34 creative ways to give money as a gift

Although cash is most people’s preferred present, handing out bills and checks doesn’t have the impact of other, more tangible gifts. That leaves many people searching for creative ways to give money to those they care about.

This guide outlines 34 fun and original ways to give cash gifts, such as hidden treasure hunts, custom confections, and long-term investments.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or “just because,” let these ideas inspire you to find new and memorable ways to give cash.

Key Takeaways

• Cash remains a favorite gift, but many people are looking for more creative, memorable ways to present it beyond simply handing over bills or checks.
• This guide offers 34 unique cash-gifting ideas, from playful options like piñatas and prank boxes to meaningful ones like scrapbooking or donating in someone’s name.
• There’s a creative money gift for every occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, wedding, or just want to show someone you care.
• Digital tools and platforms like Western Union make gifting money easy, no matter where your friends and family are located.

1. Cash bouquet

Cash bouquets are a visually striking way to gift money. To make one, fold bills into flower shapes, secure them with floral wire, and arrange them in a bouquet.

A cash bouquet could be ideal if you’re gifting money for a graduation, birthday, or wedding. The bouquet style makes any amount of cash feel more gift-like.

2. Cash cake

A cash cake is another creative way to give money as a gift. To make one, stack rolled bills to resemble a layer cake. Secure the bills with ribbons or pins, and decorate with ribbons, bows, and maybe even edible decorations.

3. Money tree

To make a money tree, clip or tie bills to the branches of a small tree or plant. Decorative elements like ribbons and ornaments can add a festive touch. If you’re gifting cash for a wedding, a money tree is a fun and symbolic way to represent the newlyweds’ growing love for each other.

4. Cash-filled piñata

Across the Americas, piñatas are a popular and creative way to give money. These vibrant, hanging containers can also be filled with candies, fruits, or small toys.

To create a cash-filled piñata, simply stuff a store-bought or homemade piñata with rolled bills. After sealing the piñata, decorate it to suit the celebration. Then, have the recipient(s) strike the piñata until the money spills out.

5. Money origami

Money origami is a unique and artistic way to give cash.

To make money origami, start with online tutorials or instructional books on how to create traditional origami. Then, carefully fold bills into intricate shapes like animals, flowers, or decorative figures. These handmade pieces turn a simple cash gift into a one-of-a-kind presentation.

6. Cash confetti popper

Add an element of surprise to your cash gift with a DIY cash confetti popper.

How? Fill party poppers with rolled bills, confetti, and small trinkets. When the recipient pulls the string, cash and confetti burst out. This transforms your cash gift into a memorable, fun reveal.

7. Hidden money puzzle

Transform a cash gift into an engaging brain teaser for the recipient to solve.

You can purchase pre-made money puzzles online. The goal is for the recipient to solve a problem, crack a code, or complete a maze to unlock the container and access their cash gift.

This is a fun way to gift money, especially to someone who loves brainteasers.

8. Money lei

Leis are flower garlands common in Hawaii, Polynesia, and the Philippines. They also present a creative way to give money as a gift.

You can create a vibrant, eye-catching money lei by folding bills into flower shapes and then stringing them together with ribbon or twine. You can also add beads, greenery, or other decorative elements.

9. Money bow

Money bows add style and are a creative way to give money as a gift. To craft a money bow, fold bills into loops and secure them with wire or tape. Then, arrange the loops into bow shapes, which you can attach to gifts or cards.

10. Money-filled book

A money-filled book is another creative way to gift cash.

To make one, carefully insert bills between the pages of a book. The concealed bills make for a delightful surprise when the recipient flips through the book and discovers hidden treasure.

11. Personalized piggy bank

A personalized piggy bank is a fun way to give someone special a head start on saving money, especially if they don’t yet have a bank account

You can either purchase one with their name printed on it or hand-decorate a piggy bank yourself. When the piggy bank is ready, simply push cash through the slot, and the recipient can start saving.

12. DIY scratch-offs

Making DIY scratch-offs is a creative way to give money and infuses elements of excitement and surprise into the gift.

To create your own scratch-offs, design a template with prizes or messages. Then, cover the template with scratch-off sticker paper so the recipient can reveal the cash amount or message underneath.

13. Cash-filled wallet

When people receive a wallet, they tend to open it right away. Putting cash inside brings this creative gift to a whole new level.

Begin by selecting a wallet and inserting the amount of cash you have decided to give. You could include a handwritten note or card expressing your good wishes to make the gift more personal.

14. Money pull

Ready for a more unconventional way to gift cash? Try a money pull.

To create one, wrap bills around a roll or pull tab, secure them with tape, and place them inside a decorative container. When the recipient pulls the tab, they’ll get the pleasant surprise of hidden cash.

15. Money-filled balloons

Give cash with a literal “bang,” with money-filled balloons.

After partially inflating some balloons, insert bills and then inflate the balloons fully. You can leave them plain or decorate them with ribbons or confetti. When the balloons pop, the unexpected money drop will create a memorable surprise.

16. “Emergency” money

This can be a light approach to giving cash for unexpected expenses. You can present the money inside a decorative picture frame with a playful message like “In case of emergency, break glass.”

17. Birthday “cheddar”

As you might know, “cheddar” is a slang term for money. Give your present a cheesy twist with this fun way to give money as a gift.

