Giving a gift feels good, but it can also be a bit of a challenge. We often find ourselves in a dilemma between wanting to give something personal and ensuring that the gift will actually be used.
Everyone can use money. That's the definition of a practical gift. The challenge is that it can quickly seem lazy or impersonal – especially if it's just sent via MobilePay or put in a regular envelope.
Some occasions lend themselves well to a cash gift, while others may feel more awkward. Fortunately, there is a solution, and it comes down to one thing: presentation.
A little creativity can make a big difference. With a little imagination, you can make cash appear both personal and thoughtful.
Why choose a creative cash gift?
Cash gifts offer maximum freedom. The recipient can choose exactly what they need – regardless of the occasion.
But simply handing over an envelope can seem a bit tame, which is why it's become increasingly popular to find fun and more personal ways to give money.
When you spend a little time turning the cash into a creative monetary gift, you show that you've thought about the gift itself – not just the amount.
Fun ways to give money
There are many creative and different ways to give money that are far more exciting than just a card or an envelope. Here are some ideas that are guaranteed to surprise and delight the recipient:
- Money balloons: Roll up the bills and place them in clear balloons. Fill the balloons with some confetti or small bills and let the recipient pop them to find the gift.
- Money origami: Fold the bills into small shapes like hearts, flowers or shirts. This gives the gift a fun and creative twist.
- Treasure hunt: Create a little treasure hunt with clues that lead the recipient from place to place – and eventually end up at the cash gift. This makes the experience even more exciting.
- Money cake or bouquet: Roll or fold banknotes and put them together like a cake or bouquet. Decorate with ribbons and small decorations for a festive look.
- Puzzle box: Keep the money in a box that can only be opened after you have solved a small puzzle or challenge. This makes it extra fun to receive.
- Money tree: Hang banknotes on a small decorative tree or branch, either folded or with clips. It's a popular idea here and a fun way to make the gift of money a little more festive and eye-catching.
- Hidden in a book: Cut a small hole in the middle of the pages of an old book and put the money there. It's especially fun if the book matches the recipient's interests.
- Homemade scratch card: Make your own card with a hidden message or amount behind a scratch-off area. Use clear tape, acrylic paint and a little dish soap – there are plenty of easy instructions online. It makes it a little more playful and surprising.
- Framed cash gift: Place the bills neatly in a frame, perhaps with a little message like “For emergencies” or “For your next adventure.” It’s both a gift and a fun keepsake.
- Money in a piñata: Fill a piñata with rolled-up bills – and maybe some confetti or candy. It's a surprising and festive way to give money, especially suitable for children, teenagers or adults with a sense of humor and a twinkle in their eye.
You know the recipient best, so you should be able to quickly sense which ideas suit them best.
Gift cards – the modern alternative to cash
Are you still a little hesitant? We understand. It's great for some occasions, but not necessarily all.
So here's another suggestion. Gift cards are a great way to give money that also feels a little more personal.
You get the flexibility of cash, but with a little direction – so the recipient still gets something out of it that they choose. It could be dinner at their favorite restaurant, a shopping trip, or perhaps a relaxing day at the spa and pampering themselves.
Gift cards work especially well when you want to encourage someone to do something good for themselves, or when you know they love a particular store, brand, or experience. It could be a gift card for Matas , Booking.com gift card , or one of the many other well-known brands.
If you want to make it extra easy, a YOLO card can be a good solution. It can be used at many different stores and is valid for up to 100 years. It's almost like giving money, just in a slightly more modern and flexible way.
And then you can add a little personal greeting that makes the whole gift a little more special and loving.
Why creative cash gifts work so well
Money is a pretty good gift in itself, but when you present it in a more fun and creative way, you elevate the whole experience.
There are several reasons why it works so well:
- You can customize it for the recipient and make it personal and relevant.
- It will be something you remember and which creates a cozy and surprising atmosphere.
- Money or gift cards give them the freedom to choose for themselves, and it reduces the risk of giving something they can't use.
- You don't have to think about size, style or color, and that makes it much easier for you as the giver.
Creative cash gifts for various occasions
Cash gifts don't just have to be for weddings or graduation parties. They're actually appropriate for most kinds of celebrations – even those we might not immediately think of.
Here are some examples:
- Birthdays
- Weddings and engagements
- Graduations and confirmations
- Housewarmings
- Baby showers or gifts for new parents
- Retirement or new job opportunities
It pays to be creative
In a world where most people already have what they need, a gift of money in creative packaging is both thoughtful and practical. With a little imagination, you can turn a simple cash gift into a fun, memorable and truly appreciated surprise.
Whether you make a beautiful money bouquet or give a gift card with a personal greeting, you show that monetary gifts can be just as meaningful as any other gift – and sometimes even more so.
Creative cash gifts – frequently asked questions
How to give money as a gift in a fun way?
There are many fun and different ways to give money that make the experience more festive:
- Put the money in transparent balloons filled with confetti
- Fold the banknotes into small origami figures
- Create a mini treasure hunt with small clues
- Give the money in a puzzle box, which must be solved first
- Roll or fold the bills and make a money cake or bouquet
- Hide the money in a cavity in an old book
- Create your own scratch card with hidden amount
- Frame the money with a little fun message
- Fill a piñata with banknotes – and maybe some confetti
How do you give a monetary gift for confirmation?
If you want to make the gift of money for a confirmation a little more special, you can, for example, fold the bills into a nice figure, put them in a decorative box or enclose a personal greeting. Many people also choose a gift certificate to a store or an experience place, which feels a little more contemporary.
How do I send a cash gift?
If you can't be there for the celebration, you can transfer the money via bank transfer and send a nice card by post. You can also send a gift certificate instead - it fits easily in a regular letter and is often safer than cash.
How to make a money tree?
A money tree is a fun and eye-catching way to give money. You take a small branch or decorative tree and attach rolled or folded banknotes with ribbons, clamps or small clips. It looks great at both parties and family events and makes the gift of money feel a little more like a real gift.