Gifting money is a practical option, but it doesn’t have to be boring! With a little creativity, you can turn a money gift into something fun, memorable, and full of surprises. Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, holiday, or any special occasion, these ideas will make your monetary gift stand out. Here are 9 creative and exciting ways to gift money that go beyond the traditional card and envelope routine.
Gifting a gift card? Check out our guide on how to give a gift card!
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1. Money Balloons
One of the most exciting ways to gift money is by hiding the bills inside balloons. Start by rolling up the bills and placing them inside balloons. You can also add confetti, glitter, or small notes inside for extra fun. Inflate the balloons and tie them together to create a festive bouquet or attach them to a gift box.
The fun part? The recipient has to pop each balloon to find the hidden cash. The popping adds an element of surprise and excitement to your gift, turning what could have been a simple transaction into an interactive experience.
For a special touch, include a note with instructions or create a “Pop for a Surprise” sign to guide the recipient.
You can also get one of these money balloons!
2. Pair Cash with a Gift Certificate
Sometimes, when you gift money, you have a specific purpose in mind. Maybe you’re hoping the recipient will use the cash for a shopping spree, a fun outing, or a special experience. To make your intention clear and add a personal touch, pair the cash with one of our customizable gift certificate templates. For example, if you’re gifting money for a shopping spree, use a Shopping Spree Gift Certificate template.
You can personalize the certificate with the recipient’s name, the occasion, and a fun message. It’s a creative way to guide how the money might be spent while still giving the flexibility of cash. The certificate adds thoughtfulness to your gift and lets the recipient know you had something special in mind.
3. New Wallet with Cash Inside
For a practical and stylish presentation, place the cash inside a brand-new wallet. This is a great gift idea because not only do they get the money, but they also receive a useful accessory that they can use every day. You can get creative by placing the bills in different compartments or slots inside the wallet.
For an extra surprise, hide a special note or a small gift card in one of the wallet’s hidden pockets. This idea is especially fitting for graduations, milestone birthdays, or even holidays when you want to give something both useful and meaningful.
4. Surprise Money Cash Box
Imagine the look of surprise when your recipient opens a box and starts pulling out what seems like an endless stream of cash! You can create this fun effect by connecting several bills end to end with tape and placing them in a small box. Attach one end of the money string to a tab or ribbon on the top of the box.
When the recipient opens the box and pulls on the ribbon, they’ll see the money continue to flow out, making it feel like a magic trick! This is a fun and playful way to give cash that adds an element of surprise and entertainment.
You can decorate the box to suit the occasion or even add confetti for an extra festive touch. Or, you can buy a pre-made money pull box.
5. Exploding Money Gift Box
For a dramatic and surprising reveal, use an exploding money gift box. These boxes are designed to burst open when the lid is removed, releasing layers of folded bills, confetti, and small notes. The fun part is the “explosion” of money and decorations that happens as soon as they open the box.
Inside, arrange the bills in creative folds or attach them to ribbons that pop out when the box opens. This idea adds a sense of excitement and is perfect for big celebrations like graduations, milestone birthdays, or even as a unique holiday gift.
6. Money Hidden in a Chocolate Box
If your recipient has a sweet tooth, a chocolate box is a clever and unexpected way to gift cash. Start by getting an empty chocolate box with those little paper liners still inside (get a box of chocolates and eat them yourself!) Instead of filling the box with chocolates, fold up the dollar bills and place them in the empty liners where the chocolates used to be.
When the recipient opens the box expecting to see chocolates, they’ll be surprised to find neatly folded bills instead! You can add a few chocolates alongside the money to keep the theme and make the gift even more fun. This idea is great for anyone who loves chocolate and could use a little extra cash.
7. Pizza Box “Dough”
For a fun twist on “dough,” use an empty pizza box and arrange the bills inside to look like a pizza! Start by placing the dollar bills in a circle, layering them slightly to mimic the shape of pizza slices. You can even roll some bills around the edges to look like a crust.
To take it up a notch, you can place coins in the center to represent toppings, or even add some “garlic knots” made of tightly rolled-up bills. Label the box with a note that says “Here’s some extra dough!” for a clever touch.
This idea is especially fitting for anyone who loves pizza or appreciates a playful sense of humor.
You can buy a pre-made pizza "dough" box.
8. Money Jar Filled with Candy
For a sweet and surprising gift, fill a jar with wrapped candies or chocolates and hide the money inside. Roll up the bills and place them in the center of the jar, then fill the jar with the candies, making sure the money is hidden from view. As the recipient enjoys the treats, they’ll eventually discover the hidden cash surprise!
You can decorate the jar with ribbons, labels, or tags to make it more festive. Consider adding a fun message like “A little something sweet with a surprise inside!” This idea is perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just as a “just because” gift.
9. Money Cards with Rolled-Up Cash
Money cards are a fun and festive way to gift cash, especially around the holidays. These special cards come with a designated section to hold rolled-up cash, often creating a creative design that fits the theme of the card. For example, some Christmas cards have a slot that makes the money look like a candy cane, a stocking, or even a Christmas tree.
These cards make it easy to add a thoughtful message while keeping the presentation festive and fun. They’re also perfect if you want to give a little extra something alongside other holiday gifts. The rolled-up bills add a unique visual element, making the money gift feel more special.