Create this gift by placing bills in an envelope or plastic baggie and attaching a cheese brand label, such as “Cheddar Cash” or “Birthday Cheddar.”

You can also decorate a cheese-shaped box to look like cheddar and place money inside.

18. Hide money in a game

Gifting cash by hiding it in a game is a creative way to give money to someone special.

Choose a game the recipient enjoys, like Monopoly, and hide cash under the board, inside the box, or inside game components.

19. Money pizza

A “money pizza” presents cash in a fun, visually appealing way.

You can arrange the bills on a pizza tray and place toppings made of paper or plastic on top of the pizza “dough.” Coins, wrapped candies, accessories, or small toys could be the pizza toppings. There’s no wrong way to do this, so get creative.

20. Chocolate box of money

For a surprising money gift with a hint of indulgence, fill a chocolate box with rolled bills.

You can either purchase a box of chocolates or create a DIY version. Next, arrange the bills like fancy truffles inside. You can also add a twist by wrapping the “chocolate box” in foil for a more luxurious presentation.

21. Fortune cookie cash

Surprise someone special with a small “fortune.”

To create fortune cookie cash, write personalized messages on small pieces of paper. Then, fold the messages and cash into the cookies for a delightful surprise.

22. Play-“dough”

Another creative way to give money is to repurpose Play-Doh containers. Filling them with cash (“dough!”) is a fun and surprise.

Play-“dough” can be a fun way to give money to kids, teens, and the young at heart.

23. Money wreath

Wreaths are traditional festive decorations made of foliage and flowers. Making one with bills is another creative way to gift cash.

To create a money wreath, start with a wire or foam base and attach rolled bills using ribbon or pins. You can then decorate the wreath with faux foliage and other ornaments.

24. Money umbrella

“Make it rain” for someone special by gifting them a money umbrella.

To build this unique gift, fill an umbrella with cash or tape bills inside it. When the recipient opens the umbrella, it will “rain” money.

25. Money tie

Money ties are a fun and creative way to give money, and they’re perfect for occasions like Father’s Day, graduation, or retirement.

To make one, simply fold bills into a tie-shape and display the result inside a gift box.

26. Make a cash scavenger hunt

Bring the thrill of adventure to gifting money with a personalized cash scavenger hunt.

You can craft clues using shared stories, riddles, and inside jokes to guide the recipient to hidden stashes of “treasure.” The element of discovery transforms a cash gift into an interactive, unforgettable experience.

27. Invest money for them

Investing money on behalf of someone you care about is a practical way to support their long-term financial goals.

To get started, research investment options that align with the recipient’s values, goals, and appetite for risk. By investing wisely, you can help them build long-term wealth and financial security.

28. Buy shares in a company they like

For a gift that keeps on giving, consider buying stock in a company that the recipient likes.

Start by identifying companies that align with their values and goals. The next step is to purchase shares in their name and present the ownership certificate with a personal note.

29. Donate money to a charity that resonates with them

Make a real difference by donating to a charity on behalf of the recipient. This is also a great way to gift money tax-free.

If your recipient has never mentioned their favorite charities to you, start researching causes they support and charities that align with their values. When you find the right charity, donate in their name.

30. Scrapbook surprise

A “scrapbook surprise” is a creative way to gift money with a heartfelt, personal touch.

Instead of simply handing over cash, you tuck bills into a handmade scrapbook filled with photos, notes, and small mementos. Each page can represent a memory, a wish, or a milestone—ending in a joyful reveal of the monetary gift.

31. Money map

Design a personalized map or poster that highlights meaningful places, like where the recipient was born, studied, or dreams of traveling. Then pin folded bills to specific landmarks or  destinations on the map.

It’s part gift, part sentimental journey, and invites the recipient to explore each location to discover a surprise.

32. Message in a bottle

Does you recipient love the ocean? Or are they planning to celebrate something on the beach? Then a message in a bottle could be a perfect creative way to give them cash.

Write a heartfelt message, roll it around the cash, and place it in a small glass bottle, just like a shipwrecked note from the sea. Add sand, shells, or glitter to complete the look. It’s a charming, symbolic way to say, “This treasure is for you.”

33. Use a prank gift box

A prank gift box is a clever and hilarious way to surprise someone with money.

Simply place your cash gift inside a prank gift box, which you can buy online or make yourself. The prank gift box will appear to be for a funny imaginary product, like a “pet rock trainer” or “earwax candle kit.”

The recipient will be baffled (and likely amused), only to discover the real gift hidden inside.

34. Send cash just because

You don’t always need a reason to send money. Sometimes “just because” is the best reason of all.

A surprise cash gift can brighten someone’s day, ease a small burden, or simply say, “I’m thinking of you.” Whether it’s to cheer up a friend, show appreciation, or spark a spontaneous treat, sending money unexpectedly reminds your friends and family they matter.

You can even gift money to people who are halfway around the world. Thanks to digital technology, there are many convenient ways to send money to people, no matter where they’re located.

Whether you’re supporting a friend or surprising a family member with a cash gift, Western Union makes it easier than ever to send money.

Send money instantly in the way that works best for you — online, with the Western Union® app, or in person at one of our thousands of agent locations.