Gifting money may have the reputation of being a boring and unthoughtful gift. And you know what? This is actually true. Not the answer you expected right? But hear me out. It is only true if you decide not to use one of these creative ways to give money as a gift! Because yes, giving an envelope with cash is a bit boring. But a money cake, photo frame, or another creative idea is not boring at all!
So check out these 90+ awesome money gift ideas if you are looking for a unique way to give cash to anyone. Whether it’s for Christmas, a wedding, graduation, or any other celebration, you will find awesome and fun cash gift ideas for any recipient and occasion on this list!
Are you also looking for a fun way to give gift cards? Then check out these 29 unique gift card ideas!
Save these creative ways to give money
Don’t forget to save these creative ways to give cash on Pinterest for the next gifting occasion!
Creative graduation money gift ideas
#1 hexagon
This is one of the pricier money gift ideas (and it doesn’t even include the money you’re planning to give!). That’s why I would only suggest using this Hexagon template if you’re giving money for a large milestone such as a graduation.
#2 Graduation jar with money
Whether you fill the jar up with coins or cash, this graduation jar is a great idea for grads!
If you prefer to follow instructions, make sure to check out No Biggie, otherwise fill up a jar, add a graduation cap, and you are all set!
#3 Wooden money frame
This wooden cash frame is perfect for 2024 grads!
Super cute and a fun way to give money. You don’t even have to get creative—just grab it off Etsy. Plus, the grad gets a cool keepsake from their big day that doubles as a photo frame.
#4 Lightbulb
Looking for more easy and sweet ways to give cash to graduates?
Then this simple DIY lightbulb idea is perfect! It only takes about 20 minutes, and Happy Mothering’s instructions are super easy to follow!
#5 Wooden diploma holder
This is another awesome money gift idea for grads of 2024, a wooden diploma keepsake. You can even add the grad’s name to the little graduation cap, or keep it as it is.
#6 Money wreath
Another unique option for gifting money to graduates is this money wreath from Crazy Little Project.
#7 Cute graduation cards
These cute graduation cards are super easy to make at home following Skip to my Lou’s instructions and using the free printable!
#8 Rocket origami for graduates
This origami rocket can be used to give money to students or graduates in a creative way.
Especially if you add a note with something along the lines of
- Ready for take-off!
- You rocket it!
- You rocket my world
- I love you to the moon and back
- Always aim for the moon, even if you miss you’ll land among the stars
#9 Wooden star
This wooden graduation money star is a fun way to reward grads for all their hard work and remind them what a rock star they are for graduating!
#10 Money chain
I love this cute money chain from Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss! It’s super easy to make at home if you have a few crafts such as paper, staples, colored pens, and money bills of course!
#11 Money lei
Do you need ideas for unique ways to give money to graduates?
Then this video on how to make a money lei with the graduate’s school colors is perfect!
And if it’s not for a graduate, you can also go for the simple necklace without the additional colors (like I did in the photo).
#12 Crown
Cash is king and there is only one perfect money gift for a king or queen.
That’s right!
The instruction video takes about 8,5 minutes, so be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes putting together this crown yourself. But what’re 20 minutes for a king or queen right?
#13 Origami star
Just like the rocket, a money origami star is a great way to give money to graduates. You could even combine the two if you’re feeling like making more origami projects.
And check out the puns and saying below to get some inspiration on what to write on the card:
- You’re the star of the season
- You’re so bright!
- Congratulations bright star!
- You’re our rising star
- Aim for the stars
- It’s writing in the stars
- Rock star!
Creative ways to give cash for weddings
#14 Wedding money gifts for travelers
This is my favorite way to give money for weddings and honeymoons. Alright, I’ll admit, I also designed it myself, so I may be a little biased. But my friend who the gift was for loved it too!
You can use my free template in Canva to change the dates and names for your wedding gift. Then download and print the template, and cut out the world map (it doesn’t need to be exact, as long as you get the rough shape. Add cash to the back of the frame and stick it in a photo frame.
The free template is a bit different than my design on the photo because I had to use free elements so you guys can use the template without paying for a Canva subscription.
