19 Creative Ways to Give Money as a Gift

Co-authored by Direct Relief and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: July 10, 2022 References

Cash is probably exactly what the people in your life really want—but giving someone a plain, old $10 bill can feel bland or careless. But it doesn't have to be. Below, we've covered all of the most creative ways to give someone money, so your problem is solved. Plus, lots of these would work using a gift card as well. For all of the cutest, funniest, and most unique ways to gift someone money, read on.

1

Tissue Box

For some lighthearted fun and the perfect DIY idea, grab a tissue box. Stuff your box with bills and at the top, leave one bill protruding like a tissue would. Then, include a sign: "Don't blow it all in one place!"^{[1]
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2

Balloon Pop

Your recipient will be bursting with excitement. First, blow up nine small balloons. Then, inside a tenth balloon, stick rolls of money inside. Place the balloons inside a closed cardboard box and on the top of the box, write: “You’re so poppin', you deserve a treat. You just have to find it first!” Then, pass them a needle or pin.^{[2]
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- To find their gift, they'll have to pop each balloon.

3

Notepad

Offer your favorite writer the ultimate inspiration—money. Using glue, stick the ends of your bills together so they sit in a clean stack. For best effect, use crisp, new bills with minimal wrinkles. You've created a notepad made of money.^{[3]
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4

Bottle Set

Though it may not actually be soda, this'll still be sweet and refreshing. Empty and dry six glass bottles and place them inside a carrier. Fill every bottle with something fun—candies, confetti, and yes, money.^{[4]
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5

Pizza Box

There's probably only one thing your fav foodie loves more than grub—money. First, locate and clean off a pizza box. Spread your dollar bills in a circle around the box so they look a bit like a big pizza.^{[5]
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- On the top inside of the box, add a cheeky message: “Oh no, the pizza isn’t finished! It’s just the dough.”
- For extra effect, spread quarters around your pie as “pepperonis.”

6

Raining Money

Make it rain for your favorite person. Find an umbrella, some string, and a set of clothespins. Along the metal rods inside of the umbrella, tie strings that hang down. Then, tie clothespins (or paper clips) to the opposite ends of the strings. Then, attach those to your bills.^{[6]
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7

Pez Dispenser

Inside this iconic packaging, swap candy for cash. Gift your recipient a Pez dispenser. Inside the neck of the dispenser, place rolled-up bills.^{[7]
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8

Money Tree

For gardening enthusiasts, nothing will beat a money tree (yes, really). Fill a planter with dirt, styrofoam, or another material that can support a thin stake. Place the stake in the center and stick a small styrofoam ball on top of the stake. Scrunch up the bills and tape them to the ball until it's completely covered.^{[8]
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9

Jolly Jar

Let your pal know that they made your nice list this year. Find a big glass jar. Decorate the outside with Christmas decorations, like ribbons, bows, and stickers. On the inside, fill your jar with jolly ranchers (and money!).^{[9]
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- On top of the lid, write a cute message: “Maria’s Jolly Jar.”

10

Egg Hunt

Spice up your holiday hunt with more than just candy. Hide eggs all over your yard. Fill the eggs with your cash gift. Not only will the recipient love your present, but they’ll have a ball hunting around the yard, too.^{[10]
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11

Box of Chocolates

V-day chocolates are classic, but V-day cash is next level. Grab your box of assorted chocolates. Next, remove the candy from their paper wrappers. Keep the wrappers in their place. Fold your bills into a variety of shapes that fit into the wrappers.^{[11]
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- For this one, you could roll bills, place them vertically, fold them into squares, whatever works. You may need ribbon or string to keep them in place.

12

Stache Jar

Every newlywed couple needs a silly, sweet money “stash.” All you need is a jar, some stickers, and lots of creativity. Throw in your favorite candies, ribbons, and love-related items—like candy hearts or romantic quotes, for example. Stuff the money inside. On your jar, write: “Secret Stache.”^{[12]
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- Now you need a stache. You have a few good options. For one, you could find a mustache sticker.
- Or, tape on a drawing or photo of a mustache. You could even make your own fake stache from pipe cleaners or string.

13

Break the Glass

For extra drama and fun, give a gift that's only for "emergency" use. Pull out a glass picture frame. Cut a piece of paper that will fit in your frame. Then, tape bills flat onto the paper and add a fun birthday caption: “In case of 25th birthday, break.”^{[13]
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14

Hollowed Out Book

The brainiac in your life will love a book with secret compartments. Hollow out your book of choice to give a recent grad. Place your cash gift inside. When you give your gift, make a silly joke: "I really wanted to make sure you don't slack now that you're done with school..."^{[14]
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15

Graduation Caps

Tip your hat to a brand new graduate. Line up your bills on the top of a graduation cap so that money covers the entire top area. Tape them into place.^{[15]
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16

Extra Dough

A classic toy pun should definitely earn you some laughs. Pull out your jar of playdough. Open the lid and stuff a folded bill inside of the dough. The dough will harden if left out to long, so keep a close eye on it. Include a sweet note: “In case you needed some extra dough…”^{[16]
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17

Animal Fun

An adorable, miniature wildlife scene will be enough to melt anyone's heart. Locate a few cute animal toys. Go for four-legged animals, like zebras, horses, bears (oh my). Find some brightly colored string. Fold your bills and place them on the back of each animal before tying them in place.^{[17]
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- Line up the animals so they look like they're making a long trek with your recipient’s money on their backs.
- For extra fun, consider adding a little homemade scenery, like construction paper trees, rocks, and flowers.

18

Two-Dollar Bills

Using these rare bills, get a laugh while you line someone's pocket. Make a special request at the bank for a stack of two-dollar bills. Tie them up in a cute ribbon or bow. Include a tag with a silly caption, “What’s better than a stack of one-dollar bills? A stack of two-dollar bills.”^{[18]
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19

Fun, Folded Shapes

If you want each bill to be super exciting, you have great options. Learn how to fold your cash gifts into awesome shapes that will leave your recipient's jaw on the floor:^{[19]
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- Heart
- Flower
- Swan
- Turtle
- Engagement ring (perfect for wedding gifts)
- A bow tie
- Money man
- Shirt
- You can even raise funds to give money to particular groups of people. Kids can set up lemonade stands, bake sales, or donate their Christmas money.^{[20]
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- People can use live-streaming to raise funds with very little overhead costs.^{[21]
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- If you have any specialized skill set, you can use it for fundraising.^{[22]
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