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, necklace or another type of origami is not boring at all!
So check out these 76 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!
Table of Contents
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Unique food-themed money gift ideas
#1 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.
#2 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.
#3 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.
#4 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 kids someone who loves Mcdonald’s!
Check out the how-to guide from Sunburst Gifts here.
#5 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 ;).
#6 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.
#7 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.
#8 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?
In order 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!
#9 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.
#10 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”.
#11 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 will probably take you longer as you’ll need to pause and rewind the video quite a few times to get the right fold.
But I would say that the unique outcome is well worth your time investment. To finish it up, you could add your money candies to a bag of real candy when you give it.
#12 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.
#13 Origami birthday cake
This is a really 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.
Jewelry-themed money gift ideas
#14 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.
#15 Creative ways to give cash to graduates: 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).
#16 Money wreath
Another unique option for gifting money to graduates is this money wreath from Crazy Little Project.
#17 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?
#18 Origami ring
This could either be a cute way to give cash to a woman 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!
#19 Jewelry money box
The last jewelry money gift idea is also the easiest one. 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.
Creative ways to give money to nature lovers
#20 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.
#21 Money topiary tree
The second unique money tree is this topiary tree from Sugar Bee Crafts.
#22 Flower origami
Even though this money flower looks majestic, it’s actually really easy to make! And if you are looking for a floral-themed money gift that’s a bit more of a challenge, check out the next option!
#23 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 apart enough time if you’re planning on making a bouquet!
Unique ways to give cash for Christmas
#24 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 9 awesome options for you!
The first one is this cool Christmas tree fair from 5-Minute Repair.
#25 Fill Christmas ornament with cash
Now that’s 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.
#26 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 apart enough time 😉.
#27 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 in a unique way, check out the next three Christmas money origami ideas.
#28 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.
#29 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.
#30 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.
#31 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?
#32 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.
More DIY money gift ideas
#33 Photo frame from money
This is actually 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.
#34 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.
#35 Make your own envelopes
For unique ways to give cash for any situation, you can always go for a beautiful self-made envelope from Noreva Projects.
There are three options in the video, so pick the one you like best (or the one you think will most likely succeed) and follow the instructions in the video to make a super easy envelope for your money gift.
#36 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, and it’s super easy to make with C.R.A.F.T.’s instructions.
#37 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 actually just for regular crackers.
#38 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!”
#39 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!
#40 Hot air balloon
This might actually 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 definitely 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.
#41 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. And if you a feeling even more creative, you could also use the DIY envelope video to make beautiful envelopes!
- 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
Hilarious & unique ways to give money as a gift
#42 Cold hard cash
There is nothing more fun than giving money with a little prank. They will still have the money eventually, but it’s fun to tease the recipient a little. Especially if you’re looking for unique ways to give cash to your friends, or your kids that are teenagers, students, or graduates.
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. (In the photo, they didn’t use a Ziplock. Technically, bills are water-resistant, but personally, I would just take precautions, just 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.
#43 Smash cement
Instead of cold, hard cash, you could also just 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.
#44 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.
#45 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.
#46 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.
Origami money gift ideas
#47 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!
#48 Beach scene origame
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!
#49 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 the 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.
#50 Heart origami
This is a cute 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.
Or check out #52 for another unique way to display origami hearts.
#51 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.
#52 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.
And for more cute box ideas, check out the next option too.
#53 Butterfly money box
Check out the video at 7:53 to learn how to make this beautiful box of butterfly money!
#54 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
#55 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).
#56 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?
#57 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!
#58 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!
#59 House origami
Are you looking for unique ways to give money to new homeowners?
Then fold cash into this cute origami house with a note saying something like
“Home sweet home”
“Don’t throw this money down the drain”
“Use this to make yourself at home”.
#60 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!
#61 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!
#62 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.
You can also use the heart origami from (#50) and then make the rest
#63 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.
#64 Musical note
Do you need unique ways to give cash to a musician?
Then make a money masterpiece by folding origami musical notes.
Unique ways to give money using regular items
#65 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.
#66 Cash inside a ball
I actually also include 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.
#67 In case of emergency
Again, 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!
#68 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.
#69 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 they open the box.
#70 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 kitchen sponge starts.
#71 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.
#72 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.
#73 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!
#74 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!
#75 Money book
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!
#76 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!
Save these creative ways to give money
Final note on unique ways to give money
Alright, these were the 76 best money gift ideas for just about any occasion! Which one did you use?
