30 Fun & Creative Money Gift Ideas For All Occasions

Last Updated July 4, 2024 by Davina Kelly

This post is all about money gift ideas.

If you want to elevate your gift-giving game these money gift ideas will give you some creative ways to gift money. 

Gone are the days when you simply put cash in a card, it’s time to step it up and find ways to present your loved ones with money in a fun and memorable way. 

Just like you, I was scrolling on Pinterest looking for unique money gift ideas so after doing my own research and finding great ideas I have decided to create a post listing my favourite finds. 

In this post, I will share the best money gift ideas that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Christmas, wedding, graduation, or kid’s party I’ve got you covered. 

After reading this post you will have many money gift ideas that are sure to leave a lasting impression. From simple ideas to ways to gift money that are fun and thoughtful these ideas will add a touch of excitement to your gift-giving experience.

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30 Best Money Gift Ideas & Creative Ways To Give Money:

1. Origami Cash

Show off your creative skills by transforming ordinary dollar bills into works of art by folding them into origami designs. 

You can follow tutorials on YouTube or use your own skills to create simple shapes, animal designs or flowers. 

This is such a fun way to gift money and your friends and loved ones will appreciate the time and effort you put into making it.

To elevate your origami cash present it in a decorative box or frame, this will add a touch of elegance to your creative efforts. 

2. Custom Dollar Bill

Source: Etsy

If you want to keep things simple you can give money in a card but you can add a personal touch by including a custom dollar bill. 

Sometimes gifting cash can seem impersonal so adding a custom dollar bill can transform it into a truly special gift. 

Can you imagine the surprise when your loved one receives money with their photo on it? This personalised money gift idea can work for any occasion and is sure to leave a lasting impression. 
You can make this yourself by using Photoshop or you can order this one from Etsy. It is pretty inexpensive and good quality. 

3. Money Tree

Do you know anyone who is a plant lover and celebrating something soon? You can give them a money tree. 

You can buy a money tree and decorate the branches with dollar bills, ribbons and add some coins at the bottoms and present it in a container to make it look fancy. Or you can make a DIY money tree by following this tutorial.

This thoughtful money gift idea is perfect for weddings, graduations, retirement or any other occasion. Money trees are known to be a symbol of wealth so they can be placed in the recipient’s office to attract good luck and fortune. 

4. Piggy Bank Filled With Money

A piggy bank filled with money is a fun money gift idea for kids and will encourage them to start saving early. It can also be a good gift for adults who need motivation to save more. 

You can buy a cute piggy bank like this one and fill it with money. This gift is practical and a unique way to give money without just handing out cash. 

5. Money-Themed Book

If you have any book lovers you want to buy a gift for you can give them a book about money. 

You can inspire financial literacy with books like Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Total Money Makeover or The Psychology Of Money.

This is a thoughtful and educational money gift that will empower them and give practical steps on how to take control of their finances. 

Include a personal note explaining why you chose the book and how it has impacted your financial journey. You can also include some money at the halfway point of the book to add a surprise.

6. Include Money In a Game

Including money in a board game or puzzle is an entertaining and surprising way to gift money.

You can buy a classic money game like Monopoly and replace some of the fake notes with real money or you can conceal money in a hidden compartment in any other type of game. 
To present your gift you can put the board game in a gift basket and include some of their favourite knik naks. 

7. Treasure Chest Of Cash

If you want a creative way to give money you can gift it in a treasure chest. 

Simply buy a treasure chest and fill it with a mix of money and some of the recipient’s favourite inexpensive items. For example, you can include mini toiletries like shower gel, hand cream, lip balm and their favourite sweets and chocolate and mix in some dollar bills. This is a fun money gift that will make a memorable reveal. 

8. Cash Hidden In a Box Of Chocolates

Everyone loves receiving a box of chocolates after all it is a classic gift choice so why not add an element of surprise by including cash in it? 

For this money gift idea, you can buy a box of chocolates and replace some of the chocolates with rolled-up dollar bills. Or you could take an empty box of chocolates and fill it with money. You can mix it up by including some origami shapes and some chocolate coins. 

Whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or a token of appreciation, cash hidden in a box of chocolates is a fun and creative way to give money.

9. Balloons Filled With Money

If you want to add some excitement when gifting money you can include some cash inside of balloons. 

Balloons filled with money are the perfect gift for a birthday, graduation or any other occasion that calls for a celebration.  

Witnessing the thrill as your recipient pops each balloon and sees cash floating down is a moment you will cherish forever. 

10. The Gift Of an Online Course

Are you looking for thoughtful and unique ways to give money? This one takes it to another level! Show how much you believe in your recipient by investing in their personal growth with an online course.

