creative ways to give money for 50th birthday

Creative Money Gift Ideas. 75 Fun Ways to Give Money For All Occasions.

Want some fun and unique money as gift ideas? We’ve pulled together the best money gift ideas for all occasions – from birthdays to Christmas.

Giving money as a gift is usually much appreciated, but could come off as a little impersonal or a tad boring. However, with these insanely creative money gift ideas, your cash gift can be customized into an extremely thoughtful and meaningful present.

We’ve scoured the web and found the absolute best ways to give money as a gift for any and all occasions. These gifting money ideas go way beyond sticking some cash into a card – they’re completely unique, fun and many are completely unexpected!

Try out one of these creative money ideas for gifts to a birthday girl/boy, new graduate, newlywed couple, or as a housewarming or holiday present. And bonus – many of these ideas can also be used a clever way to give gift cards too!

If you put in the extra effort, your cash gift won’t be viewed as boring, but instead, it will be remembered long after the money is spent.

So bless your recipient with some extra dough and a memorable experience by browsing through this list of money ideas for gifts and choosing your favorite!

PIN for when you need the best money gift ideas:

Money Gift Ideas For Any Occasion

Whether you’re gifting money to a graduate bound for college, or to celebrate a special birthday, this list of creative ideas to give cash showcases the best ways to turn the most practical gift idea into a fun, unique surprise.

(1) Box of Money Balloons – Roll up some dollar bills and push inside several balloons, then add helium. Once you have a good bundle, place inside a box (with weights on the bottoms of the balloon ribbons). When opened, your recipient will get a fun balloon surprise! (via C.R.A.F.T.)

(2) You could also take this surprise a step further and do a cute surprise delivery where you place the box on their doorstep, ring the doorbell, and run away! (via Studio DIY)

(3) Money Lei – This idea is super fun for a graduation gift or birthday celebration. To make a festive money lei, all you need is to accordion fold some dollar bills, tape around a string or ribbon necklace, and add paper or beads for color. It’s a fashionable way to give money! (via Made With Happy)

(4) Hidden Money Mason Jars – Everyone loves a surprise, but this gift is a double whammy! Fill a mason jar or clear container with colorful candy like m&m’s and present it as your gift. When the receiver opens it, not only will they enjoy the candy, but you can hide money or gift cards in the center for a jaw-dropping surprise! (via My Home Based Life)

(5) Surprise Money Confetti Popper – A sprinkle of confetti is fun for any party, but making your own confetti poppers takes the party to the next level! You can purchase empty push pop containers , fill with confetti of your choosing, then hide some rolled up dollar bills inside. The party will instantly be poppin’! (via Studio DIY)

(6) Confetti Money Balloons – These balloons are not only so much fun to pop, but they are gorgeous, too! Purchase some clear balloons and use a funnel to pour in some colorful confetti of your choice. Then roll up your dollar bills and stuff them inside. The confetti will mask the money, revealing a shocking (and much welcome!) surprise when popped. (via Sugar and Charm)

(7) Money French Fries – Have a fry-lover in your life? This playful idea involves snagging a McDonald’s fry container (or creating a look-a-like of your own) and folding dollar bills triangularly to make them stick up like French fries! How clever is that for a money gift?! (via Making Memories with Your Kids)

(8) Extra “Dough” Playdoh Money Holder – Prank the giftee with some “dough”! Grab a jar or two of Play-Doh, empty it out, and replace with dollar bills. Include a message that says, “here’s some extra dough” and they’ll be delightfully surprised upon opening it. (via Sunburst Gifts)

(9) Tissue Box Surprise – Tape together multiple dollar bills from end to end, then gently roll up and place inside an empty tissue box. Top the box off with a cute homemade gift tag that says, “don’t blow it all in one place”! (via Lovezilla)

(10) Chocolate Box of Money – Gift money in an unsuspecting way…within a box of chocolates! Make the receiver think they are getting a sweet snack, but when they lift the lid, the candy wrappers are filled with carefully folded dollar bills and coins that are neatly placed in a variety of ways. Try it for Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion – it’s so fun and much healthier!  (via Life as Mom)

(11) Raining Money Umbrella – Make it rain money with this whimsical money gift-giving idea! Take an umbrella and tape dollar bills to the end of ribbons that are secured to the inside. When the receiver opens it they’ll be surprised with raining dollar bills! (via Seasonal Home)

(12) You can also add this Something For A Rainy Day idea by creating a super cute homemade tag on the outside of the umbrella that says “something for a rainy day” for an adorable finish. (via Skip to my Lou)

(13) Photo Album – They’ll never guess they’re getting money when they unwrap a large photo album! Send them a shocking surprise when they open the album to reveal dollar bills in each and every photo slot! This makes for a jaw-dropping gift – you can even add photos if you like! (via Imgur @stephaneko)

(14) Money Rosette – If you’re into a beautiful aesthetic and are really good at origami folding, then check out this tutorial for a beautiful rosette made of money! Gift it as is or place on top of a package for a pretty yet useful finish. (via Just Something I Made)

(15) Cold Hard Cash – Money is the gift that keeps on giving, and let’s be honest, the thing that everyone wants the most! Make them work for it with this hilarious idea that makes for a great gag gift or white elephant gift by freezing the bills in a container of ice to make cold, hard cash! They’ll then have the task at chipping away or waiting for it to thaw to get the money. (via Shortstop Blog)

(16) Money Notepad – How fun would it be to rip off a dollar bill from a notepad anytime you need one? This creative tutorial shows you exactly how to make a money notepad to gift and is a fun and simple way to gift money for any occasion. (via What Mommy Does)

(17) Money Crayons – Add instant color to anyone’s world with this creative way to gift money. Simply purchase a box of crayons and wrap each one with dollar bills inside the box. When they go to use the crayons, they’ll get quite the welcome surprise! (via KMO & JMO)

(18) Money Prescription Bottle – Give them just what the doctor ordered: the gift of money to brighten their day! Simply roll dollar bills and place inside an empty prescription bottle with a creative message on “how to dose” their money medication – maybe prescribing a shopping spree is in order! (via Sunburst Gifts)

(19) Money Roll – This crafty money gift looks like a sweet treat! All you need is an empty toilet paper roll. Cut one side open and place a roll of dollar bills that are taped together from end to end inside. Then cover the tube with some pretty paper and secure ribbons at each end. Make sure to leave an open slip so that the money can roll out when gently pulled. (via Crafts a la Mode)

(20) Money Tree Topiary – Turn your money gift into a centerpiece or decoration with this cute idea: fold your dollar bill and center secure with wire, then insert into a Styrofoam ball. When complete, the money looks like a little plant topiary inside a vase! (via Sugar Bee Crafts)

(21) Money Tree – Similar to the topiary idea, this one involves the same method, except the money gets attached to twigs or small tree limbs, but the dollar bills look more like flowers. Simply use the folding technique found in this step-by-step tutorial – it may be time-consuming, but it will make for a visually stunning centerpiece. (via eHow)

(22) Money Flowers – Whether real or fake, roses of any color will look extra beautiful when wrapped carefully with dollar bills! Arrange accordingly and tie with a ribbon and special message inside a vase for an unforgettable bouquet. (via Pinterest)

(23) Lollipop Gift Basket – Gifting candy is even more fun when it’s mixed with lollipops made of money! Simply fold and tape the bills into pinwheels and attach to lollipop sticks. Place inside a vase with Styrofoam next to real lollipops. This is a great all-occasion money gift for birthdays, graduations, and more. (via The Inspiration Board)

(24) Money Crown – Perfect for any newlywed, graduate, bachelorette or birthday girl/boy, this helpful tutorial on how to make a money crown is sure to make the recipient feel like royalty. Check out the video tutorial via NProkuda.

(25) Money Tie – Perfect for Father’s Day, graduation, retirement, and more, this carefully folded tie made out of money and displayed inside a gift box is sure to be the best present at the party! (via My Weekly Pinspiration)

(26) Money Shirt – Sharpen your folding skills because this shirt made of money will dress to impress! Perfect as a Father’s Day gift or as a retirement gift. (source unknown)

(27) Money in Pez Dispenser – This is the perfect gift idea for the pez collector and is just a fun way to gift money! Simply roll up your dollar bills and hide inside the Pez dispenser. Fill a gift bag with additional Pez candies so they can enjoy the candy as well! (via C.R.A.F.T.)

(28) Money Pizza Pie – If you’re giving away some fresh dough, then there’s no better way to do so than in the form of a pizza! Simply lay out your bills in a circular pattern, roll some bills up for the crust, add pepperoni quarters, and arrange inside a clean pizza box with a special message for the occasion. It’s sure to be a delicious hit! (via Redhead Can Decorate)

(29) Green Money Salad – This money gift idea is especially perfect as a wedding gift, as a wedding shower gift, or for a housewarming party gift. Simply purchase a beautiful bowl, throw in dollar bills to look like salad greens (just crinkle them up a bit), wrap with a ribbon and add some wooden utensils for a pretty finish! Voilà! An easy but useful gift that will keep guests talking! (via Girl & a Glue Gun)

(30) Bread Inside Your Bread Gag – If you love memes, then this gift-giving idea is for you! Simply print out this meme that includes “I put some bread inside your bread” and then purchase a loaf of bread to hide it inside! You’re sure to get a good laugh out of this one! (via Smart Fun DIY)

(31) Cash in a Can – Perfect as a white elephant gift or a gag gift for any occasion. Simply tape dollar bills from end to end. Roll them up and tape a ribbon to one end and place inside an empty can of your choosing, just like this canned fruit. The receiver will be pleasantly surprised! (via It’s Always Autumn)

(32) “The Whole Caboodle” If you’re giving away the whole caboodle, you might as well be clever and organize your dollar bills within an actual Caboodle ! It’s a great money gift idea for young girls or any women who love makeup and self-care products – they can use it every single day! (via What Mommy Does)

(33) Smash Open Block – Make them work hard for their money! Create this super fun smash block that shows you how to hide money inside. Keep the bills protected inside of a plastic bag during the creation process. When they open their gift, give them a small hammer to crush and enjoy their surprise! Take a closer look at 2:05 of this video from 5-Minute Repair.

(34) Money Wreath – Grab a cheap and plain wreath on clearance and some small clips or clothes pins. Attach a variety of dollar bills, gift cards, small notes, or trinkets to the wreath – such a cute, creative and easy way to package up a money gift! (via Savannah Smiled)

(35) “Buy Something You Don’t Need” Money Envelope – This money gift is more about the message. Create this thoughtful money-holding envelope with a special message that alludes to stress-free spending. It’s a thoughtful way to gift money for someone in a tough spot or who just needs a self-care day. Not feeling crafty? Go ahead and order this awesome printable ! (via DIYInspiredInc)

(36) “Money to Burn” – Gift some spending money for any occasion in this clever way. Simply hide your dollar bills inside a matchbox with a cute handmade note that says, “here’s some money to burn”! This is a simple and thoughtful way to gift money for absolutely any occasion. (via Style Baggage)

(37) Money Cake – If you have a lot of bills to gift, then this ornate money cake is an impressive way to do so. You can purchase cake tiers or make your own to cover with bills by strategically pinning. The result is an artful way to display your gift at any special party. (via Craftibilities)

(38) In Case of Emergency, Break Glass – So simple, yet so creative. Give the gift of money inside of a pretty picture frame with a message that says, “in case of emergency, break glass”! Not only will they appreciate the cute message, but they’ll also have a frame that they can reuse. (via Sendomatic)

(39) Scrubber “Got You Some Green” Money Gag – Gift some green by hiding money under the packaging label of a green scrubbing sponge! They may feel they got gagged, but once they decide to clean the house, they’ll reveal an exciting money surprise! (via Smart Fun DIY)

(40) Money Wallet – Create the perfect money or gift card holder with a handmade money wallet. Simply fold your bills according to this tutorial and adorn as you wish – you can even add a button! Place additional money or a gift card inside. (via Crafty Journal)

(41) Cash Fortune Cookie – Make a simple paper fortune cookie using this easy tutorial and fill it with some cash and a sweet message. (via Passion For Savings)

(42) Bubble Gum Hidden Money Jar – Hide a plastic baggie of cash inside a jar of bubblegum and attach a cute tag that says “Don’t Blow it all in one place”! (via Passion for Savings)

(43) Create a Treasure Hunt – “Bury” or hide a treasure box somewhere inside or outside of the house; make clues for the gift recipient to follow, or make a treasure map! They’ll be ecstatic to find the money treasure, and it will be an unforgettable experience!

(44) Something “Extra” – Wrap Extra gum with dollar bills, or tuck the cash inside their “Refreshers” style packaging, then add one of our free printable gift tags to let your recipient know that you got them “something a little EXTRA”! (via What Moms Love)

(45) “Extra Dough” – If you’re looking for an extra creative way to give money as a gift, turn it into some “dough” with our free printable gift tags . Hide the money in a package of edible cookie dough, or gift a rolling pin covered in dollar bills – both money gifts will be received with a laugh and a smile, and can be used for all special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, graduation, or even a housewarming gift. (via What Moms Love)

(46) Candy Bar “Payday” – You really can’t go wrong with cash and candy! This money gift idea can be used on kids, teenagers, college kids and adults – and is especially perfect for graduates, job promotions or as a teacher appreciation gift. It’s super simple to pull together – grab the free printable tags here . (via What Moms Love)

Money Gift Ideas For Birthdays

Want a creative way to give money for a birthday gift? We’ve pulled together the best ideas to make gifting money more unique and thoughtful. From dollar bill origami projects to a birthday cake made of money – this  list of creative money gift ideas for birthdays will wow any friend or family member. We find they’re particularly helpful with those hard-to-buy-for teenagers!