#15 Car photo frame
Cash is probably the most requested gift for weddings, and with my super simple free printable car image, you can make your gift stand out!
Just use my customizable template to change the name and date, hit download, print at home, fold, or roll up some cash to hang behind the car and you’re all done!
#16 Wooden wedding car
This personalized frame from Etsy combines everything that makes wedding gifts adorable. The classic wedding car, a wooden frame, and of course cute little hearts!
Plus, besides ordering and adding cash to the ropes, it barely takes any time, making it the perfect option for people who need a cute gift without the effort.
Make sure you add extra time for delivery (the frame ships from Germany) and personalization, so don’t order it last minute.
#17 Hearts frame
I just love all the wedding photo frame money ideas, and this heart frame is no exception. You can order a personalized frame from Etsy (the image is in German, but it can be made in English if you specify this when ordering)!
Alternatively, you can design one yourself on Canva. However keep in mind you will have to cut out every single heart by hand, so the result may not be as beautiful as a pre-cut one.
#18 Wedding jar
This cute personalized wedding jar is another awesome way to give money to newlyweds. The jar ships from Germany, so make sure you order on time! Otherwise, you can buy a jar from a local store, have it engraved locally, and add dry flowers and a rope with money yourself.
#19 Money tree
When you were younger, your parents probably told you that money doesn’t grow on trees (at least mine did). It turns out they were wrong!
If you get creative, money actually does grow on trees.
Check out the full instructions on ehow or head over to the next money gift idea for another cool money tree.
#20 Wooden wedding box
For more cute wooden car frames, check out this sweet little wedding box. It’s a great keepsake as well as a simple and creative way to give cash.
The box is a bit pricy, given that you also need to add money and that it needs to be shipped from the UK.
#21 Hot air balloon
This might be one of my favorite creative ways to give money to anyone. Though I think it’s particularly great for newlyweds or someone who is off to travel the world; a hot air balloon with money hidden in the basket.
It’s a bit of a project, but you wouldn’t be reading this DIY section if you weren’t into crafts!
So check out the video for the complete instructions for the hot air balloon, they start at 1:48. Change the speed to 0.25x so it’s easier to follow.
#22 Origami ring
This could either be a cute way to give cash for a wedding (if you give two rings in a cute ring holder) or a funny prank to your significant other. If the latter is what you’re after, make sure you give this money ring inside a box and drop on one knee before you give it!
I’ve tried this ring with different bills, but the results aren’t as nice as the dollar bill version, so unfortunately I wouldn’t recommend this origami ring for European cash gifts.
#23 Creative ways to give money for weddings: swan origami
Swans are a beautiful symbol of love and marriage (because they mate for life), making this origami swan a great way to give money to newlyweds!
Fold two swans, and add a text with something like “Together forever” and you’ve just got the perfect wedding gift!
I’ve tried the swan with euro bills, but they did not turn out as nice as dollar swans. It’s still doable (skip the part where she folds in the longer side of the bill), but I would recommend using dollars.
#24 More creative ways to give money at weddings
Another awesome way to give money to newlyweds is to make a bride and groom from money and stick it to a canvas.
Check out these instruction videos for the origami parts.
Creative ways to give money for birthdays
#25 Cake made from money
This beautiful money cake from Craftibilities is by far one of my favorite creative ways to give cash;
Just have a look at this beauty!
It might not be the easiest project on this list, but I think it’s well worth your effort. The money cake is perfect for birthdays, weddings, or graduations.
#26 Happy B-day frame
This is one of the simplest, yet cutest ways to give money to friends. I made something similar for my friend’s wedding in Canva (a free online design tool) and it’s super easy for you to make too!
If you don’t have the time (or skills) to design a similar birthday frame yourself, you can just buy it off Etsy, print it at home, cut out the hearts, attach money to the back, stick it in a photo frame and you’re all set!
#27 Origami birthday cake
This is a cute way to give cash for someone’s birthday. Simply buy a birthday card, or make one yourself (you can use these funny birthday wishes if you need inspiration), and then add the money birthday cake.
It took me about 10 minutes with a 20 euro bill, the cake has a slightly different size, but I think it still looks great if you’re looking to give money for a birthday!