I know that this isn’t a traditional money gift idea, but sometimes you need to think outside of the box. Presents are great, but they will only be enjoyed briefly. Whereas a gift that will help someone develop will be greatly appreciated and remembered forever. 

If you have someone you need to buy a gift for and they have expressed interest in learning a new skill you can buy the course as a gift. 

Not only are you offering a present but it is also an opportunity for self-improvement and fulfilment. 

11. Pinata Filled With Money

If you want to elevate gift-giving and bring some excitement you can give a pinata filled with money. This is the best money gift for a kid’s birthday party or graduation.

A pinata filled with sweets and money is an unexpected twist on a beloved party tradition and will add an element of surprise to any celebration

Can you imagine the thrill and excitement as the recipient takes a swing expecting to see sweets but sees money coming out instead? This is a surefire way to increase the fun factor.

12. Money Birthday Cake

Source: Craftabilities

Make a birthday celebration even sweeter by giving a money birthday cake. This will put a creative twist on a traditional cake and add an element of surprise.

You want to still have a cake because what is a celebration without a cake lol So you can create a money cake using rolled-up bills (as shown in this tutorial). 

Or you can decorate the birthday cake with some dollar bills and include a ribbon for a complete look. This is a sweet and exciting money gift idea that will make any birthday celebration extra special.

13. Bouquet Of Money

If you want to gift your loved one with money you can get creative with a bouquet of money. They will be so surprised when they realise that the bouquet is made from dollar bills instead of flowers. 

You can create your bouquet by following this tutorial. Personalise it by mixing in some paper money rolled in their favourite colour and wrapping it in ribbon. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding or a graduation a bouquet of money flowers will leave a lasting impression.  

14. Money Lei

A Money lei is a unique money gift idea that combines tradition and generosity This gift does require some time to make, but the lasting effect it will have on the recipient is worth it. 

All you need is some dollar bills, string and any decorative items like flowers or ribbon. If you are creative you can use your own skills or you can watch this tutorial and follow along. 

This is the perfect graduation gift and it can also work for a milestone birthday as a symbol of abundance and well wishes. 

15. Mason Jar Filled With Money

Sometimes you may have the intention of giving the best gifts, but you end up running out of time. On those occasions, a mason jar of money can be a saviour. 

This simple gift is a great way to give money without looking like you didn’t put in any effort. 

All you need to do is get a mason or glass jar and fill it with bills and coins. You can jazz it up and make it personal by including a personal note and tying a ribbon around the lid. 

16. Tissue Box Of Money

A tissue box of money is probably one of the smartest creative ways to give money. Picture the excitement when your recipient reaches for a tissue and receives money instead. 

This fun gift not only provides a practical solution for storing cash, but it adds a playful touch to any occasion. 

To make this gift you will need the following supplies. You probably already have some of these items at home so this can also be a great way to recycle.

• Tissue box
• Craft roll or empty tissue roll
• Scissors
• Tape
• Money and any decorative pieces like wrapping paper and a gift bow.

If you need guidance you can watch this tutorial and follow along. 

17. Puzzle Money Box

Create an element of intrigue and excitement by gifting a puzzle money box. This is a practical and unique money gift idea that is fit for any occasion. 

Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, or a special milestone a puzzle money box adds an extra layer of fun and a challenge to the gift-giving experience.

You can put in cash or any small gift that can fit in the box. To open the box and retrieve the gift the recipient will have to solve the puzzle. This Money Maze Puzzle Box is a perfect inexpensive option. 

18. McDonald’s Money Fries

Source: Create It Go

Who doesn’t love fries? Giving someone a box of money instead of fries is a funny way to give money.

Simply fold some dollar bills into the shape of fries and place them inside a McDonald’s fries box. If you can give it to them in a McDonald’s bag that will take it to another level. 

19. Pizza Box Of Money

Source: What Mommy Does

If you are looking for a unique twist on giving money consider giving a pizza box of money. This is a creative way to give money that can work for recipients of all ages. 

For the person who loves pizza, this will be extra special. Imagine the excitement as they open the pizza box ready to dig in only to find a box full of cash. 

20. Money Rosette

Are you looking for a fun DIY money gift idea? Why not make a money rosette? This is a great gift for graduation and a good alternative if you are looking for something unique. It can be worn while receiving their diploma or placed on top of a gift.

If you want some help making your rosette you can follow this tutorial. 

21. Money Gift Basket

A money gift basket is a customisable and creative way to give money. Instead of giving a basket full of sweets, chocolates and snacks, fill it with dollar bills, treats and gift cards to the recipient’s favourite stores. Not only are money gift baskets practical but they also show your thoughtfulness and attention to detail. 