(1) Cash in a Can – Grab an empty, clean can and wrap it with this printable birthday message. Fill it with a roll of money and top with curled ribbons and a “pull” tag message. Any birthday boy or girl of any age would appreciate this thoughtful gift that keeps on giving. (via It’s Always Autumn)

(2) Pocket Change Money Holder – Remove the pocket from an old pair of jeans to use as a super cute money gift holder. Use the free printable tag from Eighteen25 to tie it all together.

(3) Birthday Tissue Box Printable – Grab an empty Kleenex box and print out this colorful birthday printable for a quick and easy way to display your cash gift. It packs more punch than a card any day! Adorn with curly ribbons for an extra pop of color. (via A Girl & a Glue Gun)

(4) Mini Piñata – Any guest would have a smashing good time with a themed mini piñata to tear apart! Fill with candy, stickers, small toys, confetti, and rolled-up dollar bills to surprise and impress. (via Fun Squared)

(5) Bag of Dough – Giving money as a gift is always more fun when done in a creative way. This colorful printout offers a simple way to beautifully package up your present. Simply roll your dollar bills and tie with ribbon, then fill up your bag of dough and top with your printout to seal! (via Printables Ready Now)

(6) Money Candle Birthday Card – Send your best birthday wishes with a handmade card that includes rolled up dollar bills as the candles! (via The Happy Scraps)

(7) Birthday Cheddar – This hilarious cheese packaging looks just like the real thing, but you can hide your money gift inside it instead! See how long it takes the birthday boy or girl to realize that the package says “birthday cheddar” on the front! (via Ashaty)

(8) Money Birthday Cake – This idea may be time consuming, but it will surely make every guest’s jaw drop! Roll dollar bills around homemade tiers to look like a cake and wrap with a ribbon of your choice. Top with an actual cake topper or create a message with a cricut machine to place at the front of the “cake”. (via Life in Between)

(9) Gift Basket – Nothing says “happy birthday” quite like a gift basket full of money! Tape dollar bills onto wooden skewers and arrange them into a Styrofoam block inside a basket. You can also add other fun items like lottery tickets, candy, or fresh flowers. Present with a birthday sign or tag on the front, and you’ll be party-ready!  (via Ink Happi)

(12) Strings Attached Note – This clever way to gift birthday money is all about the message. Wrap the cash with strings and tell the recipient “this money comes with strings attached”. They must go and blow the money on themselves within a time limit. It’s a guilt-free way to get them to spend money on themselves! (via Image Remix)

(11) Birthday Balloons – Purchase enough helium balloons that equal the age of the birthday boy or birthday girl. Then tape dollar bills to the ends of the ribbons of each balloon. Let them free float on the ceiling at their party, or surprise them when they wake up with a ceiling full of money dangling in front of them! (via Living Locurto)

Money Gift Ideas For Christmas / The Holidays

The holiday season is the best time to give the best gift of all…money! Whether you’re looking for funny ways to give a money-filled Christmas gift, or just a new, fresh idea, you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for with these insanely creative Christmas cash gifts:

(1) Holiday Dough Printable – Gift some serious dough with a sweet message. This cute Christmas themed printable is all you need to adorn a bag full of rolled up dollar bills all tied up and ready for unwrapping. This gift can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone. (via Tessie Fay)

(2) Holiday Money Wreath – Wrap a simple Styrofoam wreath from your local craft store with money to create a gift that doubles as holiday décor! (via Passion For Savings)

(3) Candy Cane Coins – Gifting coins is so smart and makes for a great stocking stuffer – everyone needs quarters for handy use in places like the laundromat, parking meters, and more! Grab a roll of quarters and wrap with pretty Christmas paper, then top with cellophane and tie ribbon on each end to make it look like a sweet candy treat. (via Martha Stewart)

(4) Soda Can Cash Tree – Wrap soda cans in cash and stack into tree formation for this one-of-a-kind money gift. (via Passion For Savings)

(5) Christmas Tree Origami Card – With a few folds, dollar bills of any demomination can be turned into these adorable little money Christmas Tree cards. (via Ars Textura)

(6) Hide Cash Inside a Toilet Paper Roll – This hysterical gift idea is perfect for any gift exchange or white elephant party. Simply wrap a toilet paper roll in cellophane and hide money inside the paper tube with a message that says “In case you get cr@p for Christmas”! They’ll think they just got some toilet paper, and will be super shocked to find the hidden money inside! (via Sunburst Gifts)

(7) Hidden Money Mason Jars – Use holiday-colored candies to make this hidden money mason jar idea tie in perfectly to Christmas or Hanukkah. (via My Home Based Life)

(8) Origami Money Gift Box – What if the box was actually the gift? This fun origami-style way to gift money involves folding your dollar bills into a small box. Simply adorn with a colorful bow and voila! You’re ready for gift-giving one of the most creative Christmas presents. (via NProkuda)

(9) Christmas Money Tree – We are obsessed with this little rustic farmhouse style Christmas tree decoration that was made for money gifting. Simply fold up your dollar bills and ribbon wrap them in tiers to create the tree with a wooden dowel as its center. Add a star and place into a small metal bucket as a stand. (via Then She Made)

(10) Make a Money Tree Lot – This adorable little setup looks just like a Christmas tree lot! Grab a Styrofoam block at your local craft store and create triangular origami trees made of money ( this tutorial from Curbly will show you how), tape to toothpicks, and arrange in the Styrofoam. Add some string lights or jingle bells and a tree lot sign for character. Such a cute and unique way to gift money at Christmas. (via Pinterest)

(11) Money-Filled Ornament – Create the most memorable ornament of all this Christmas when you fill a clear ornament ball with rolled up money inside. Hide with confetti or paper scraps and create a personalized tag or label with their name. (via the Country Chic Cottage)

(12) Money Wrapped Candy Canes – wrap candy canes with cash and pop into a stocking for a Christmas morning surprise! (via She’s Crafty Crafty)

(13) Merry Kiss-Mas Money Jar – Have a yourself a Merry Kiss-Mas with this creative money gift. Simply fill a mason jar with Hershey Kisses, hide some bills inside and add the cute tag. (via Passion For Savings)

(14) Christmas Cash Bottle – This holiday money gift is as fun to give as it is to receive. Fill a clean soda bottle with cash and watch your recipient try to get it out! For the secret and all the details on how to put it together, head to It’s Written on the Wall.

(15) Christmas Money Tree – The key to creating this adorable little money tree is a Styrofoam cone that you can pin your dollar bills to to make the “branches”. Fancy it up with some moss, a terra cotta pot and sparkly star on top. (via Mommy Savers)

(16) Money Stuffed Socks – Socks are a stocking stuffer staple, but usually received with a groan or two! This year, make them a coveted stuffer by tucking some cash inside! (via She’s Crafty Crafty)

Money Gift Ideas For A Wedding

The following fun money gift ideas were made for weddings! Gift the happy couple what they really need: money to start their lives together off on the right foot. They’ll surely appreciate receiving such an awesome gift that clearly shows a little extra time and effort went into making.

(1) “To Help Build Your Castle” – If you’re gifting the happy couple money for their wedding, then this is simply one of the most clever ways to do so, especially if they are beach lovers or having a destination wedding. Fill up a bucket with sand and stick your dollar bills in the sand to poke out the top. Include a shovel and put a message on the front that says “money to help build your castle”. (source unknown)

(2) Toy Car with Money Cans – Purchase a diecast car and tie a ribbon on the back with rolled up money bills attached that look like cans. Add the couples’ names or paint “just married” in the back windshield. The couple will appreciate the keepsake long after the cash is gone! (via Cleverly, 3:24 in video)

(3) Our Stache Jar – Gift the newlyweds a decorated jar that they can add money to whenever needed. This super fun idea involves cutting out a mustache from a cricut machine (or purchasing a sticker) and adding the words “our stache jar” to the front. Get the couple started by throwing some money inside! (via The Crafty Blog Stalker)

(4) Photo Frame Money Cans – Gift a pretty photo frame with an image of a vintage car inside. Attach some ribbons and roll-up some bills to create “cans”. A super creative way to give money and the newlyweds can use the photo frame when they receive their wedding pictures! (source unknown)

(5) Wedding Dress/Shirt Origami Card – Follow these origami folding tutorials to create this darling wedding card that the newlyweds can put to good use. (via Pinterest & Homemade Gifts Made Easy)

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extensive list of money gift ideas. Money is so easy to throw into a card, but when you come up with a great way to turn it into a fun gift idea, the giftee will have so much more appreciation for the time you’ve put into it.

What occasion will you be putting these ideas into action with first? Tell us in the comments below!

RELATED: For more unique gift ideas for kids, head to our popular Non-Toy & Toy Gift Guides .

Similar Posts

40 Fun Easter Printables for Kids – Crafts, Activities, Egg Hunts + More!

90+ Fun Indoor Birthday Party Games For Kids of All Ages

Force of Nature Non-Toxic Cleaner Review (We Answer: What Is It? Does It Really Work?!)

Easter Egg Decorating Ideas for Kids. 70 Creative Ways To Decorate Your Eggs!

Seriously Cool Sunglasses for Tweens and Teens (That They’ll Actually Want to Wear)

26 Products To Make Eating Fun. Great For Getting Picky Eaters To, Well, Eat.

Comments brighten our day. leave one here. cancel reply, featured in.

Tween Boy Birthday Party Ideas – Fun Themes & Activities!

Creative Mother Daughter Photoshoot Ideas. Top Poses & Tips!

Kids Birthday Party Food Ideas For An Epic Celebration!

Home › Blog › 17 Insanely Clever & Fun Money Gift Ideas

17 Insanely Clever & Fun Money Gift Ideas

By Tania Griffis

Published Mar 18, 2024

We all know that giving money as a gift is usually pretty boring. But, with these clever money gift ideas, you can take your money gift-giving from boring to insanely fun and exciting to give and receive.

Everyone appreciates getting a cash gift, right? However, giving cash always comes off as not only a little bit boring but also kind of impersonal. That’s probably because they haven’t tried these amazing money gift ideas!

When you receive a card in an envelope, you know what’s there before opening it. Cold hard cash. Because nothing says “I love you” or “I care about you” like a card full of money. 

But isn’t it time to let that special person in your life know that you really care?  Try out one of these creative ways to give money so that you can show the people in your life that you know and care about them. Not only that, but they will have a blast trying to take some of these apart to actually get to the cash. 

These cute ideas will make giving money more fun for both the giver and the recipient!

Fun & Clever Money Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

Are you looking for more creative ways to give money?  Then check out these must-try money gift ideas! These make great gifts for teens and those in your life who already have everything. 

We guarantee that these are a lot more fun to receive than a plain greeting card.

Be sure to check out our lists of gift ideas while you’re here!

• 18 DIY Gifts Teens Will Actually Like
• 21 Adorable DIY Gifts for Baby Showers
• DIY Projects that are the Best Gifts to Get

1. Nothing Says “Love” Like Some Dough (Money That Is!)

For teenagers and college students (and sometimes adults as well), nothing says “I love you” like the gift of cash. Try putting it in a pizza box for a big surprise and we guarantee you’ll love the expression on their face when they open it up!  Give the gift of dough with these creative ways to gift money for graduation, Christmas, and birthdays. Hot tip: You might want to have some real pizza hidden away just in case they really wanted a slice of that cheesy goodness. 

Here’s another way to gift it!  

2. Perfect for a Wedding Gift

Are you attending a wedding? Start a “stache” jar (get it… stash?) for the couple. Later, the jar can be repurposed by the happy couple for cookies, a coin jar, a candy jar, or even a fun decor piece. This fun gift idea could even be revamped to give as a graduation, baby shower, or housewarming gift. The possibilities are endless!

3. Money Origami

Put a unique spin on giving money this graduation (or birthday) season by folding the bills into dress or shirt shapes. Tween and teen girls will love this fun idea! Give them a folded money wardrobe for their graduation or birthday! Use floral wire to make easy “hangers”.  There’s also a tutorial for a cute shirt and necktie if you’re wanting to give this creative money origami to a boy. 

4. Be a Star

Graduation is definitely a time to celebrate and the graduate is the absolute star! Giving your grad a gift of money? Try this method and enjoy the surprise on your grad’s face! You’ll make that special person feel like a true star after giving them this interlocking money star ! This makes a perfect gift for celebrating those special milestones in life. 

5. Origami Rosette

Origami stars and clothes just not your thing? Try an Origami Money Rosette instead! Take gifting money to the next level with this rosette tutorial. Imagine the look of surprise on your loved one’s face when they see this! If you have a small wrapped gift to give, add a fun surprise to it with a money rosette. Isn’t it gorgeous? 

6. Say “Goodbye” to the Envelope

Envelopes are so overdone and…you guessed it! Boring! Instead of opening their gift, try giving a money roll instead.  Use a toilet paper roll to create a simple and fun way to gift money. By putting the money in a toilet paper tube you’ll create a gift the recipient can unroll. Fun tip: save the largest bills for the end for a real surprise! 