#28 Money topiary tree
This is another unique money tree; a beautiful topiary tree from Sugar Bee Crafts.
#29 Birthday Day dough
Another fun way to give some dough for Birthdays is this doughnut money box printable.
You just buy the digital download from Etsy and print it at home and you’re all set. Personally, I like the box better if you print on sturdier paper such as cardstock. Though it works just fine on regular paper too.
#30 Flower origami
Even though this money flower looks majestic, it’s really easy to make!
#31 Box of heart origami
Send them a box of love with this cute box filled with money hearts.
The instructions for the heart box start at 1:49. In short, you need a box, ropes, and heart origami, tie them together and you’re done.
For more cute box ideas, check out the next option too.
#32 Butterfly money box
Check out the video at 7:53 to learn how to make this beautiful box of butterfly money!
#33 Inside a balloon
Everybody loves balloons, and even more so when there’s money inside!
Simply roll up some cash, put it inside a balloon along with confetti, add some air and you’re done!
For an even more unique way to give money inside a balloon, check out the next option.
#34 Suprise balloon box
So instead of just adding air to the balloon (once you’ve put the cash and confetti inside), you can also use helium to fill it up. Then add a string to the bottom, and stick the string to the bottom of a box. So the balloons pop up when the recipient opens the box.
Unique ways to give cash for Christmas
#35 Christmas tree fair
If you’re not sure what to give for Christmas, money is always a safe option. But I can imagine you want to turn it into a bit more of a unique experience. And for that, I have some awesome options for you!
The first one is this cool Christmas tree fair from 5-Minute Repair.
#36 Fill Christmas ornament with cash
Now this is a unique piece of Christmas decoration that everyone would like to have hanging on their tree.
All you need is a glass or transparent Christmas ornament and rolled-up bills to put inside. You could also add some confetti, fake snow, or tinsels to make it look even more festive.
#37 Wooden enveloped
I love these adorable wooden Christmas envelopes!
And though they are also available for birthdays, I think the Christmas versions with a Santa Claus or Christmas tree are perfect to give cash for the holidays without making it seem like you put no effort or thought into this gift.
#38 Pop-up Christmas tree card
Are you looking for a unique way to send money to someone for Christmas?
Then check out this awesome pop-up Christmas tree card!
It’s a 17-minute-long video, so if you’re sending cash to all of your children and grandchildren, make sure you set aside enough time 😉.
#39 Origami wreath star
This super cool, but easy wreath star made from money is an awesome way to give cash for Christmas. And if you would like to give more cash uniquely, check out the next three Christmas money origami ideas.
#40 Santa’s hat
This is probably the easiest money origami for Christmas; Santa’s hat!
With a super easy video that only takes 5 minutes, you will have a cute gift in no time.
#41 Origami elves
Now we’re getting into the more advanced ways to give money for Christmas!
The first one is this super cute elf, which is a great idea for children.
#42 Money toilet roll
I love funny puns, so you will find quite a few money gift ideas with puns, such as this toilet paper roll with:
“In case you get crap this year, use this” from Sunburst Gifts.
#43 Angel origami
The second more advanced money gift idea for Christmas is this angel. The video takes about 8 minutes and you’ll probably need to pause and replay quite a few times to get all the folds right. But the end result is pretty awesome.
#44 Christmas stocking origami
The last origami idea is this Christmas stocking. It’s another 8-minute video, and I would advise you to make three stockings which I would put on a card with a tiny rope and clips to make it even prettier.
And if you’re feeling even more creative, why not draw a little fireplace under your stockings?
#45 Easy Santa box for money
If these origami ideas seem a little too complicated for you, this Santa Box from C.R.A.F.T. is perfect! All you need is a printer, scissors, glue, and the free printable.
Funny ways to give cash to students
#46 Money pizza gift
This pizza box with a pizza made from money is the perfect way to give cash to students, or people who love pizza. It’s also a super easy, and fun DIY project.
I used the Simplistically Living instructions for my pizza box.
#47 Mc Money Fries
No, don’t worry, this is not McDonald’s latest menu. This is one of the most unique ways to give cash to students and kids who love Mcdonald’s!