22. Cash Envelopes

If you want to gift money and also help the recipient manage their money you can give them cash envelopes filled with money. 

The cash stuffing envelopes system is a great way to help people stick to a budget and live within their means. 

You can purchase cash envelopes like these ones and include some money in them. This will make the perfect graduation gift to help the receiver stay on top of their finances.

23. An Investment For The Future

Help a family member or loved one get started on their investing journey by gifting them with an investment. I know this is another non-traditional money gift, but it will have a long-lasting impact. 

To keep it simple you can just buy an ETF or if the recipient has been talking about buying stocks in a particular company you can buy them as a gift. Investing in the stock market can help you grow your money and build wealth, what gift is better than that?

24. Money Notepad

A money notepad is a practical unique money gift idea. 

If the recipient loves writing you can buy a simple notebook and include money in between the pages or you can make one yourself. All you have to do is stick the bills together with tape and cardboard backing. 

25. Play Dough

Source: Pinterest

Add some fun and creativity to your money gifts by presenting them in play dough. The recipient may not be impressed with the gift until they look inside and see rolls of money. 

This gift is great for birthdays or just a spontaneous surprise. It is not only a unique and funny way to give money, but it will be memorable. 

26. Prepaid Debit Card

When it comes to versatility and convenience it doesn’t get better than a prepaid debit card. Unlike traditional gift cards which are limited to specific retailers, prepaid debit cards can be used anywhere.

This gift could be the perfect gift for a college graduate who is about to start their first job. You can put some money on the card so they can cover their costs until they receive their first paycheck. 

You can write a card with a personal note and include the debt card inside. 

27. Personalised Money Box

For a money gift that is unique and practical consider gifting a personalised money box. This functional gift provides recipients with a stylish way to store and organise their cash and it may encourage them to save. 

The customisation is what makes this money gift unique, for example, this one on Etsy allows you to include the recipient’s name and choose the font and their favourite colour. Aside from its practical utility, this personalised money box can serve as a keepsake that will be cherished for years to come. 

28. First Aid Emergency Fund

With the current cost of living crisis having an emergency fund is more important than ever. That’s why an emergency fund makes for a thoughtful and practical money gift that can provide the recipient with peace of mind.

You can buy a first aid kit and replace the contents with money or you can put some money in a picture frame. This gift is perfect for birthdays or graduations and is a fun way to gift money with a twist. 

29. Money in a Tumbler

Stashing some money in a tumbler is one of the easiest ways to gift money. It is a simple gift with a creative twist and adds an element of surprise.

All you have to do is buy a tumbler and slip the cash inside. Try to get one that isn’t completely see-through so they can’t see the money straight away. 

30. Hide Money In Something

Hiding money in something is a guaranteed way to add some joy and a surprise to anyone’s day. You can hide it in a bedside table drawer, a household item or inside some socks which would make a great money gift idea for your boyfriend or husband. 

Finding money in something unexpected adds an element of mystery and excitement to the gift-giving experience. So if you live with your partner and want to gift them some money get creative and think of items they use every day and hide the money in there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Gift Ideas

Here are some answers to questions that are often asked about money gift ideas and creative ways to give money.

How Do You Gift Cash In a Fun Way?

Gifting cash in a fun way is all about presenting your gift with an element of surprise, interactivity and enjoyment. 

You could include a game or activity in the gift-giving process, for example, you could create a scavenger hunt where clues lead to envelopes containing cash. Or you could fold bills into origami shapes and conceal them in a custom money cake as I mentioned in this post. 

Another option is to gift cash alongside a fun experience for the recipient such as pairing tickets to a concert with some cash so the recipient can enjoy a nice dinner and some drinks. 

By thinking creatively and adding a sense of excitement to the presentation, you can make giving money gifts a fun and memorable experience. 

How Do You Give Someone Money In a Cool Way?

Giving money in a cool way involves infusing presentation with creativity, thoughtfulness and a touch of style. 

One option is to personalise the gift by wrapping it in the recipient’s favourite colour paper or engraving a money clip with their initials. 

Or you can add an element of surprise by hiding the money inside a puzzle box or creating a money lei as I mentioned in this post. 

Final Thoughts

There is no shortage of money gift ideas and creative ways to give money. From simple ideas to DIY options, the gift ideas I have shared in this post offer unique and memorable ways to gift money for any occasion. 

I hope you have found this post helpful and now have many money gift ideas for all occasions. Which idea will you try? Let me know in the comments.

This post was all about money gift ideas.