7. A Chocolate Box of Money

Give a chocolate box of money ! Empty a box of chocolates (by eating them, of course) and fill the wrappers with money instead. Check out this tutorial to transform an empty box of chocolates into a fun and creative gift of money. You get chocolate, and the recipient gets cash. It’s a win-win for everyone!

8. Give a Money Tree

We’ve all heard the old saying that “money doesn’t grow on trees”, but it can when you give a money tree gift!  Love the idea of a pretty money topiary in a flower pot as a fun money gift idea. Learn how to make a Money Topiary – the perfect gift idea for a crafty way to give them what they really want. Great step-by-step tutorial.

Pin For Later:

9. hide it in something ordinary.

Use an ordinary and unexpected everyday item to stash the cash . For example, a chewing gum container or chopstick tube. No one will ever suspect there’s money in there! It will take them by complete surprise!

10. Fun Money Gift Box

If you’re looking for fun ways to give money, look no further. Simply wrap a tissue box and stuff money inside. This fun gift box idea is a DIY birthday gift that can be customized for any occasion and is made from items you probably have in your home!

This works well during the winter holidays…You can even keep them guessing by adding a little weighty object at the bottom of the box. ?

11. Make Them Work For it

Looking for unique money gift ideas for birthdays? Learn how to put money and gift cards into balloons so that the recipient has to find the gift! Put the money inside balloons that the recipient must pop in order to get the cash. This works well for gift certificates, too, and makes getting them a LOT more fun, especially for the little ones. 

BONUS: Confetti Money Balloons

Want to make your money gift-giving extra sparkly?  Money balloons with confetti are the most fun way to give money as gift, because if you’ve learned anything so far in this blog, it’s that cards are BORING! Get inspired and make these festive money balloons. Add some confetti in your money ballons for a fun blast of sparkle that every little girl is sure to love! 

12. Make a Money Lei

If you’re heading to a luau-themed party, then a money lei makes the perfect gift! It’s easy to make and looks unique and incredible! Learn how to make  money leis in this easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make these fun and practical graduation or birthday gifts!

13.  Make a Money Wreath

If you’re looking for creative money gifts for any occasion, this one couldn’t be better! Make a wreath with little bills that are rolled to look like diplomas for graduation or simple with ribbon for other occasions! This money wreath would make the perfect gift for a housewarming shower!

14. Frame It

In case of emergency, break the glass . Here’s a quick and fun way to give any amount of cash as a gift. These quick “In An Emergency Break Glass” Graduation gift frames contain any amount of cash.

15. Christmas Money Tree

Need money gift ideas for Christmas? Take the money tree idea and make it holiday-themed with this cute Christmas money tree. This tutorial will teach you how to make a creative Christmas-themed money tree. It’s almost too cute to tear apart (almost). 

Try making it this way, too ! 

16. A Hidden Surprise

This is a bit of a tricky money gift! They think they’re getting a  jar of candy (which is a pretty awesome gift in and of itself), but there’s a hidden money stash waiting for them in the middle! This is a fun and creative money gift idea that will be a pleasant surprise for the recipient!

17. A Little Extra Dough

If you are looking for a fun and unique way to give money as a gift, find out how to give a  little extra “doh” . Because let’s face it, there are times in everyone’s lives when they could use a little extra dough! This couldn’t be an easier creative way to give money!

Give the Gift of Money with these Fun and Clever Money Gift Ideas for Any Occasion

On most occasions, the gift of money is helpful and appreciated. For example:

• Graduations
• Wedding Showers
• Housewarming Showers
• Baby Showers

However, there are those times when you want to give something that has a little more personality and thought than a card of cash, but you simply have no idea what else to get them. So you end up resorting to giving them the ultra-versatile gift of cash, even if it feels a bit boring and impersonal for the occasion. 

Whatever the case may be, put some thought into it and try using one of these creative money gift ideas to bring some fun and life into your money gifting. With just a little time and effort, you can make it a fun and unique gift they’ll remember for years to come.

More Gift Ideas from One Crazy House

• Top 12 Graduation Gifts for Your College Graduate
• Genius Gift Card Ideas That Aren’t Just an Envelope
• Hilarious Gag Gifts for Family and Friends For Any Time of the Year

EASY MEALS, HAPPY FAMILIES

Tired of the daily dinner dilemma? Grab our FREE Meals Made Easy Planner and say hello to quick, satisfying family meals. Plus, get our BONUS Low-Stress Lunchbox Planner FREE for a limited time!

You Might Also Like

How to Make Unicorn Slime

17 Awesome Uses for Pool Noodles

24 Adventurous Backyard Ideas for Outdoor Play

15 Harmless but Hilarious April Fools Day Pranks

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Comments

With tons of teens in the family I’m always looking for creative ways to give money and these are fantastic! So many fun ideas. Thank you!

Seriously! Why is it so hard to buy for teenagers? They always just want money so these creative ways to give money is super helpful!

Two of my kids are at the age that they really want money as gifts more than anything else. I am always a little bummed because that is no fun for me. The money gift ideas here are actually really cute!

My mom gives my kids money every Christmas and each year she uses new fun money gift ideas to present it. One year she even created a Christmas tree lot complete with money trees and lights like a real tree lot. It was extravagant but the kids loved it!

I always hate giving money as a gift, it feels so boring. I can’t wait to try some of these creative ways to give money for birthdays and Christmas this year!

When kids are beyond the toy stage it’s tough to find unique gift ideas! These creative ways to give money to them is exactly what I was looking for. I don’t like just to hand them a check or cash – this is so much more fun!

Oh my gosh I love these money gift ideas! My nephew just had a birthday and he’s a tween and thought the idea I used was SO COOL!

Oh, my goodness, I just love creative and clever money gift ideas – and this list is superb! This will come in so handy when I’m scrambling for gift ideas at Christmastime!!

I’m going to use the chocolate box idea to prank my teen – love it!

These are great! I have been trying to find cute money gift ideas for our teens— these are perfect. I’m bookmarking this one for b-days and Christmas! 🙂

I love these ideas! Money is always a great gift, but sometimes I can’t help but feel like I’m being lazy… now I’ve got some creative ways to give money – thank you so much.

FEATURED BY

©2024 DIY House Hacks - One Crazy House. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy • Disclosure Policy • Powered by CultivateWP .

45+ Creative Money Gift Ideas That will Surprise

Inside: Money gift ideas for any occasion! Learn how to wrap money as a gift. These are cute ideas for giving money. Find simple ways to hide money in a gift.

Giving money as a gift can be one of the best gifts that you can give today.

A lot of times though people don’t feel like giving money as personal or creative or thoughtful enough, which is a complete joke because honestly, cash is king.

More often than not, the receiver of the gift actually loves to get money – especially kids!

Even better, one of these money surprise ideas!!

There are many reasons to give money because, yes, gift cards are nice, but what if you find something else at a different store that you want, or their policy to redeem gift cards is really difficult? Also, some people don’t want to add more items to their houses. Others are just plain hard to buy for because they go out and buy everything they need.

That is why giving money as a gift is so absolutely awesome.

Today we are going to cover so many terrific ways on how you can give money as gifts. You can purchase some of these money gift ideas or pull out your DIY skills.

In this post, we are going to dig in and find super creative and fun ways to give money.

Best Surprise Money Gift Ideas

These money gift ideas will wow at any birthday party, Christmas exchange, graduation, or any other time of the year because there’s a little bit more thought behind how to give the gift.

Cash is a really thoughtful gift, too. Don’t forget that.

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure  here .

My Money Surprise

The first time I personally received a money gift was in college. The best gift ever!!

My parents hid cold hard cash in a room divider screen that I needed. I had cash to pay for groceries, cash for gas, and other incidentals I needed. That was one of the most epic Christmas presents that I ever received because it was something that I truly needed.

Then, I could decide what do I want for Christmas and spend money on what I truly wanted!

More importantly, it was something that I could choose how to spend or save. It wasn’t something that would just sit in my closet because I would actually use the cash.

What is a unique way to give money as a gift?

You can make the gift out of money itself.

Even better, there are plenty of ways to hide money inside another practical gift. You can make find many gift money ideas using a few crafty DIY skills.

So many creative ways to give money as a gift!

One of the most popular ways to give cash!

Guaranteed to surprise the recipient.

How To Wrap Money For A Gift

This is exactly how to gift money.

Now, don’t think that you have to be super, super creative, and hone all your crafty skills just to give the best money gift ever.

I’ll be very honest, learning how to wrap money for a gift is super super easy!

You’re probably going to need just a few items and most of them are sitting in your house!

The fun part of these money gift ideas is you get to be creative on how you want to give the best gift ever!! Some of the creative ideas include a little tape, some glue, and maybe saran wrap. Or you can hide it inside a jar with M&Ms for a money snack.

These are just a few of the ways that you can wrap money for a gift.

Learn how to make a money cake !

When to Give Suprise Money Gift Ideas?

These money gift ideas work for:

• Graduation – High School or College
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Baby Shower
• Bridal Shower
• Anniversary
• Milestone Birthdays – 16th birthday, 18th birthday, 21st birthday, 50th birthday

Honestly, any type of occasion !

It is just taking the gift, one step further and finding a unique way to give money gifts.

In fact, find graduation specific money gift ideas .

One of the MOST popular gifts!

This maze puzzle cube is a unique cash holder. Perfect for kids and adults, it's a thrilling puzzle box and money maze.

Get yours now and turn gifting into an adventure!

Who To Give Money Gift Ideas

These types of gifts are so flexible and can be used by anyone!!

• For Kids (especially when you need gifts for kids who have everything )
• College Students (great item to add to your care packages for college students )

Everyone loves to get cash and spend it how they choose. Then they can cross something off their Christmas bucket list .

How to Give Money as a Gift & Not Be Rude?

Is giving money as a gift rude?

Absolutely not.

As we’ve said many times here at Money Bliss – cash is king.

With cash, you are able to do what you want to do with the money. You don’t have another thing collecting dust on your shelf or set in the basement.

You can give a money gift box !

Don’t look at giving money as a rude thing to do. It is actually freeing because the receiver of the gift can choose how they spend it on the reverse side as the recipient of cash.

Feel empowered in the decision to give cash as a gift instead of an actual materialistic item.

Grateful Tips: I always recommend writing a thank you card immediately. Once you use the cash, then write another note on how you used the cash and how much you appreciated it. Then, the gift giver knows how you used the cash, and the ways they helped you, and then they won’t question their decision to give money as a gift.

Cute Ideas for Giving Money

In this section, you will find cute ideas for giving money. These are the absolutely adorable ways that people would love to receive money.

These are great for Christmas and birthdays, and especially for kids, teenagers, and young adults.

You will learn how to roll money for a gift and so much more!

How to Make a Money Cake: A Fun and Easy Money-Pulling Cake Ideas

What a great gift idea for any occasion!

This gift is practical, creative, thoughtful, and perfect for any occasion.

This one will be a part of our Christmas this year!

Love this money gift idea from Thirty Handmade Days! Give some dough!

Super cute way to give money for any occasion.

It’s fun to watch the recipient get spooked by a popping balloon, covered in confetti, and of course, count the money inside! 

A unique way to give the gift of cash to that hard-to-buy person on your Christmas list! This is a beautiful way to give cash.

Money does grow on trees!

This is a seriously beautiful way to give money!

You can add personalized messages like I love you on the front as well!

This is a popular DIY gift from Lena with What Mommy Does. Her tutorial helps you make a money pad. Very popular present for teens!

I can't wait to make one for gifts!

Perfect money gift idea for kids and teens! Plus these presents won't break the bank.

Such a cute and sneaky way to roll cash into a card.

Make candles using a dollar bill or go big and use a $20 bill.

Are you out of gift ideas and want something out of the box?

A Money Cake is a very creative and exciting gift for a special person. Customize your cake with any color combinations for any occasion.

Such a cute idea for the littlest ones on your list.

Add a coloring book and you are all set with a perfect gift on any budget.

Perfect for kids! Plus it is a fabulous way to teach children the importance of saving money.

When you can order, you can personalize the name and colors.

Everyone needs some cash and this money lei is a fun and creative way to give the gift of cash!

Learn how to make your own money lei today!

Hip2Save shares another fabulous and simple DIY money gift idea.

Such a cute idea and crazy adorable!

This is such a cute idea! This is a rock solid gift basket idea.

Giving money has never been so easy and fun!

Funny and Fun Ways to Give Cash

This list is about the funny and fun ways to give cash.

This type of money gift idea works best for a white elephant exchange, a coworkers exchange, a friend exchange, or someone who loves a good joke.

Let’s be honest… sometimes you just to be really funny with how you give the gift.

Honestly, I’m not sure if there are any annoying ways that you could give money. (Cash is still cash, right?) For those who enjoy crisp dollar bills beware!

It is proven that money does grow on trees. This DIY tutorial will teach you exactly how to make your own money tree.

This beautiful money tree topiary  is ready for one very lucky gift recipient!

Perfect gift for the Dad who always says money doesn't grow on trees! This is a funny gift idea for the father who has everything and has a great sense of humor. Because now...

Money DOES grow on trees!

Super fun way to give money and withhold the desire to spend the cash right away. You can place any amount of cash in these, so they fit virtually any budget.

Simple DIY tutorial!

Fun and unique way to display money and gift cards. Perfect for any special occasion. Money is growing on trees again, which is fabulous!

Paper chain gifts are a great way to decorate for the holidays. But, it is also a fun way to give money! Very simple DIY project to complete.