Check out the how-to guide from Sunburst Gifts here.
#48 Envelopes for special occasions
This is a creative way to give cash year-round. You can add as many envelopes as you please, and on each envelope, you can add instructions on when they can open it. I included some ideas below if you need some inspiration.
- Open when you’re hungry
- Open when you’re broke
- Open when you’re shopping
- Open when you’re sad
- Open when you miss me
- Open when you’re happy
#49 Green salad of bills
Are you looking for unique ways to give cash to students or graduates? Then this super easy “green” salad money bowl from a Girl and a Glue Gun is perfect!
It’s a little bit harder when you’re giving using euros instead of dollars since the only Euro bill that’s green is the hundred euro bill, so you’ll be giving quite a lot of money to fill the bowl or just accept that it will be a colorful bowl.
#50 With a kitchen sponge
This is another fun way to give cash to graduates or students: get a green kitchen sponge and wrap a note around with money and the joke “I got you some greens”.
Check out this video from Smart Fun DIY, at 0:51 The instructions for the kit start.
#51 Mountain dough
Are you looking for unique ways to give cash to graduates or college students?
Then a bottle of Mountain Dew filled with bills is a fun gift idea.
Just print a cover with the text:
“You can’t live on just soda, so here is some Mountain Dough.”
Oh, and it goes without saying that you need to finish, clean, and dry the bottle before using it :). Then you can either roll up the bills before you put them in or just stuff them in.
#52 Origami bottle
This is my favorite way of giving money to drinkers; fold the bill into something they love even more than money; a bottle!
It’s a fun way to give money to college students, graduates, or someone who just turned 21 (or 18, depending on the legal drinking age in your country).
The instructions work with just about any billet, for example, I used a 200 Israeli Shekel note which has a different size than a dollar, but it turned out great.
Unique food-themed money gift ideas
#53 Inside an empty food box
This is one of the easiest creative ways to give cash to anyone. All you need is an empty box of the recipient’s favorite type of food and some crumpled bills. Put the bills inside the box, close it, add a ribbon, or wrap it, and wait for the recipient’s confused and surprised face when they open a box of their favorite food.
This gift also works great with food brands that have funny or very applicable names, such as
For visual instructions, check out the video at 0:11.
#54 Money gift for cheese lovers
Whether you’re looking for a funny way to give cash to students, friends, or your kids, if they love cheese, this simple printable from Etsy is perfect!
All you need to do is buy the printable, print it at home, assemble it, put money inside and your cheesy money gift is done!
#55 Chocolate box of money
Are you looking for creative ways to give money to a chocolate lover?
Then this money chocolate box from Life as Mom is a fun way to prank them!
They will think they’re getting a box of chocolates when actually it’s filled with money.
#56 Something “extra” chewing gum
If you love puns, you will love this funny money gift idea.
All you need is a box of Extra gum and then follow What Moms Love‘s instructions to create a fun money gift for kids and adults.
#57 Inside a candy wrapping
Another creative way to give cash to kids or someone with a sweet tooth is by folding cash into a small rectangle and then wrapping it inside a typical candy wrapper, such as the ones from Jolly Rancher.
And the best part?
For you to have the candy wrappers, you first need to eat the candy yourself. So it’s a win-win for you and the recipient!
#58 No-bake cookie dough
Here is another awesome idea for people who love puns and who love sweets; give cash inside a cookie tin and add a note saying:
“No-bake cookie dough”.
#59 Candy money origami
Are you feeling a bit creative about this gift?
Then check out this YouTube video to fold a money origami candy. The video takes about 8 minutes, though it took me about 15 minutes because I had to pause and rewind the video a few times to get the right fold.
I used a 10 euro bill and it turned out a bit too big because the dollar bill is narrower. So for those Europeans out there, I would suggest making the folds on the long ends a bit bigger than she does in her instruction video to get a smaller-sized candy.
More DIY money gift ideas
#60 Cards + plastic cash holders
Ergin Studio offers all sorts of funny and cute cards to make your money gifts stand out.
From birthday gifts to graduations, or a thank you, with their cards, you will have an easy, yet unique money gift!
