I don't know about you, but I hate giving money as gifts to people for special occasions, because handing over an envelope with a card and money in doesn't feel that special. However, I know the benefits to giving someone cash, especially so that they can buy something they really want, or save it towards something special. Here are some create ways to gift money, whether for Christmas, a birthday, wedding or any other special event.
The Issues With Giving Cash As A Gift
As I mentioned above, I am really not a fan of giving cash as a gift for Christmas and birthdays (weddings, however, I am fine with just sticking some money into an envelope with a card for the happy couple).
Some of the issues that you may run in to when giving cash as a gift include:
- The lack of a personal touch because cash gifts can sometimes be seen as less thoughtful.
- Giving cash could appear to be transactional, especially if two people are exchanging cash gifts for the same occasion, like Christmas.
- There is also the risk of misinterpretation, where there may be a mistaken assumption that the recipient needs financial help.
These concerns can often be resolved by giving the cash in a creative way, where some thought and effort has gone into creating a gifting experience for the recipient.
You can also use these tips when giving gift cards as gifts.
Money Wallet
Giving cash in a money wallet can be a simple way to gift money in a creative way.
Money wallets tend to be the size of notes, so they can easily hold money you are gifting for any occassion.
They can also be personalised, so even if you are short on time you can still use it as a creative way to gift cash.
Money Puzzle Box
One of the great creative ways to gift cash is to create a money puzzle box.
To do this, place the cash inside a puzzle or brain teaser box that the recipient has to solve to get their gift.
Using a money puzzle box adds an interactive, playful element to unwrapping their present.
DIY Money Tree
Playing on the phrase ‘money doesn't grow on trees', a DIY money tree makes a fantastic gift!
You can do this in so many ways to really get creative!
You could place branches in a small vase, or even use a small artificial or real tree. Simply attach the notes like leaves or decorations to the branches, or use as decorations.
If you are gifting this for Christmas then you can also add small festive ornaments to the tree.
Cash Ornaments
Cash ornaments are great gifts at Christmas time.
Simply place the cash into a clear plastic or glass ornament, and add any confetti, sweets or a handwritten message for your recipient.
Just remember if you are adding coins that you don't want the ornament to get too heavy and possibly break – especially if it is glass.
Money Chocolate Box
I don't know many people who don't like chocolate, although there are a few!
This is one of the creative ways to gift money to someone who loves chocolate.
You can either completely empty a chocolate box and replace the empty sections with money, or slip the money into the chocolate box with the chocolates inside.
This works really well because you can gift both notes and coins – even wrapping up the coins in coloured cellophane or foil to match the chocolates.
This works well for any occassion where you might want to gift someone money.
Cash Inside a Snow Globe
Get your hands on a DIY snow globe, and instead of inserting a photo into the photo area, add your cash.
Alternatively you could add the cash into the snow globe itself in a waterproof pouch to prevent it from getting damaged.
Creative Ways To Gift Money – A Scavenger Hunt
I am a huge fan of scavenger hunts for any gift – not just gifting cash.
Create a scavenger hunt with clues leading to where the cash is hidden.
For Christmas it could be hidden in a Christmas stocking, under the tree, or even tucked into their favourite holiday book.
Money Jar with Layers
If you love going to charity shops for great finds then keep your eyes out for a jar you can use to create a money jar.
Place the cash in a jar layered with notes of well-wishes, jokes, confetti, stickers or even sweets. The recipient will enjoy sifting through the layers to find their gift.
Tissue Box Surprise
If your recipient has a sense of humour then you might like the tissue box surprise approach to finding creative ways to gift money.
Hide rolled-up notes or envelopes in a clean tissue box so they pull out the cash as they pull out tissues, creating a fun, endless surprise effect.
Cash-filled Balloons
Balloons are used in lots of celebrations, from birthdays to weddings, so they make a great way to gift cash.
Place cash inside clear or festive balloons, inflate them, and have the recipient pop them to get their gift.
This method is fun for kids and adults alike!
Or if you or your recipient are afraid of balloons popping, use a helium balloon and tie the cash to the string – just make sure to use a weight so your cash doesn't fly off.
Cash Gift Wrapped as a Book
This is a great way to gift money to a book lover!
Thrift an old book (or repurpose one of your own) and cut out a book safe. You can then place the cash inside to make a secret gift.
Creative Ways To Gift Money – Origami
Getting creative with origami is a really fun way to gift cash.
You can search YouTube for tutorials on folding notes into different shapes, and you can even theme them for the event. For example, if you are giving cash towards someone's holiday then you can fold them into shapes such as the sun.
For Christmas gifting you can fold notes into stars, Christmas trees and even reindeer.
Cash-filled Advent Calendar
Create or purchase an advent calendar and place small amounts of cash behind each door for the days leading up to Christmas.
Money Wreath
Make a mini holiday wreath using notes folded accordion-style to form the greenery, and add ribbon and small holiday decorations.
Money Cake
Gifting a money cake is great for birthdays.
Simply stack or roll up notes and get them into a tiered cake shape, securing them with ribbon.
You can even add a bow to top off the money cake.
Money Umbrella
Hang rolled-up notes from the inside of an umbrella with string. When the recipient opens the umbrella, it “rains” money.
Cash Confetti Popper
Create a confetti popper filled with colorful confetti and cash. The recipient pops it to shower themselves with cash and fun!
Money Bouquet
A money bouquet makes a great gift for many occasions including birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day and weddings.
Craft a bouquet using cash folded into flower shapes. Mix it with faux or real flowers for a beautiful and creative arrangement.
Money-filled Piñata
Pinatas are really popular for birthdays, especially for a child's birthday party.
Fill a piñata with rolled-up cash and fun small toys or sweets as a creative way to gift money.
You can either buy the pinata or easily make your own.
Doing this helps to make it part of the celebration for a memorable experience.
Photo Album Surprise
Insert cash between the pages of a photo album or scrapbook, with personalized notes or memories on each page.
Keepsake Box
A keepsake box is a great way to gift money at a wedding.
Present the cash in an elegant wooden or metal keepsake box with their names or wedding date engraved on it.
Money Lei
A money lei is a great gift for the happy couple at a wedding.
Create a traditional money lei by folding bills into flowers or fan shapes and stringing them together with ribbon to adore the happy couple.
Message-in-a-Bottle
Roll the cash and place it in a decorative bottle with sand or tiny shells for a “message-in-a-bottle” theme.
Cash-Filled Picture Frame
I loved receiving picture frames as wedding gifts when I got married, to fill with photos from our wedding day.
Gifting a cash filled picture frame works really well for weddings.
Arrange the cash behind the glass of a picture frame in a pattern. Add a photo of the couple or a sweet message in the middle.
Memory Jar with Cash
A memory jar with cash makes a great way to add a personal touch to a cash gift.
For weddings, present the cash with handwritten notes offering marriage advice, date ideas, or memories, all tucked into a decorative jar.
Travel Fund Globe
If the recipient loves to travel or is saving for a holiday then gift them a small globe with a slit to insert cash, marked as their “honeymoon fund” or “adventure fund.” You can then kick start their savings by putting some money into the fund.