Who doesn't love gas money? Have you ever seen such a creative way to give money?!?!

This will be a pleasing gift for young drivers!

Running low on time?

This Christmas money printable is a fun and easy way to give some dough this season. So adorable!

This is a highly popular gift on Etsy!

This money ornament is the perfect way to gift money! You can even personalize it with the shop.

Dreaming of some cold hard cash falling into your lap?

This is a funny way to give some money and it is a huge hit!

Easy Ways to Hide Money in a Gift

Okay, let’s be honest, we don’t want everybody to know right away that they’re going to get money inside their gift.

How do you hide money as a gift? This gift list is filled with perfect ways to hide money inside a gift.

When they open it, they are excited about just the outside part of the gift and they don’t even know the monetary gift that you have waiting for them inside!!

Money Gift Box: Ideas on How to Give and Dispense Money as a Gift

Fantastic hit each and every time!

This kit from CakingAtHome lets you add 50 US dollar bills. Who doesn't love to see money coming out of a cake?

Everyone loves a box of chocolates, right?

But, what about this sweet surprise of cash? Learn how to make one today.

Time for a lovely bath with a hidden surprise! A fantastic way to hide money especially for teen girls!

This unique gift idea also is made with all natural and vegan skin care products. Perfect for small budgets!

This is such a clever idea! Giving money was so much fun this year.  

You can hide a roll of cash inside any canned goods - preferably what the recipient hates the most.

Since it is wrapped like a normal household item, no one will expect it to have anything inside but what is on the label!

Super cute dispenser for cash! You provide the money and seal the money together. A little DIY for a cute money gift!

Money is something every teenager wants! This money box can  easily be created  with items you already have at home.

Unique and sneaky way to give money!

The snowman is absolutely adorable by itself!

The hidden money cake is an extra bonus on this gift!

Oh my! This one is a BIG HIT with my kids. They love slime on a normal day, but a hidden treat just had them dancing. One of their all time favorite presents.

Everyone loves to receive a bouquet of roses! This money gift idea is hidden within the gift. Very attractive present.

This Bouquet is sure to wow for any occasion!

A mason jar is a perfect way to hide money or gift cards!

This super fun and easy DIY craft is doable and manageable on any size of a budget.

Such a simple way to give cash!

All you need to do is decide on the denomination you plan to use.

Crepe streamer for the win! Such a simple way to give cash as a Christmas snowball. Don't let this present roll away!

Secret compartments that hold hidden treasure. The recipient must learn how to crack the puzzle to open the secret box.

Highly rated item!

Such an easy DIY project to give money!

You probably have all of the supplies in your house.

Perfect surprise for your kids, grandkids, spouse, or best friend with the most versatile and widely-appreciated gift of them all: cash?

We know how you can do it in style: the amazing money cake dispenser, an incredible accessory that you will use on endless occasions.

This complete cash dispenser set includes the special box, cake topper, 1 plastic roll with 50 connected pockets, and printed instructions.

Want to make your money gift a little more special this year? Make these  Hidden Gift Jars !

Stash your gift inside a secret hiding spot in the jars, covered by a favorite candy or treat (we used M&Ms), and watch the recipient’s eyes light up when they realize there’s more to their gift besides just candy!

This also makes a great gag gift! 

Creative Ways to Give Money – Which is Your Favorite?

What is the best way to gift money?

Honestly, is there any bad ways to get money? Maybe if the gift giver never opens where the cash is heading, but let’s hope that doesn’t happen.

In this post, we have covered all of the best ways to gift money.

A simple way to say  I appreciate you ! You have so many ideas to choose from!

Which creative ways to give money did you like the best? There are DIY methods to giving cash and some that you can quickly pick up.

Follow for more inspiration on our Gift Ideas on a Budget Pinterest boards .

I can’t wait to see your pictures with what you’ve come up with, and how you plan to do this.

More Gift Ideas:

• Awesome Gift Ideas When you’re Broke
• The Most Epic Gift Ideas for Kids Under $10
• 45+ Fun Small Birthday Gift Ideas Under $25

Did the post resonate with you?

More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!

Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

45 Surprisingly Fun Money Gift Ideas and Creative Ways To Give Cash in 2024

Updated: December 26, 2023 by Bonnie (Ling) Thich 9 Comments

Sharing is caring! ʕっ• ᴥ • ʔっ ♥

We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Are you looking for the best money gift ideas or some creative ways to give money ?

Just like you, I was on the hunt on finding the most unique money gift ideas on Pinterest because I wanted to buy and craft things for the special people in my life.

I enjoy using Pinterest not only because I’m able to make over six figures per year with this social media as a fun and casual hobby, but I also love how I can rely on Pinterest to find great gift ideas for people who only want money or gift cards.

But what makes a good money gift idea? How do you come up with creative ways to give money that everyone will love?

PIN THIS: I update this post every season, so click here and save this image to your favorite Pinterest board – this will bring you back to the most updated and newest cash gift ideas!

Creative Ways To Give Money as A Gift

One of the most impactful ways to give money, and by far my reader’s favorite are #15 & #16 on this list – scroll down to read the deets. Why? Because they are gifts that keep giving and could change someone’s life, and I highly recommend you consider these powerful ideas.

Sure, cash or gift cards, whether in the form of Amazon gift cards or a couple of free Starbucks drinks , seem like one of the most practical gifts, but they’re not as impactful or life-changing.

If I really wanted a gift card, I could just use a few of these legitimate online survey sites to earn my free gift cards during my spare time – which I have BTW, and you are free to check out how you can get paid online just for doing that. 🙂

Aside from cash gifts that keep on giving, it’s okay if you want to hand over a $5 or $20 bill as a practical gift. I like the small upfront cash treat myself!

That way, the person who gifts me money or gift cards will know it doesn’t go to waste compared to gifts that add no value or things that I won’t be using. You know those gift baskets filled with a lot of random knickknacks and things you don’t personally use and end up collecting dust over the years at home?

Plus, it’s just fast and easier to gift money instead of spending hours, days, or weeks deciding on what to buy for that special person.

The Best Money Gift Ideas

Make sure to pin this image to your Pinterest board so you can easily refer back to these awesome money gift ideas for inspiration!

If you’re someone looking for fun and thoughtful ways to give money , then you’re in the right place. As I said, I like receiving cash and free gift cards myself, and I know many people who actually prefer this!

But aside from gift cards, there are so many unique ways to give cash without looking like a lazy and unthoughtful person .

Here are the best and most creative ways to give money to anyone and on any occasion – you can apply the same concept whether it’s for a Birthday, Graduation , Wedding, Christmas holiday, or even for a Baby Shower!

There’s really no limit on creativity when it comes to giving cash, so go nuts on these money gift ideas!

1. Money Puzzle Box Holder Gift

Most of the time, the best gifts are the simplest ones.

If you want a practical and unique gift for any occasion, this Money Maze Puzzle Box is perfect. Regardless if you need it for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, or even graduations. Of course, it can be a just-because gift, too.

You simply put in cash, jewelry, or any small item that can fit in the box. They have to solve the puzzle maze to receive the special gift inside. It’s a fun and exciting way to gift money without making it look thoughtless.

This gift will be even better if the receiver enjoys puzzles and mind games. But even if they don’t, you still can’t go wrong with this cash gift idea.

It is also the kind of present that you would want to stock up on because they will come in handy as last-minute gifts.

For more ideas like this, I also have a list of the best money puzzle boxes to gift this year, so definitely check them out!

2. Pizza Box with Some Dough

Consider gifting money in a Pizza box for the person who loves pizza.

This sign says, “You can’t live on pizza, so here is some dough.”

But you can also make a different personalized message like “The best part about pizza is the dough” – this one is personally my favorite message to use in a pizza box. 🙂

3. Shirt with Money Tie

A crisp white shirt is a good gift, but a crisp white shirt with a money tie is a  wonderful gift. There are occasions when plain white just won’t do, but thanks to this Cash Couture Shirt, you can elevate your next gift.

Who wouldn’t want to make a stylish statement while showing more generosity, right? A shirt with a money tie is one of the most creative ways to give money to adults because it just shouts, “welcome to adulthood!” This is best for Christmas, graduations, and promotions, but who says you can’t give it as a gift any other day?

It’s not just a fashion statement; it’s bankable!

4. Money Shirt with Pennies

If you’ve ever wondered how to give money as a gift, well, you can give it in style.

Don’t stop at simply accessorizing white shirts with cash. Take it to the next level with this Millionaire’s mesh!

This shirt, although not wearable, is rich in style and… money! It’s crafted entirely from your favorite green bills, paired with the finest penny buttons. No one will want to turn down such a prosperous gift.

And you don’t even have to make one just to give it. This could be a profitable Christmas craft to make and sell this season . Just make sure to price it enough so you get more than the amount of bills in the shirt.

There’s no other present that wants to say, “you look like a million bucks,” like this one. But you don’t need a million bucks to do it!

5. Sneak Cash Inside a Starbucks Tumbler 

It’s no surprise that Starbucks makes one of the top gift choices because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love Starbucks?

That’s why we have a separate list of the best gifts for Starbucks lovers .

One of the easiest ways to gift cash, or even a Starbucks gift card, is to sneak them inside of these pretty Starbucks tumblers by hiding the money between two packaged coffees or hot chocolate. We guarantee that you won’t go wrong with this simple yet practical gift idea! The truth is everyone wants some winter holiday cash alongside their Starbucks gifts.

6. McDonald’s Money French Fries

Source: Create It Go

This is perfect for the person who loves McDonald’s fries. I mean, who doesn’t love McDonald’s, French Fries?

What a cute, funny, and humorous way to give money as a gift!

7. McDonald’s Money Combo

Want more than just money inside the french fries box?

Here’s the McTreasure Combo where you can supersize your generosity!

Forget the toy surprise, this McDonald’s-inspired treat is all about the dough, and I don’t mean the burger bun!

This is one of the fun ways to give money that’ll have recipients saying “I’m lovin’ it!”

Go crazy over a fries box brimming with crispy cash instead of potato slices, and unwrap a quarter pound… of quarters! Now that’s what I call a “rich” meal.

Whether you’re a fan of fast cash (I’m assuming this one right?) or fast food, this funny cash gift idea is a perfect blend of both.

Did someone say #HappyMealHappyWallet?

8. Money Rosette

Source: The Inspired Barn

What another fun and special DIY money gift idea for graduation !

Make one of these Money Rosettes for your friends’ or family members’ graduation! If you want to give money as a gift, then you can’t get any more thoughtful than this!

9. Play-Doh Money Gift Idea

Source: Pinterest

Everybody loves to spend money on fun things, so what better way to gift them money using a “Play-Doh” container?

They will treat the “dough” as “Play” money – allowing them to spend it on whatever they want without feeling guilty about it.

Everyone wants to receive some fun play “dough”, right?

10. Piggy Bank filled with Money Inside

This is a SUPER fun and cute way to gift money to a kid or young adult. It will also work for adults who are looking for inspiration and motivation to save more money!

Simply grab a beautiful piggy bank like this special one and fill them with coins and/or cash of your choice.

Not only is this practical, but it’s a unique way to give money without appearing like that boring person who just hands out cold cash!

If you’re looking for unique piggy banks for both adults and kids, then I encourage you to check out this list of the best piggy banks for adults . I promise you and the receiver will love them!

11. Candy Bars Wrapped with Money

Although there are a lot of money surprise ideas, there’s one that’s definitely sweet. This money-wrapped candy bar is a gift you can rely on when you want to give a sweet treat.

All you have to do is grab the person’s favorite candy and wrap them with money. Finish it up with a ribbon around it to make it look presentable. And yes, it can be a last-minute gift for times when you’ve forgotten or just didn’t have enough time to buy a gift.

But what you’re not giving it to a sweet tooth? No problem! Simply replace the candy and chocolate bars with healthy energy bars. Actually, using their favorite snacks in place of the candy is even better.

Take the gift to the next level by inserting a gift card if you know they’ll use it. You can also add a letter in there if you’re feeling extra sentimental!

12. Money Card Holder

If you’re NOT a crafty person and are looking for the quickest and easiest solution possible (and the fact that you really don’t have all the time in the world), then pick up these pretty holiday money cardholders for Christmas and slip in some brand new crisp bills with a personalized message.

In today’s world where most people turn to e-gift cards or e-cards, the fact that you’re writing a personalized message and gifting it in person or mailing it to their home address is already considered a thoughtful gesture.

For something generic, pick up these money cardholders for any special occasion – they work for Birthdays, Weddings, Baby showers, Graduations, Valentine’s Day, and even winter celebrations.

For us, we love panda hugs instead of bear hugs, so this very pretty panda cash card holder will make the perfect money gift for panda lovers!

You can stock up on any of these card holders and you’ll still look thoughtful without having to scramble at the last minute!

Speaking of pandas, we have a list of the 50 best panda gifts for panda bear lovers , which you can easily pair with some cash or a gift card when you decide to pick up one of these panda themed gifts.

13. Put money inside a new pair of socks

Call it the “Sock It To Me Savings” money gift idea!

Why just warm their feet when you can warm their wallets too?

Introducing the latest in foot-finance fashion here… Money-filled socks!

Just go ahead and put money inside their favorite pair of socks – whether it’s a pair of Nike socks or a pair of TNA socks from Aritzia.