#61 Photo frame from money
This is one of my own creative ways to give money; make a photo frame from bills!
Check out the full money photo frame post here and pick from three unique options to display a cute photo of you and the recipient.
#62 Money tissue box
Oh yes, another pun money gift idea!
This DIY tissue box with “don’t blow in all in one place” is a fun way to give money to graduates, students, and kids and it’s super easy to make with C.R.A.F.T.’s instructions.
#63 It’s raining money
It may not be raining men, but at least it’s raining money with this awesome umbrella idea from Skip To My Lou.
#64 Cash inside a ball
I also included this idea when I talked about creative gift card ideas. It’s a fun way to give cash (or gift cards) to someone who is into sports.
Check out the video from 0:56 to see the full instructions.
#65 Fill a piggy bank
Another very simple but cute way to give cash to anyone is by picking a fun piggy bank (such as this wooden letter) and then filling up the bank for them. It’s a great motivation for them to keep filling that piggy bank.
#66 Inside a mason jar
Mason jars are great for any type of DIY project, including money gift ideas!
Check out My Home Based Life for the full instructions to make these jars with money hidden inside.
#67 Money photo album
This is a really fun, yet easy way to give money!
Just buy a photo album with pockets, add bills to all the pockets for photos, then write a note with “Pictures are worth a thousand words” and you’re done!
#68 Inside an old book
Are you looking for a fun way to give money to someone who loves books?
Then hide money inside an old book following these instructions!
#69 Money purse
If you need unique ways to give money to women, then a money bag is awesome!
All you need is a cute bag or purse and bills. Next, fill up every possible pocket of the bag with cash, and there you have a money bag!
#70 Money Laundry
This is a super funny and creative way to give cash to anyone. Grab a detergent bottle, use double-sided adhesive tape, and stick bills all around the bottle. Next, add a note with “Money laundry!
#71 Money necklace
Are you looking for cute and unique ways to give money as a gift to a girl or woman? Then turn it into a necklace!
Check out the instructions in this video.
#72 Jewelry money box
This is another easy way to give cash to women; all you need is a jewelry box, such as this one from Amazon.
And instead of filling it with jewelry, you will fill it up with coins and dollar bills, so she’s up for a fun surprise when she opens her Pandora’s box.
#73 Money crackers
Party crackers are always a good way to crack up the party (sorry I couldn’t help myself).
And to make them even better, you can put cash inside, so the recipient can have a cracking birthday (or Christmas, or graduation, or whatever this gift is for).
Use this video to make your own party crackers, and don’t forget to add cash inside when you’re adding confetti, because the video is just for regular crackers.
#74 Money crayons
Crayons with a bill wrapped around them are a fun way to give money to both kids and adults.
For kids, it’s fun because they have something tangible that they can use directly besides money. And for adults, you can turn it into a fun pun, for example by adding a cover to the pack of crayons saying
“Get your cray on! It’s your birthday!”
#75 Money prescription
Sometimes we just need a bit of extra money instead of pills to make us feel better. And for those times, Sunburst Gifts’ funny money prescription gift idea is perfect!
Funny money gift ideas for friends
#76 Cold hard cash
There is nothing more fun than giving money with a little prank. Especially if you’re looking for unique ways to give cash to your friends, or your kids.
So how do you give cold hard cash (literally)?
Easy!
Get a plastic container and fill it to about half with water and put it in the freezer until the water is frozen. Next, put cash in a Ziplock bag so it won’t be damaged. (Technically, bills are water-resistant, but I would still use ziplock bags, just to be sure).
Then add the Ziplock bag to the container and fill it up with more water, let it freeze, and take it out a few minutes before giving it.
#77 Funny envelope
I love this funny envelope as a way to give cash to friends and family! You can buy the printable template from Etsy, or use a simple envelope and decorate it yourself.
#78 Smash cement
Instead of cold, hard cash, you could also give hard cash with this funny prank!
Check out the video at 2:05 for the full instructions to give someone a cement block with money.
#79 In case of emergency
This is a creative way to give both cash and gift cards. All you need is a photo frame, pens (colorful ones if you want to make it even prettier), and cash. Or just buy this pre-made frame from Etsy!
