17 Clever Money Gift Ideas For Birthday, Graduation, & Christmas
Tired of buying random gifts for every occassion? Simplify with cash gifts this year! But skip the boring plain envelope.
Instead, surprise your loved ones with clever money gifts they’ll never see coming! From hidden treasures to playful pranks, these unique money gift ideas will make your gift feel extra special and memorable. Let the creativity (and cash) flow!
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Exciting Money Gifts Any Time of Year
1. Secret Stash Book Gift Idea
*My favorite!
Inspire your recipient, while giving them what they really want. Gift your favorite book with cash hidden between the pages.
Or buy a hollowed-out book and hide the money inside.
Attach a note that says, “Knowledge is priceless, but here’s a little extra!”
2. Money Bags
Who doesn’t love candy? A candy bag with money hidden inside makes it even more exciting!
To do this, open one end of the bag carefully, tuck in some cash, and glue it shut. (If there’s a seam on the back, you can create a small slit under it and then seal it back together.)
The lucky recipient will enjoy both their sweet treat and a surprise bonus!
3. Balloon Pop Surprise
Put rolled-up cash and confetti inside of balloons for a fun twist!
Place the bills inside, inflate the balloons, and pack them into a giant box. Add a note that tells the recipient they must pop the balloons without using their hands. Get ready for some laughs as they try to burst them open!
Pro Tip: It helps stretch out the balloon first, before trying to put in the cash.
4. Treasure Hunt For giving Money as a Gift
Hide money around the house or in small envelopes and send the recipient on a hunt to find them.
Or put the cash in just one envelope and try one of these cute scavenger hunts to get your recipient on the move!
5. Hidden Money Jar Gift
*A clever way to hide money!
It appears to be a mason jar filled with candy. But inside, there’s a roll of cash in the middle. I used a rubber band to keep it together, but a clip also works. Make sure the candy covers the cash and you’ll be giving your recipient a super sweet surprise!
6. Cash-Filled Umbrella Money Gift
Gift a wrapped-up umbrella with a note that says “For a rainy day!” When they open it, cash will fall out!
7. “Break in Case of Emergency” Frame
Place the cash inside a shadow box or frame with a label that says “Break in Case of Tuition, Rent, or Adventure!” This frame from itsalwaysautumn comes with a cute free printable tag.
You could also substitute money with chocolate or any other fun treat.
8. Money Grows on Trees After All
Give your recipient a note that says “Money doesn’t grow on trees…or does it?” When your recipient reads the note, they’ll realize they need to search for money growing on a tree or plant.
Related:
Clever Money Gifts for Birthday
9. Life is Like a Box of Chocolates
Surprise someone with a sweet twist on a money gift by hiding cash inside a box of chocolates. Simply tuck the bills between the chocolates or inside the empty wrapper for a fun and unexpected treat!
10. Cold Hard Cash Prank
*Great for teens and kids!
Fill a bowl with water, place a bill on top, and freeze it for a day or two (you can add more layers of water if you like). Once it’s fully frozen, run warm water over the bowl to release the ice, then store the frozen cash in a ziplock bag in the freezer until you’re ready.
Attach a note that says “Thought you’d appreciate a little cold hard cash on your birthday!”
11. Play Doh Money Gift
Play-Doh may not seem like the most exciting gift—until the recipient opens the container to discover a roll of cash inside!
Attach a tag that says “Thought you’d like some extra dough” and fill the container with rolled-up ones or even a few larger bills.
12. Money Pizza Box
Arrange bills in a circle inside a pizza box with coins as “toppings.”
Attach a note that says, “You’ve earned a little dough!” or “You can’t live on just pizza, so here’s some extra dough!”
13. Tissue Box “Money Roll”
Tape dollar bills end to end inside an empty tissue box with a pull tab that says “Don’t blow it all in one place!” The example below is from 365 Days of Pinterest.
Related: Inexpensive Gifts for Coworkers
Christmas Money Gift Ideas
14. Gloves Stocking Stuffer
A nice pair of gloves is always useful in the winter, but it might not be the most thrilling holiday gift—unless you roll up cash and slip it into each finger! If you roll the bills tightly, the recipient won’t even notice the surprise until they try on the gloves for the first time.
15. Life Savers Storybook
This playful money gift is inspired by the classic Christmas tradition of receiving a Life Savers Storybook in your stocking!
Wrapping the candy rolls in cash adds an extra element of surprise to this sweet gift. It’s a perfect idea for nephews and nieces!
16. Box of Rocks (Or Is It?)
Next, prank the kid who likes to shake the Christmas presents! Place money inside a giant box filled with rocks, wrapped within layers of wrapping paper, or inside a pack of gum for a funny reveal.
17. Christmas Ornament Cash Gift
Create a festive and fun money gift by placing cash inside a clear ornament! Simply roll up the bills, slip them into the ornament, and hang it on the tree for a sparkling surprise. It’s a creative way to gift money while adding a touch of holiday cheer!
Related: Best Minimalist Christmas Gift Ideas
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