Slip your foot in and feel the bills, because there’s nothing more comforting than toes wrapped in cash. It’s a funny way to give cash that’s toe-tally unexpected.

Say goodbye to cold feet about gifting and hello to sock-sessful surprises!

14. Pull money out of a tissue box gift idea

Source: Crafting Really Awesome Fun Things

Want to call it the the tear-jerker tissue box?

For those moments when you want to dry their eyes and fatten their wallets!

This is probably the cleverest tissue box on the block – where each pull doesn’t give you a tissue to wipe away tears but a delightful bill to bring tears of joy. It’s not just for sniffles; it’s for snickers and smiles. A gift idea so touching, it’s bound to be money well spent!

15. The gift of an investment (money gift that keeps giving)

Are you after unique ways to gift money? This one takes the cake.

Make your gift go the extra mile with the gift of an investment.

Okay, okay. I know some might question this gift idea, but it’s the kind of present that can have a long-lasting impact, especially if you do it right.

Instead of a traditional present they’ll enjoy briefly, you can gift a slice of their favorite company with stocks!

I’m not at all trying to give financial advice with this idea. Any money moves you make are purely your choice, so think thoroughly before going with this.

But honestly, based on my experience, stock investments are amazing gifts because they have the potential to bank more money for the recipient you love. And that’s exactly what happened to me and my husband.

Flashback to 2013, I bought my hubby Apple (AAPL) stocks for his birthday. I thought it was more exciting than straight cash, so why not?

At first, he thought I’d gone bonkers. I can’t blame him, really. But look fast forward to today, that “bonkers” gift ballooned by a whopping 900%! Guess who’s laughing now? Talk about an apple a day keeping poverty away!

16. The gift of a profitable blogging venture (another cash gift that keeps giving)

This next money gift idea isn’t typical, but it’s a total life-changer. It’s not just my favorite, but also something that’s seriously switched things up for both me and my husband.

Imagine starting a blog as a fun hobby and it snowballing into a $120,000-a-year gig within 18 months – that’s what happened with me and here are some screenshots below as living proof.

I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected achievement of earning $1,936 in just a single day through my small and personal blog. Yes, in ONE single day!

Earnings of $6,392.10 in a month on my other hobby blog – yes, I started a second blog when this blog, Finsavvy Panda, started earning over six figures a year:

If you’re interested, you can check out the full story of how I went from hobby blogging to becoming a full-time blogger here , including how I make over six figures per year on Pinterest here , which are my readers’ all-time favorite posts!

And no, you don’t need to have any experience to start a money-making blog. Trust me, I had absolutely zero knowledge in tech, writing, etc. but I learned and made the best decision in my life!

As I was excited about how a little blog like this was able to earn a full-time income, I decided to gift my husband his own piece of the blogging world.

I paid for his hosting plan, and just like that, he was in the game.

And hey, if you’re curious about the ins and outs of starting a profitable blog, check out this detailed guide . It’s super affordable to kickstart at just $36 – talk about an affordable yet impactful gift, right?

And guess what? He loved it so much, he quit his 9-5 job to join me on this blogging journey. As if the excitement from those Apple stocks from my story above wasn’t enough, right?

I only share this story because it’s a gift idea that keeps on giving, my friend. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Heck, you might even want to jump on board and start one yourself if the idea tickles your fancy!

So, here’s my advice if you want to give a monetary gift that’s not only thoughtful but creates a lasting impact: Think about gifting them a head start in the blogging world.

A domain name or a year’s hosting could be the ticket to turning their passion into cold, hard cash.

We’re talking about more than just a present here – it’s a golden opportunity for an income stream. Now that’s what I call a gift that could pay some serious dividends!

17. The Lucky Money Tree Gift Card and Cash Holder

You can mix up a variety of cash and gift cards with this money tree holder with LED lights .

C’mon – Who wouldn’t want a LUCKY money tree on their desk or home office space?

We’re a huge fan of money trees as a gift of prosperity, wealth, health, and healing, so we even have a list of the best money tree gift ideas for you to explore!

18. Dollar Bill Origami

I personally folded different variations of dollar bill origamis using these super easy dollar bill origami tutorials , brought them to a Kris Kringle (AKA White Elephant) party, and it was the hottest gift item being stolen and the most sought-after gift at the exchange!

I’m telling you… people will not admit that they want money as a gift, but their actions speak louder than words!

People actually LOVE the gift of cash, especially when it’s folded in the form of some cool origami paper bills, so you can’t go wrong with it since it’s one of the most practical money gift ideas!

19. DIY Coke Cash Tree Money Gift Idea

Source: Passion For Savings

If you’re looking for fun ways to give money as a gift, then consider giving the gift of joy with these soda cans!

This gift is not only fun because of what’s inside (money) and how it looks, it’s also fun because of the arranging and decorating that you have to do to make it.

There are exactly 12 Coke cans in this money tree, so you can just arrange and gift as much money as you can fit in the tree. If you’re feeling extra generous, you can add gift cards and letters in there.

I guarantee you that any Coke lover will appreciate this gift, especially if they love money, too (who doesn’t?).

20. Money and Gift Card Basket

Source: Ink Happi

Instead of a gift basket filled with snacks, chocolates, sweets, or hot cocoa, consider gifting a basket filled with gift cards to the receiver’s favorite shops along with some fresh dollar bills!

This money gift idea works for Birthdays, Graduations, and even for Christmas!

These cash gift baskets beat the prepacked ones filled with random products that people may not end up liking. Those big baskets usually cost over $50 and can go for hundreds of dollars, so why not give cash in a crafty basket like this?

In addition to that, you can slip in a small item you know they will enjoy.

For example, if your girlfriend loves O.P.I nail polish, and you know she uses them often, then include an inexpensive mini set into the basket to make it look fuller and more creative.

Now that’s what I call practical and thoughtful!

21. Slip Money and Gift Cards into a Deck of Cards

Source: Smart Fun DIY

I actually did this one year and slipped a $20 Starbucks gift card in a deck of cards along with a $20 bill for a Secret Santa exchange at work.

The person who unwrapped the present was SO angry at receiving a deck of cards and said “REALLY? Seriously? Who is inconsiderate enough to give a deck of cards???”

Someone screamed aloud, “Open the deck of cards! Maybe there’s something else inside!”

So, she did.

Her face turned from super furious to jolly and happy once she saw that there was a $20 Starbucks gift card along with a $20 bill inside.

But she got very upset again when someone stole her gift during the White Elephant exchange game – ha, that tells you that people actually do want practical gifts like cash!

22. Money Birthday Cake Gift Idea

Source: Life In Between

This is not to say to replace an actual cake with a cake made of dollar bills.

I mean, baking delicious cakes for someone special is practical. Who doesn’t love cake, right?

In fact, you can still gift a real cake and craft another one separately made of real money to showcase your crafty and creative side.

23. Money Shirt Gift Idea

It’s always tricky to give clothes because you’re not sure if it will fit them. But did you know that you can give a shirt as a present without knowing someone’s size?

How? Well, just bring out the dollar bills and gift them a shirt made of real money. They can just use the money to buy all the clothes they want – and in the right size!

Birthdays, graduations, or even Christmas — these are all the right occasions to gift this if you want to give money in a fun way. This is also the ideal gift for someone who’s celebrating a new job or a big career milestone!

24. DIY Money Wreath Gift

Source: Crazy Little Projects

This DIY Money Wreath will make a cute graduation cash gift – any fresh graduate will love to receive money in this form!

For the holidays, you can also gift money by creating a Christmas wreath!

25. Book of Money Gift

Source: Martha Stewart

If you’re a crafty person and you appreciate the work of art, then consider making one of these pretty DIY covers and turn it into a book of money.

Again, who doesn’t want money? We can all use a little bit of money after the holidays to pay off some debt , right?

26. Creative Ways To Give Money Inside Balloons

Source: Sugar and Charm

You can insert some cash into a Birthday, Graduation, or Holiday balloon as a creative way to give money.

You’ll cherish these memories especially when you see the receiver who’s getting scared and excited to pop the balloons open for the money inside.

27. Emergency Cash

Source: Sendomatic

Everyone needs an emergency fund sometime in their life.

Why don’t you start a small one for them by framing it in a photo frame like this?

What a funny way to give money – the receiver will love it and get a good laugh out of this!

28. DIY Money Origami Graduation Caps

Every new grad needs some cash, and we’re all for giving them! But simply handing them cash can feel a bit, well, straightforward. Good thing there are many graduation money gift ideas out there.

Put some creativity into your gift (while staying on theme!) with these cute origami graduation hats.

Who knew folding a graduation hat using dollar bills could make for a thoughtful gift to someone going on the next chapter of their life?

29. Photo Album with Money

This would make a perfect gift for someone who likes to collect coins or dollar bills.

Simply insert all the famous faces of real dollar bills into a photo album or make it into a scrapbook gift if you want to go the extra mile!

30. DIY Money Tree Gift Idea

Source: eHow

Do you know a plant parent who’s celebrating something special soon? Give them a well thought-out gift with this DIY Money Tree.

With this gift, it looks like you spent a lot of time and effort to make something special. Any friend or family member of yours will appreciate the beautiful and rich gift.

If you’re feeling extra generous, you can fill the with different variations of coins. You can also fill it in with other small items that you think the receiver will like.

Who wouldn’t want to put one of these on their office desks or tables?

31. Hidden Money Inside Jar Gift

Source: My Home Based Life

Bills are bills. Although anyone would be happy to receive them, they can look boring.

Bring color to your money gift by filling a glass jar with their favorite candies and surprise them with cash inside! Along with the cash and candies, you can also add a note and other small items.

This is one of the easiest and most practical ways to give money. You don’t have to go through so many steps and look for the materials you need because they’re all very accessible. And above all, I guarantee that everyone will love this money gift idea, regardless of what event there is!

Another great thing about this gift is that you can stay on the theme. Simply decorate the jar depending on the occasion or concept of the party. If it’s for Christmas, using red and green decorations will do.

32. Graduation Gift with Money in Jar

Source: No Biggie

Another creative and practical way to gift money in a mason jar is to roll the money into diplomas and fill them into the glass with an enclosed graduation hat!

All new graduates can use some extra cash!

33. Money Clip Wallet Gift

Shopping for your boyfriend or husband? Look no further!

You can slip in some dollar bills and/or gift cards in one of these sleek and functional money clip wallets for men . I highly recommend #5 from the list because it’s one of the most popular money clip wallets for the guys.

This will be his favorite gift of all time! 🙂

34. Gift $15, $25, or $50 in PayPal money online (for free)

Need a creative way to give money as a gift without pulling cash from your wallet?

Why not earn it (for free) instead, and gift it to someone special?

I absolutely love this strategy to earn free money !

With Swagbucks , you can take online surveys to collect points, then redeem them for PayPal cash in amounts like $15, $25, $50, or even $100. Imagine gifting that easily earned money to a friend or family member for their birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s a personalized gift that truly shows you care.

I’ve been earning free cash with Swagbucks for over a decade, using it to create memorable gifts for my loved ones. So, why can’t you?

Here is a screenshot of a $50 PayPal gift card from Swagbucks that I can redeem for cash – I can choose to keep it for myself or gift it to a recipient, like my mom or a close friend, for a special occasion such as Christmas, graduation, or a birthday:

Simply by sharing your opinions on products, services, or trends, you can accumulate points that translate into real monetary rewards. With dedication and regular participation, those points can quickly add up, giving you the flexibility to redeem them for PayPal cash.

It’s a win-win opportunity that turns your thoughts into cash, but what’s even more powerful is the chance to gift money to friends or family.

Yes, you’re contributing valuable insights that help shape brands and industries, but the real joy and impact come from transforming those rewards into meaningful gifts, adding a personal touch to your online earnings.

Earn free money with Swagbucks today – sign up through this special link and get a $5 bonus instantly . Just verify your email (it takes 5 seconds) to secure the bonus. It’s free, and I’ve been earning cash answering surveys on my phone for over a decade. Try it in your spare time!

Related post: Top 10 Survey Sites To Earn PayPal Money Online Today

35. Surprise Money Bath Bomb

Relaxation and money are two things that almost anybody will be happy to get. Give someone special exactly those two things with this money bath bomb.

You can gift these bath bombs to anyone and for any occasion! Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, or holiday, it will be a much appreciated present. What’s amazing about these surprise bath bombs is that they actually have money inside!

The lucky recipient of these bath bombs can get a chance to win up to $2,500 in grand prize! Although what’s inside varies since it is a surprise, there’s a guaranteed real money, at least $2, inside.

Of course, you don’t have to just give it to someone. You can get these for you and your friends to have some fun and surprising time. The thrill and excitement of possibly getting a big surprise isn’t to be missed, so that’s an added excitement when opening the gift.

Christmas Money or Cash Gift Ideas

All the above ideas on how to give cash as a gift are great for any special holiday, including Christmas too! But I wanted to create a separate list here of the best money gift ideas here that are perfect for Christmas.

These are all Christmas-themed cash gifts and they are my personal favorites that I like to do whenever I am giving money as a gift during the holiday season. I hope you enjoy these too!

Speaking of ways to give money for Christmas, have you also considered these creative ways to make extra money for Christmas ? I recommend checking out this post so you can earn and save $1,000 by Christmas !

36. Keeping it Simple

Admit it, we run out of time trying to find the perfect present. We have so many gift ideas that we end up with nothing. I know the feeling! But the best course of action is to think smaller.