#80 Sand treasure hunt
If you need unique ways to give cash to kids or if you want to prank someone, this is an awesome option.
You’ll need a bit of sand, a sand bucket and shovel, and cash and coins.
Simply hide the money inside the bucket, and add a funny note saying, good luck with your treasure hunt.
#81 A million dollars
This is another hilarious way to give cash to students or your kids!
Fold the money in such a way that it looks as if you’re giving them 1,000,000 dollars or euros.
Check out the video at 1:11 to see the instructions.
#82 Inside a brain teaser puzzle
This is another fun way to tease someone before giving money. It’s a brain teaser they need to solve before they can access your gift.
It’s also a fun gift for someone who is into puzzles.
Unique way to give cash to travelers
#83 Origami card for travelers
Do you need unique ways to give money to someone who is leaving for a trip?
Then check out my money origami gift idea here!
#84 Unique envelopes for travelers
For a simple and fun way to give money for travel, check out these travel-themed envelopes from Etsy!
I think they are very reasonably priced, the only downside is that they ship from The UK, so depending on where you’re located you need to add shipping fees.
#85 Beach scene origami
If you need unique ways to give cash to beach lovers, check out this beautiful money beach scene to help them save for their next trip to paradise!
#86 Origami boat
This is actually a gift my parents received from relatives when they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. My parents were going to take my brother and me on a cruise, which is why our family chose a cool boat-themed money origami idea.
If you want to make something similar, check out the video to fold a boat money origami.
Origami money gift ideas
#87 Heart origami
This is a cute (and easy) way to give money to someone you love; a heart origami!
You could even make a card full of money hearts to show them how much you really love them. It works with just about any currency and only takes 5 minutes!
#88 A fortunate fortune cookie
This is a truly fortunate fortune cookie! Not only because you can include a cute message like you would in a regular fortune cookie. But also because it’s made from money.
#89 Fish
One unique way to give money to kids is by turning cash into animals, such as this origami fish.
For adults, you could also turn it into a whole zoo, aquarium, or fishing trip scene (add the origami boat from #49).
#90 Heart and bow origami
An even more unique way to give cash to someone you care about is this arrow heart. It’s definitely a bit more of a challenge than the regular heart. But isn’t the person you love worth that extra effort?
#91 Cat origami
Remember what I said about making an entire money zoo for someone who loves animals?
Well, for cat lovers, you could use this cat origami video! Just a word of warning, do not try this with a glossy type of currency, I tried this with the new Malaysian Ringgit bills and my cat kept falling apart 🙁
You can add funny quotes such as:
- “Paws” for a moment to celebrate your birthday/graduation/Christmas!
- Wishing you a purr-fect [occasion] filled with feline fun!
- Meow-y birthday/graduation/Christmas to you!
- You’ve got to be “kitten” me, you’re [age/graduating/celebrating] already?
- Congrats on your [occasion]! Time to “paws” and celebrate!
#92 Rose origami
The last unique way to give cash to nature loves is to fold it into a rose (or multiple if you have the time to make a few).
The YouTube video takes about 11 minutes for one rose, so make sure you set aside enough time if you’re planning on making a bouquet!
#93 House origami
Are you looking for unique ways to give money to new homeowners?
Then fold cash into this cute origami house (works with all currencies, not just dollars, I used Ringgits) with a note saying something like
- “Home Sweet Home”
- “Don’t throw this money down the drain”
- “Use this to make yourself at home”.
Or check out these funny new homeowner quotes for more inspiration!
#94 Elephant
This is a really cool way to give cash to someone who is about to travel to Africa or to someone who loves safaris; an elephant origami!
#95 Dinosaur
This is a really cool way to give cash to a kid; fold it into something they will love, such as a dinosaur.
You could even make an entire Jurassic park if you want to go all the way.
#96 Musical note
Do you need unique ways to give cash to a musician?
Then make a money masterpiece by folding origami musical notes.
Save these creative ways to give money
Final note on unique ways to give money
Alright, these were the 90+ best money gift ideas for just about any occasion! Which one did you use?
