or homemade piñata with rolled bills. After sealing the piñata, decorate it to suit the celebration. Then, have the recipient(s) strike the piñata until the money spills out.
5. Money origami
Get artistic with money origami as a unique way to give cash.
To make money origami, start with online tutorials or instructional books on how to create traditional origami. Then, carefully fold bills into intricate shapes like animals, flowers, or decorative figures. These intricate, handmade pieces turn a simple cash gift into a one-of-a-kind presentation.
6. Cash confetti popper
Add an element of surprise to your cash gift with a DIY cash confetti popper.
How? Fill party poppers with rolled bills, confetti, and small trinkets. When the recipient pulls the string, cash and confetti burst out. This transforms your cash gift into a memorable, fun reveal.
7. Hidden money puzzle
Transform a cash gift into an engaging brain teaser for the recipient to solve.
To create a hidden money puzzle, create a series of clues or riddles that lead to hidden cash locations. This challenges the recipient to solve the puzzle and discover their gift.
8. Money lei
Leis are flower garlands common in Hawaii, Polynesia, and the Philippines.
You can create a vibrant, eye-catching money lei by folding bills into flower shapes and then stringing them together with ribbon or twine. You can also add beads, greenery, or other decorative elements.
9. Money bow
Money bows add style and are a creative way to give money as a gift. To craft a money bow, fold bills into loops and secure them with wire or tape. Then, arrange the loops into bow shapes, which you can attach to gifts or cards.
10. Money-filled book
A money-filled book is another creative way to give the gift of money.
To make one, carefully insert bills between the pages of a book. The concealed bills make for a delightful surprise when the recipient flips through the book and discovers hidden treasure.
11. Personalized piggy bank
A personalized piggy bank is a fun way to give someone special a head start on saving money.
You can either purchase one with their name printed on it or hand-decorate a piggy bank yourself. When the piggy bank is ready, simply push cash through the slot, and the recipient can start saving.
12. DIY scratch-offs
DIY scratch-offs bring excitement and surprise to gifting money.
To create your own scratch-offs, design a template with prizes or messages. Then, cover the template with scratch-off sticker paper so the recipient can reveal the cash amount or message underneath.
13. Cash-filled wallet
When people receive a wallet, they tend to open it right away. Putting cash inside brings this creative gift to a whole new level.
Begin by selecting a wallet and inserting the amount of cash you have decided to give. You could include a handwritten note or card expressing your good wishes to make the gift more personal.
14. Money pull
Ready for a more unconventional way to gift cash? Try a money pull.
To create one, wrap bills around a roll or pull tab, secure them with tape, and place them inside a decorative container. When the recipient pulls the tab, they’ll get the pleasant surprise of hidden cash.
15. Money-filled balloons
Give cash with a “bang,” literally, with money-filled balloons.
After partially inflating some balloons, insert bills and then inflate the balloons fully. You can leave them plain or decorate them with ribbons or confetti. When the balloons pop, the unexpected money drop will create a memorable surprise.
16. “Emergency” money
This can be a light approach to giving cash for unexpected expenses. You can present the money inside a decorative picture frame with a playful message like “In case of emergency, break glass.”
17. Birthday “cheddar”
“Cheddar” is a slang term for money, and you can bring a cheesy twist by giving cash in this unique and funny way.
Create this gift by placing bills in an envelope or plastic baggie and attaching a cheese brand label, such as “Cheddar Cash” or “Birthday Cheddar.”
18. Hide money in a game
Gifting cash by hiding it in a game is a creative way to give money to someone special.
Choose a game the recipient enjoys, like Monopoly, and hide cash under the board, inside the box, or inside game components.
19. Money pizza
A “money pizza” presents cash in a fun, visually appealing way.
You can arrange the bills on a pizza tray and place toppings made of paper or plastic on top of the pizza “dough.” Scrunched-up yellow plastic could be the cheese. And you might use red paper for the tomato sauce. Get creative.
20. Chocolate box of money
For a surprising money gift with a hint of indulgence, fill a chocolate box with rolled bills.
You can either purchase a box of chocolates or create a DIY version. Next, arrange the bills like fancy truffles inside. You can also add a twist by wrapping the “chocolate box” in foil for a more luxurious presentation.
21. Fortune cookie cash
Surprise someone special with a small “fortune.”
To create fortune cookie cash, write personalized messages on small pieces of paper. Then, fold the messages and cash into the cookies for a delightful surprise.
22. Play-“dough”
Another creative way to give money is to repurpose Play-Doh containers. Filling them with cash (“dough!”) is a fun and unexpected surprise.
Play-“dough” can be a great way to give money to kids, teens, and the young at heart.
23. Money wreath
Wreaths are traditional festive decorations made of foliage and flowers. Making one with bills is another creative way to gift cash.
To create a money wreath, start with a wire or foam base and attach rolled bills using ribbon or pins. You can then decorate the wreath with faux foliage and other ornaments.
24. Money umbrella
“Make it rain” for someone special by gifting them a money umbrella.
To build this unique gift, fill an umbrella with cash or tape bills inside it. When the recipient opens the umbrella, it will “rain” money.
25. Money tie
Money ties are a fun and creative way to give money, and they’re perfect for occasions like Father’s Day, graduation, or retirement.
To make one, simply fold bills into a tie-shape and display the result inside a gift box.
26. Make a cash scavenger hunt
Bring the thrill of adventure to gifting money with a personalized cash scavenger hunt.
You can craft clues using shared stories, riddles, and inside jokes to guide the recipient to hidden stashes of “treasure.” The element of discovery transforms a cash gift into an interactive, unforgettable experience.
27. Invest money for them
Investing money on behalf of someone you care about is a practical way to support their long-term financial goals.
To get started, research investment options that align with the recipient’s values, goals, and appetite for risk. By investing wisely, you can help them build long-term wealth and financial security.
28. Buy shares in a company they like
For a gift that keeps on giving, consider buying stock in a company that the recipient likes.
Start by identifying companies that align with their values and goals. The next step is to purchase shares in their name and present the ownership certificate with a personal note.
29. Donate money to a charity that resonates with them
Make a real difference by donating to a charity on behalf of the recipient.
If they’ve never mentioned their favorite charities to you, start researching causes they support and charities that align with their values. When you find the right charity, make a donation in their name.
30. Send cash just because
Sending cash “just because” is a great way to show someone you care.
Digital technology has brought many new and convenient ways to send money to people all over the world.
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