A simple glass or mason jar gift idea can get you through any occasion. It’s a fantastic way to give cash without looking like that unthoughtful person. Despite that, it still looks like you put in a lot of thought and effort.

Go ahead and load up the jar with bills, coins, or a combination of both. Attach a personalized message with it to make it more presentable and thoughtful.

37. DIY Christmas Envelopes

Source: Easy Peasy and Fun

Another simple yet creative way to give money is to create DIY Christmas (or Graduation, Wedding, Birthday, etc.) envelopes and insert fresh bills into them.

As always, add a personalized note and sign it off to add that personal touch.

People always appreciate anything you’ve made or written by hand, regardless if you give them cash or not.

38. DIY Money Bouquet

Source: Fun Squared

An alternative to receiving a bouquet of flowers for Graduation or for Christmas is to gift them in the form of money.

The best part is the receiver will be able to put the money to good use. Or maybe they will keep it as is and leave it on their desk as a décor piece. At least they know that they can use the money when they really need it in case of an emergency. 😉

39. Creative Ways To Give Money with Origami Flowers

Source: Homemade Gifts

For birthdays and Valentine’s Day, flowers are a perfect gift. However, they can get repetitive.

Why not switch things up by slipping in some money in the form of origami flowers? You can either make a whole bouquet of origami money flowers, or you can just place some in a real bouquet.

Money is a practical gift, but it’s still thoughtful because of the flowers. What’s nice is that it’s not a very common gift, so anyone who receives this will be surprised in a good way!

40. DIY Christmas Tree Cash Gift

Source: The Sunny Side Up Blog

A fun and creative way to give money this Christmas is to try these cute little Christmas tree crafts using real cash. You can be extra generous and fill up those trees with $20, $50, or $100 bills – the recipient will be jumping for joy this holiday and appreciate this gift.

41. Creative Cash Gift inside Christmas Ornament

Surprise your friends, family, and even coworkers with this ornament filled with bills and coins. You can purchase these ornaments from any dollar or craft store and fill them up with cash. I particularly love giving these for Christmas because they’re fast to make while saving you so much time from shopping for the perfect present!

42. Beautiful Origami Money Tree Cash

Source: NProkuda Origami

If you enjoy origami as much as I do, then you’ll love making these origami Christmas trees.

Every year, I search for tutorials like these so I can make them for Secret Santas or Kris Kringle. I will tell you from experience that this type of monetary gift never fails because, at the end of the day, most recipients want money even though they say they don’t. The smile and glow on their faces when they receive these, especially in the domination of $50 and up, speak louder than words.

43. Surprise Cash Hidden Inside Christmas Chocolate Box

Source: Try Try Try

Surprise your friends with a box of chocolates mixed with coins and cash! The money in these boxes sure makes a sweeter gift than the chocolate themselves. They want to be packing on the wealth and not sugar or calories! 🙂

44. Cute Holiday Golden Deer Holding Money

Source: Jacolyn Murphy

This cute lil’ deer with a “money bow” makes a great cash gift for Christmas. So adorable. Anyone will appreciate it.

You could even pop a red pom-pom on his nose with a glue gun and call him Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer!

45. Christmas Tree Wreath with Cash Craft

Christmas wreaths are wildly popular and for good reason.

When it’s almost Christmas time, why not make some of these money Christmas wreaths? It’s a joyful way to bring the spirit of Christmas with a bang to your friends and family.

Add a little red bow and jingle bell to make it magical. This will surely be a Christmas gift no one will forget, and that’s the goal with gifts, right?

Just make sure no one puts this on their front door, or the money might just disappear. Oops, did someone just call out “The Grinch who stole Christmas”?

FAQs About Creative Ways to Gift Money

Many of my readers have asked me about ways to give money, so I’ve decided to address those questions in this section.

1. How to decorate money as a gift?

Decorating money as a gift can elevate its presentation, making it feel personal and thoughtful.

One popular method is to use bill origami, turning currency notes into intricate designs like butterflies, flowers, or even clothing items.

Another approach is to create a money bouquet. Roll up the bills, tie them with ribbons, and arrange them like flowers in a vase or a decorative box.

For special occasions like birthdays or holidays, consider placing bills inside transparent balloons filled with confetti before inflating. This makes for an exciting gift reveal.

If you’re gifting to a book lover, use money as a bookmark inside a new book.

These creative presentations add an element of surprise and show the recipient that you’ve put thought into their gift, beyond the monetary value.

2. What is a nice way to gift money?

Gifting money can sometimes feel impersonal, but there are thoughtful ways to present it that add a special touch.

One elegant method is to fold the bills into origami shapes, like hearts or flowers, and present them in a beautiful box or tied together with a ribbon. This not only offers a monetary gift but also a keepsake that showcases the effort and thought you put into it.

Another idea is to incorporate the money into a thematic gift – for instance, placing bills inside a travel guide for someone dreaming of a trip, or in a piggy bank for a young saver.

By adding a creative twist, you transform a simple cash gift into a memorable experience that shows you care.

3. What are funny ways to give money as a gift?

Being a funny money gift giver and adding humor to monetary gifts can make the experience memorable and enjoyable.

One comical method is the “money pizza”. This is honestly one of my personal favorites! You can easily place folded bills in a pizza box in lieu of actual pizza slices.

Another idea is the “endless money tape”. What you do is tape bills end-to-end and roll them up in an empty tissue box, letting the recipient pull out their “never-ending” gift.

For the more adventurous, create a money-filled scavenger hunt or bury bills in a small container labeled “buried treasure” in a sandbox.

Alternatively, freeze bills in a block of ice, making the recipient “break the bank” to get their gift. Funny and cute joke, right?

Oh, I love this witty fun when it comes to giving funny money gift ideas! The funny “inflation” gift involves giving a balloon with a note saying “Sorry about the inflation” and a coin or small bill inside.

You can see that these playful presentations not only gift money but also the joy of laughter and a lasting memory, which is worth more than the money gift itself!

Giving Money as a Gift

One of the most practical and easiest ways to gift something is usually in the form of cash or gift cards. By the way, you can learn how to look for free gift cards online here.

This ensures that people can use it and buy whatever they want. They will actually be put to good use!

Instead of buying things that people don’t want or wasting them on products that end up collecting dust or in the garbage, consider these fun and creative ways to give money when you’re running out of ideas.

You can’t go wrong with these practical cash or money gift ideas!

The beauty is they also work for literally any special occasion and you can gift money whenever and in whatever form you want.

Just don’t pull out a plain white envelope and stuff it with cash since that will make you look lazy and unthoughtful. 😉

Enjoyed this post? Don’t forget to pin it! Also, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest over here ! 🙂

About Bonnie (Ling) Thich

I am passionate about finding ways to save, budget, and earn more. I always dreaded the traditional 9-5 job, and that pain really motivated me to start building a better relationship with my money so I could achieve financial freedom sooner. I woke up one day, and randomly started FinSavvyPanda.com (with no knowledge about blogs, websites, or whatsoever) where I share my financial and blogging journey to help you save, budget, and earn more. Fast forward 12 months, I was so surprised about earning a full-time income with my small blog , which allowed me to quit my job! I'd love to help you start your blog too, so you can do what you love and live on your own terms! You can click here to learn how you can start a profitable blog for beginners .

Reader Interactions

November 7, 2023 at 5:18 pm

how did you make the Pizza sign?

November 8, 2023 at 11:53 am

@Sherry Myers – you can just use any white paper and write your note with a marker. Or, you can type it onto the computer and simply print it out. To go more creative, you can use Microsoft Word and insert images and designs. One other tool I really enjoy using is Canva. 🙂

September 16, 2022 at 8:17 pm

I love that puzzle maze!!! I ordered them in bulk, that way I can just stuff cash and give them to everyone on my list. It is really the easiest thing to do and I’m gonna do it every year for birthdays and Christmas!

September 17, 2022 at 11:40 am

I enjoy the puzzle maze too! It’s awesome! 🙂

January 22, 2022 at 12:38 pm

OMG, the money bouquet is such a creative idea!

January 22, 2022 at 8:11 pm

@Andrew – I know it’s beautiful and a great way to gift cash!

January 22, 2022 at 11:08 am

Love your ideas about money gifts here. This will definitely come in handy in the future!

January 22, 2022 at 8:12 pm

December 11, 2021 at 8:46 am

Can you give instructions on how you created the money shirt gift?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Finsavvypanda.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and links to Amazon.com. Privacy policy . Disclaimer . Terms & Conditions .

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Holidays & Entertaining
• The Best Gift Ideas of 2024

8 Creative (and Thoughtful) Ways to Give Money as a Gift

Cash is a welcome gift, whether you decide to offer crisp bills, a check, a Visa gift card, or send it via an electronic transfer.

Highlights: * Has worked as a fact checker for Real Simple since 2022 * Worked as a staff writer for Mochi Magazine * Currently runs and operates the United States blog for Student Beans

Giving money as a gift—or even asking for money as a gift—used to be considered tacky. But not anymore. "Money is an appropriate gift," says etiquette expert Elaine Swann, founder of The Swann School of Protocol . "Studies say that it is the most welcomed gift—the one gift that most people want."

But gifting money has a lot of questions around it. How much money can you gift to your family? How do you gift money to a child? Is just adding money to a Visa gift card a great gift? And how do you ask for money as a gift?

According to Swann, the amount of money you gift depends on your budget , your relationship with the giftee, and the type of occasion. (You'll probably be more generous with a beloved niece or nephew who's graduating from college than you would be for an occasional babysitter at Christmas.) And if you're wondering how much money you can give—without tax implications—you can currently give $16,000 per person ($32,000 per person if it's you and your spouse giving the financial gift), before you have to file a gift tax return with the IRS.

As for asking for money as a gift, it's more acceptable than it was in the past. But rather than saying "Money only, please," explain how the money might be used. "Make your request specific and purposeful," Swann says. "You might say, 'We're getting married, have everything we need, however, we're going to do renovations on our home.' Or for your birthday, you could make a request and say, 'I'm working hard to pay off the rest of my student loans!' Make it meaningful—not just a money grab."

How to Gift Money Creatively

Using Venmo, Zelle, or other electronic ways to gift cash is perfectly acceptable now, Swann says. (And if you're the recipient of a money gift delivered electronically, it's also perfectly acceptable to send a thank-you note via email.) "Show your gratitude with a meaningful email—a text may be a little too brief, and an emoji is not the best form of thank you," Swann recommends.

Here are a few more of our favorite ways to give money as a gift.

Include a Heartfelt Note

No matter how you gift money—even if it's just a Venmo—make sure your recipient knows just how much they're loved and appreciated. "Include a note to the person that shows that you've given this some thought, and that there's meaning behind it," Swann says. "If they're an avid gardener or into sports, you could say, 'Here's to your next golf game,' or 'Here's a little something to help you as you expand your garden.'" Just like any other gift, it's the thought that counts.

Fold It Beautifully

Origami tricks are a great way to gift money creatively— fold your dollar bills into hearts to show your love, or a bouquet of flowers for a wedding gift.

Attach It to Another Gift

While money may be the centerpiece of the gift, it doesn't have to be the only item you give—you can nestle the cash inside a basket with candy, beauty products, or other treats your recipient would love. Or go one step further and use money as gift wrap for another gift.

Create a Money Tree

We all know money doesn't grow on trees, but you can make it seem like it. There are a few different options for how to make a money tree gift basket. You can either attach bills to a styrofoam topiary form (make it easy to remove them without damaging the money by using easy-lift scotch tape), or attach gift cards or money to a branch or a living plant (our money's on a money plant).

Add It to a Surprise Ball

If you haven't seen a surprise ball, it's a large ball of crepe paper that the recipient unravels, finding trinkets (and in this case, cash) along the way. All you need is a nice-sized roll of crepe paper, your money gift, and a few other fun objects (think tiny figurines, bracelets, or pieces of candy).

Play On the Idea of "Dough"

Wrap your cash gift in with a loaf of bread, a rolling pin, or even inside an (empty!) jar of Play-Doh.

Disguise Your Money Gift

Use packaging from another desired gift—a box of chocolates, a tin of tea, or a jewelry box might do the trick.

Suit the Season

You can roll up the cash and put it into a clear ornament to put on your Christmas tree, or place it inside plastic Easter eggs and let your recipient hunt for their treasure.

Related Articles

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Creating Really Awesome Fun Things

23 Creative Ways to Give Money

Updated on March 19, 2023   |  By Jamie Dorobek   |   65 Comments

Who doesn’t enjoy receiving money as a gift, but handing someone a card with a $20 dollar bill inside seems so… boring. With a little extra effort and a dose of creativity you can make giving cash fun again! Here are 23 creative ways to give money for Christmas, graduations, birthdays or any occasion. Many of these ideas can double as clever ways to give gift cards too!

Are you looking for cute ideas for giving money? You can turn almost any object into a creative way to give money with a little thought. Toilet paper, balloons, Play-Doh, and Pez dispensers are just a few fun ways to give money on this list. And everyone loves the gift of money!

1. Balloon pop

2. toilet paper.

This is the perfect cash giving option for 2020, ha! Bonus: it’s so easy to put together and useful! Add a twenty to the center of a toilet paper roll with a note that reads “ Just in case you get crap for Christmas, use this! ”

3. Play “Dough”

And some extra “Dough” to a container of Play Doh for a gift that is sure to be enjoyed! Check out this post on C.R.A.F.T. for more details on how to give cash in Play-Doh .

4. The best kind of Pez-ent

Cash and candy? Yes, please! Check out C.R.A.F.T. for more details about giving cash in a Pez Dispenser .

5. Jolly jar

For a creative way to gift cash or a gift card consider hiding it in a mason jar filled with red Jolly Ranchers.  Simply fill a mason jar with candy and hide the gift card inside. Add a sweet handmade tag that says, Wishing you a holly jolly Christmas!

6. Embroider a canvas

Here’s another creative, not as simple way to hide a gift card. Embroider a canvas with a silly message and attach the gift card to the back side. For all of the details about h ow to embroider a canvas post.

7. Santa box

As long as you have access to a printer, this is a super cute money gift box! You can stuff Santa’s belly with money, gift card or even chocolate. Download and print the free printable pillow box here .

8. Box of chocolate

I want to be there when little Johnny opens this chocolate box! Fill each empty wrapper with coins or bills for a fun surprise. See all of the details on  Life as a mom .

9. Holiday dough

10. Peppermint rolls

11. scavenger hunt.

Scavenger hunts make any present or gift card way more fun to give and receive. I’ve created clue game scavenger hunts for kids and adults. For really young kids, I always make clues with pictures and for adults I make up silly rhymes. Here’s way to much information about preparing scavenger hunt clue games on C.R.A.F.T.  (Here’s another post about scavenger hunt games for any age!)

12. Gingerbread dough

This gingerbread “dough” and poem are such a clever way to give cash. The poem reads:

Gingerbread man with yummy icing are oh so good and extremely enticing. I set out to make a dozen or two, but ran out of time. Oh what do I do? So instead of the cookies I tied a bow. It’s your own personal serving of holiday dough!

(Oringially found on Heart and soul scrappers.)

13. Secret book money

Hide a crisp $20 bill in a good book. Freakanomics , C.R.A.F.T. ,  Guns, Germs, and Steel, or Where the Crawdads Sing  are a few good options. A cook book or an adult coloring book could be perfect for the right person too! The hard part is not telling the recipient. Just let the recipient find the hidden treasure as they flip through the book. I promise they will be excited. It is like finding hidden money in your winter coat pocket!

14. Tissue money gift box

Turn a Kleenex box into a money gift box and attach a note that reads, “Don’t blow it all in one place!” Get the free “Don’t blow it all in one place” printable at C.R.A.F.T.

15. Paper bag pocket

16. emergency money.

Here’s a funny way to wrap a gift card or cash, frame it in glass with an insert that says, “In an emergency break glass!”  Image found via Create my Event.

17. Raining money

Who doesn’t love raining money? Whip up this clever way to make cash rain from an umbrella from The Seasonal Home .

18. Pizza “dough”

Pizza is always a good idea, especially when it involves dough!

Origami money

19. money tree.

Who doesn’t want a money tree? Find the complete tutorial over at Then She Made.

20. Origami Christmas tree

The iconic red truck carrying a Chrsitmas tree got a paint job and a grew an origami money tree! This is such a clever way to give money this holiday season. For more details, check out Jacolyn Murphy .

21. Origami money heart

This is a great way to give cash for a graduation. See how to make an origami heart at  Homemade gifts .

22. Money lei

A money lei might be the most creative money gift idea I’ve seen! Hop on over to Lil Luna for a detailed tutorial.

23. Dollar bill wallet

Use 2 one dollar bills to create a holder for a gift card or more bacon! Complete tutorial at Crafty Journal .

With Christmas just around the corner, I know this list of creative ways to give money will be super helpful! If you’re looking for more ways to give the gift of cash, but don’t want to DIY, consider buying one of these fun items to hide cash, coins or gift cards inside:

• Coin counting jar  (Love this idea for kids!)
•   Brain teaser gift card holder
• Dictionary safe with combination lock
• Insulated water bottle with secret compartment for money

Do you have any other ideas about how to give cash creatively? I’d love to hear…

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply, comments & reviews.

June 27, 2023

Last year I bought gloves for my family & put a $5,00 bill in each finger. They all loved it. Am looking for a new way this year. The men really thought they were getting gloves & said they really needed them, didnt think of putting them on!!!

December 19, 2022

I made clear homemade soap and included the coins and bills inside each bar!

December 23, 2022

I love that idea!!!

December 18, 2022

Directions needed by Jacolyn Murphy for origami Christmas tree on pick up truck. Please

December 16, 2022

We give an equal amount of cash to our 2 children and their spouses every Christmas. One year I got $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills and divided them into two equal stacks, one for each couple, and had them play bingo. Every time one of them got a number I gave them a bill off the stack until the cash was gone. Imagine the eyerolls I got that year!

One other year I asked everyone for a list of not too expensive things they buy regularly (coffee, deodorant, pasta, soap, laundry detergent, etc.). I attached the bills to the items and wrapped separately. It was a lot of work but they loved it.

These are both such fun, thoughtful ways to give cash! I love that everyone got to plat BINGO together 😉

November 27, 2022

Last year we gave $ in false bottom boxes. I was shopping in a health food store and noticed these small boxes holding chocolates for sale. They were empty and would be recycled so they let me have them. I fashioned a false side and false bottom from one box and stuck them into two other boxes. Cereal box thickness. $ hidden underneath. Something simple inside like a chocolate in tissue paper. Was a hit. Happy Holidays.

November 12, 2022

My favorites are the dough ones and the scavenger hunts. Thanks!

December 14, 2021

Just in case you’re upset over not getting what you wanted for Christmas here’s a box of kleenexes. Love Mom then I open the bottom of the kleenex box took out the stack up kleenexes and between each one I put a piece of money and then sealed the bottom of the kleenex box. The top had never been opened. When they opened the top there was a kleenex however every other pull was money, $1s, $5s, $2s, $10s, $20s, $50s and the last on was $100.

December 16, 2021

What a fun idea!!

December 12, 2022

That is cute, but money is so dirty….do you clean the bills beforehand?

November 15, 2021

One year my Dad gave my Mom a brick, the kind with the holes. She wasn’t very happy opening a brick but she also didn’t see the cash rolled up inside each hole. LOL! I’ve done the balloon gift for birthdays and money origami for Christmas and Weddings multiple times. I also made paper firecrackers with a pull here tab with cash. Being creative with a cash gift is always a hit!

December 11, 2020

This year I am giving the parents a toilet roll, with money in the hole and attached a sign SOUVENIR OF 2020!

December 17, 2019

Totally enjoyable one!! Thanks a lot!

These are all awesome ideas! Thanks for the inspiration! The one with the balloons is so fun!

November 11, 2019

When I became disabled I could not shop but I didn’t want to just hand the kids money I would give them a Christmas card with a clue such as Rudolph was Santa’s number one flyer go look in the washer and ————. When they get to the dryer there would be a card with some money and another clue. They continued to do that until they had found all their money. I used every rhyme I could find over the years. They really enjoyed the hunt!!

November 21, 2019

That is such an awesome idea! Thanks, I’m going to give it a go.

December 11, 2019

love the idea. can yo share more of your clues?

Yes, more clues

Hi! Click through to the posts about scavenger hunts! I have tons of clues in those 🙂 https://www.creatingreallyawesomefunthings.com/birthday-scavenger-hunt/

Get C.R.A.F.T. in your inbox!

I want everyone to feel empowered to be creative with their kids so, I’m sharing what I learned for free in a 5 day e-mail course!

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Holidays and Traditions
• Gift Giving

19 Creative Ways to Give Money as a Gift

Last Updated: July 10, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Direct Relief and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit . Direct Relief is an award-winning humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. They focus on helping people affected by emergencies and natural disasters. Direct Relief has been highly rated by Charity Navigator, GuideStar, and the Center for High Impact Philanthropy at University of Pennsylvania, for their effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 27,473 times.

Cash is probably exactly what the people in your life really want—but giving someone a plain, old $10 bill can feel bland or careless. But it doesn't have to be. Below, we've covered all of the most creative ways to give someone money, so your problem is solved. Plus, lots of these would work using a gift card as well. For all of the cutest, funniest, and most unique ways to gift someone money, read on.

Balloon Pop

• To find their gift, they'll have to pop each balloon.

• On the top inside of the box, add a cheeky message: “Oh no, the pizza isn’t finished! It’s just the dough.”
• For extra effect, spread quarters around your pie as “pepperonis.”

Raining Money

Pez Dispenser

• On top of the lid, write a cute message: “Maria’s Jolly Jar.”

Box of Chocolates

• For this one, you could roll bills, place them vertically, fold them into squares, whatever works. You may need ribbon or string to keep them in place.

• Now you need a stache. You have a few good options. For one, you could find a mustache sticker.
• Or, tape on a drawing or photo of a mustache. You could even make your own fake stache from pipe cleaners or string.

Break the Glass

Hollowed Out Book

Graduation Caps

Extra Dough

• Line up the animals so they look like they're making a long trek with your recipient’s money on their backs.
• For extra fun, consider adding a little homemade scenery, like construction paper trees, rocks, and flowers.

Two-Dollar Bills

Fun, Folded Shapes

• Engagement ring (perfect for wedding gifts)
• You can even raise funds to give money to particular groups of people. Kids can set up lemonade stands, bake sales, or donate their Christmas money. [20] X Research source
• People can use live-streaming to raise funds with very little overhead costs. [21] X Research source
• If you have any specialized skill set, you can use it for fundraising. [22] X Research source

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.prettymyparty.com/creative-ways-to-give-money/
• ↑ https://www.11cupcakes.com/2011/07/25/gift-wrapping-balloon-pop-2/
• ↑ https://www.moneyprodigy.com/creative-ways-to-give-money-to-a-teenager/
• ↑ https://www.nobiggie.net/25-creative-ways-give-money/
• ↑ https://redheadcandecorate.com/2019/04/money-pizza-pie-gift-2/
• ↑ https://seasonalhome.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/gifting-dad-a-grad-special-birthday-etc/
• ↑ https://www.myfrugalchristmas.com/Giving-Money-in-a-Pez-Dispenser-1.html
• ↑ https://www.sunburstgifts.org/birthday/easy-peasy-money-tree-topiary-cash-gift/
• ↑ https://jollyfestive.com/creative-ways-to-give-money-and-gift-cards/
• ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/g16593389/adult-easter-egg-hunt/
• ↑ https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/5-fun-ways-to-gift-wrap-money
• ↑ https://hellolittlehome.com/easy-diy-fathers-day-gift-idea-dads-secret-stache/
• ↑ https://www.sunburstgifts.org/birthday/in-case-emergency-break-glass-money-gift/
• ↑ https://www.sunburstgifts.org/birthday/money-stash-hollow-book-safe-secret-compartment/
• ↑ https://hative.com/graduation-cash-gifts/
• ↑ https://www.finsavvypanda.com/money-gift-ideas/
• ↑ https://pintsizedtreasures.com/money-gift-ideas/
• ↑ https://firstquarterfinance.com/where-to-get-2-dollar-bills/
• ↑ https://www.pennypinchinmom.com/origami-envelopes-and-other-creative-ways-to-give-money-as-a-gift/
• ↑ https://www.qgiv.com/blog/fundraising-ideas-for-kids/
• ↑ https://www.classy.org/blog/what-is-livestream-fundraising/
• ↑ https://www.cafonline.org/my-personal-giving/long-term-giving/resource-centre/ways-to-give-to-charity

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

31 Best 50th Birthday Gift Ideas to Celebrate Their Huge Milestone

This one is for the 1974 babies!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

As you shop recommendations from our gift experts, consider their interests to find a present they'll truly love. Turning 50 is all about nostalgia, so consider presents that honor the year they were born or just take them right back to their childhood. Or, you can focus on their hobbies ( are they a foodie , for instance?) or find a pick that's made to last (a metal wallet card engraved with a sweet message is just one idea on our list).

We've got great birthday gift ideas for men and thoughtful presents for women , as well as top-rated items they'll adore (even if they're not up to speed on TikTok). If you're shopping on a budget, don't stress. Everything here is affordable and won't empty your wallet. Feel free to choose two or three gifts to really impress them, and don't forget to pick up a card to write a meaningful birthday wish while you're at it!

Engraved Wallet Card

If you're hunting for a present he can take everywhere, look no further than this stainless steel card. The laser-engraved design is the perfect size for his wallet and it will last so much longer than the typical paper options.

Lapis Lazuli Bracelet

Lapis lazuli represents strength and wisdom, two things they'll surely need now that they're middle-aged. This simple bracelet isn't just for women either, it's subtle enough to be styled for him, too.

50th Birthday Tumbler

A cute 50th birthday gift for her, this stainless steel tumbler will keep her drinks insulated on the go. It has double-wall vacuum insulation, a cheerful design and is under $20 to boot!

These burlap wine bags will add a fun touch to her 50th birthday bash. They're large enough to fit a standard champagne bottle and come printed with fun birthday facts for 1974. She'll want to reuse them long after the celebration is done.

Sleep Aid Device

They'll never have fitful sleep again with this handy device, which trains the body to sleep naturally through timed lighting and breathing exercises. Amazon reviewers say that it's helped to improve their sleep and encourages mindfulness.

Custom Leather Jewelry Box

She'll instantly be in love with this beautiful custom leather jewelry box, which features her name and birth month flower. It also includes necklace hooks, an elastic pocket and ring holders to keep all her favorite pieces organized. It's available in eight colors.

Cloud Slippers

One Amazon reviewer described these EVA foam slides as "super cushy" and with over 12,000 five-star ratings, it seems many other customers agree. They have unisex sizing and come in a bunch of fun colors. Their feet will thank you later.

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

She might be complaining of poor circulation now that she's turning 50, so these rechargeable hand warmers are actually a very thoughtful gift. They heat up in less than two minutes and will warm her hands for up to four hours when fully charged.

50th Birthday Cutting Board

The sweet message makes this bamboo cutting board the perfect pick for the newly minted 50 year old who loves to cook. Combine it with a homemade meal for a 50th birthday they'll never forget.

Silk Pillowcase

Good sleep is non-negotiable at this point in her life. Make sure she gets it with this soft silk pillowcase, which comes in a range of sizes and colors. The experts at the GH Institute found it to be sweat-wicking in their moisture management tests, and if you weren't aware, silk pillowcases are known to keep skin creases and hair frizz at bay.

RELATED: The Best Silk Pillowcases of 2024

50th Birthday 1974 Candy Gift Box

They can enjoy all of their favorite childhood candies with this fun gift box. It comes filled with treats that were popular in 1974 — think Pop Rocks, Chuckles, Laffy Taffy and more.

50th Birthday Makeup Bag

This unicorn makeup bag is an absolute steal at under $12. She can easily fit her cosmetics, essentials and more, and it has a unique design that'll help her feel extra special.

Flashback to 1973

They already know 1973 was a special year, but do they know just how special it was really ? This 75-page book is packed with fun-filled facts about entertainment, politics and so much more for them to learn all about it.

Milestone Birthday Necklace

Help her celebrate this major milestone with a minimalist necklace she can wear every day. Made of nylon and brass, the number of beads corresponds to the age she is turning.

Help them plan their next big trip with this Virgin gift card which can be used to book plane tickets, hotels and even activities. Plus, it'll be delivered right to their inbox, making it the perfect last-minute present.

RELATED: Unique Experience Gifts

Stainless Steel Charm Bracelet

The adjustable bracelet features four adorable charms, including a wine glass. There's also a cuff-version that's a little more subtle. "Gave to 3 of my friends and myself for special 50th birthday trip to Aruba. They loved them," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

RFID Wallet

A nice wallet is always a good gift idea. This one, which is a best-seller on Amazon, comes in so many colors and styles. The compact design can hold his cash and cards (up to 12). It also has RFID blocking for extra security.

Sterling Silver Pearl Necklace

Each pearl represents the decades they've been through. As if the necklace itself wasn't enough, it comes in this ready-to-gift box with the sweetest message.

Shrinky Dinks

Okay, hear us out. Shrinky Dinks were actually one of the hottest toys in 1973, so if you really want to bring them back, include this 51-piece set with their other gifts.

New York Times Birthday Book

Celebrate their special day with this custom birthday book that includes 20 newspaper clippings from the day they were born. They'll be fascinated to read about what was happening when they were making their world debut.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Gift Ideas 2024

30 Unique Gifts for Grooms

The Best Gifts for Cyclists

These Are the Best Gifts for Gen-Zers

The Best Golf Gifts to Get Them That Zero Handicap

20 Best Photo Gift Ideas Anyone Would Love

55 Best Gifts for Every Type of Dad

20 Best Breakup Gifts to Mend a Broken Heart

31 Best Dungeons and Dragons Gifts

20 Best Anniversary Gifts for Parents

20 Best End-of-the-Year Gifts for Students

20 Best 12-Year Anniversary Gifts

Find a store

10 creative ways to give cash.

Whether it’s for a birthday, graduation, Christmas or just because you love them and think they deserve a special treat, gifting someone cash is never a bad idea. But sometimes, you want to make it a little more exciting than just handing over a wad of bills.  

That’s why we came up with these fun, creative ways to give cash to make the experience more meaningful for both parties!

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores .

1. With my compliments  

Cut sheets of blank paper into dollar bill-sized pieces. On each one, write something you love about that person. The messages can be meaningful (“You have such a kind heart”), lighthearted (“You’re the funniest person I know!”) or a mix!

Roll those into scrolls and tie them with pieces of thin ribbon. Then do the same with a bunch of dollar bills. Put them in a jar or some other clear container for a gift that will never be forgotten.

2. The art of money  

Feeling crafty? Transform your money into a  proud peacock  or a new-job  shirt and tie . If you haven’t done origami before, though, you might want to practice with $1 bills before trying it with a twenty.

3. Birthday bills  

Help them make a birthday wish with this special set of money candles! First, roll dollar bills into scrolls so they look like birthday candles.

Then, tape them to the front of a birthday card , either sitting on top of a cake or solo. Add paper “flames” to really complete the look and you’ll be all set.

4. Money and memories  

Buy a cute photo album or scrapbook and fill it with photos of you and the recipient. In a few spots throughout the book, tuck in a folded bill instead of a picture.

5. Money pull  

If there’s one way to wow your recipient, it’s with this over-the-top money pull. See how we made it below!

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Cash, of course!
• Just Because mini card  
• Craft knife 
• Cutting mat 
• Tissue paper  

Start by taping the short ends of your cash together to create a string of bills. Fill out your card, seal it in the envelope and add a greeting to the recipient on the front.  

Next, tape the sealed envelope to the end of the dollar bills and roll up your string of cash.

Using the craft knife and ruler, create a slit in the front of the gift bag that matches the width of the mini card envelope. To make sure the craft knife doesn’t cut through the entire gift bag, we slid in a small cutting mat underneath. You could also use a small piece of cardboard.

Place your roll of bills into the gift bag and slide the card through the slit. Now, when the recipient pulls the card out, they’ll be pleasantly surprised with all that good cash!

Don’t forget to add tissue paper to make it pretty, and you’re done!

6. Colorful cash  

If they love to color, buy them some new crayons and markers —then wrap each individual crayon or marker in $1 bills. For an extra artsy touch, gift them in a pretty zippered pouch that they can carry on the go.  

7. DIY money lei  

In Hawaii, people give leis to celebrate lots of different occasions! Get step-by-step instructions for making one (and adding personal touches they’ll love) here .  

8. Pop the confetti  

Bring the party to them by adding colorful tissue paper and cash to confetti poppers. Here’s a tutorial on how to make tissue paper confetti . It’s so light and airy and flutters beautifully!

9. Sweet stacks  

This one’s perfect for people with a sweet tooth! Place an empty toilet paper roll inside a mason jar, put the money inside the toilet paper roll and fill the jar outside the roll with their favorite candy. Then, let them know there’s a surprise inside and to get snackin’!

10. Balloon bonanza  

How do you make balloons even more fun? By adding cash inside of them!

Fill a box with cash-filled balloons, and add a card on the flap that instructs your recipient to pop each one to see what’s inside. Just make sure they aren’t sensitive to noise before trying this one!

11. A framed fortune  

Give them a 2-in-1 gift by putting the cash in a decorative picture frame or photo frame ornament. Some of our favorite occasions to gift a new frame ornament include:

• Graduations
• Celebrating a new little one
• New house or first home
• Family vacation
• Starting a new grade

12. Flowers for you  

Make them a money bouquet mixed with flowers or candy. To plus it up, place it in a gift bag with mini cards inside or wrap it in tissue paper and ribbon .

13. Bills for book lovers  

Buy a book on their wish list (so you know they’ll read it) and hide cash somewhere inside of it as a bookmark. You could even hide bills between multiple pages to up the suspense!

14. Gaga for gift cards  

If sending a gift card is more your style, check out this DIY gift card holder to jazz it up a little.

This example is graduation-themed, but you can make it your own and decorate based on the sending occasion.  

15. Bills, bills and dollar bows  

Impress them with your fabulous origami skills (or just add a cool gift topper) with this bow made of cash: Take one bill and accordion-fold it the long way, then wrap it with another bill that’s been folded the long way into a strip. Use tape to secure the middle. Done!

With all these creative ways to give cash , you’ll never have to hand over a dull bill again. We’d even bet money on it (just kidding).  

Want even more fun gifting ideas? Check some of these out:

• Gift ideas to celebrate parents
• 20 creative and meaningful flower arrangement ideas
• How to plan a gift scavenger hunt
• 4 secrets to make every gift more meaningful
• 30+ creative ways to wrap, pack and send gifts in the mail

You may also like

Mother's day meaningful, personal mother's day gift ideas for every mom you know.

It can be tough to come up with gift ideas for Mom. Most of us want to give her something meaningful: a gift that sho...

Baby Gifts for new parents: Thoughtful things to give and do

We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and dads?...

Gifting Gift ideas to celebrate parents

How do you say “I love you” to parents that mean so much—the ones who’ve handled plenty of diaper changes (the really...

Gifting 15+ creative ways to gift mugs

I think lots of things are underrated, like mint chocolate chip ice cream (which does NOT taste like toothpaste, FYI!...

Easter Easter basket ideas for all ages: DIY decorations, gifts and more 

Excited to get hopping on those Easter baskets? We love to see it. And we love to inspire it, too! So we’ve put toget...

Graduation The College Survival Guide: Make the perfect graduation gift even better

The College Survival Guide was created to turn the most-requested high school graduation present (money) into a de...

Birthday 25+ ideas for creative, personal birthday care packages

When a friend’s birthday rolls around and you can’t be together to celebrate, the next best thing is to bring the cel...

Valentine's Day 200+ Valentine’s Day gift ideas for everyone in your heart

In junior high, I made a giant Valentine’s Day collage for my first girlfriend. She loved it. Was it amazing or dorky...

Christmas Nutcracker gifts for everyone on your list

Whether it’s because of the ballet performances we performed or saw with loved ones, one of at least a dozen movies (...

Christmas 100+ inexpensive Christmas gift ideas

I was a Christmas-gift-giving cautionary tale. It was the last day I could hand off a gift in time for the holiday. I...

Christmas Christmas care package ideas to make a present personal

We all know someone who could use a little extra care at Christmas: maybe it’s a friend going through a tough time or...

Christmas 30+ Secret Santa gift ideas for when you don’t know what to get them

It’s that time of year again—you’ve been cajoled into at least one Secret Santa gift exchange. If you’ve done this be...

Christmas Hallmark Channel gift ideas for the superfan in your life

For Hallmark Channel fans, the holiday season is full of delight. Whether it’s decorating the tree and baking somethi...

Anniversary 50th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Traditional: Gold Modern: Gold

Anniversary 25th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Traditional: Silver Modern: Silver

Halloween You’ve been booed: 3 Halloween boo bag kit ideas

Being a kid on Halloween is pretty magical. You can finally show off your costume, houses are decorated with all sort...

Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year

There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...

Anniversary 85+ anniversary gift ideas to celebrate the day you said “I do”

Look, here’s the situation—my wife and I have been together more than 20 years, which means there have definitely bee...

Gifting 25+ “just because” gift ideas to show you care

I love giving gifts, and it’s easy to do it on birthdays and holidays. But when I really want to flex my gift-giving ...

Anniversary 20th wedding anniversary gift ideas

Traditional: China Modern: Platinum

Added to your cart

We're sorry.

There was an error adding this product to your cart. Please close this window and try again.

• Sympathy Gifts

40 Clever Ways to Give Money as a Gift

Updated 09/26/2023

Published 06/5/2020

Joe Oliveto, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Money is a perfect gift for most occasions, and there are few people who may dislike receiving extra cash they can use as they please.

Even if you know the person you're sending money to will appreciate the gift, you might feel like sending them a card with cash or a check can be a little boring. Perhaps you're interested in more creative or clever ways to give money.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Creative ways to give money to a child or teenager, fun ways to give money as a gift, creative ways to give money as a christmas or holiday present.

• Creative Ways to Give Money for a Birthday or Another Special Occasion

Creative Ways to Donate Money for a Special Cause

Creative ways to give money for a graduation, creative ways to give money online, creative ways to give money for father's or mother's day.

If so, keep reading ahead. We've got tips on numerous creative ways to give money, helping you turn a common gift or donation into something a little more special.

There are plenty of reasons to give a kid or teen money as a gift. Consider adding a creative spin to the gift with these ideas.

1. Give a "diploma"

This is an ideal and creative way to give money to a recent grad. Roll up cash or a check like a diploma, and tie a ribbon around it. Sure, it's simple, but it fits the occasion.

2. Bring home a "special treat"

This is a cute and creative way to give money to a younger child. Bring home their favorite fast food treat and surprise them by hiding money in the box or bag, along with the food.

You'll need to place the money in a small plastic bag and tape it to the inside top of the box or side of the bag to keep it from touching the food, but this can be a fun trick to brighten a child's day.

3. Tape it to the dashboard

This creative way to give money is perfect for a teen celebrating getting their driver's license. When they head out for their first unsupervised drive, surprise them by taping cash or a check to the dashboard.

4. Stuff it in a report card envelope

Some schools mail final report cards, and some parents check them before their kids even know they arrived.

Maybe you're that type of parent. Maybe you're also very proud of your kid's grades. Reward them by resealing the report card envelope and pretending you haven't opened it yet. A kid dreading to see their grades will love to find cash (along with a "great job!") message when they open it.

5. Dress up

One of the cutest creative ways to give money to a small child is to do so dressed as one of their favorite characters. What kid wouldn't want to receive a gift from a favorite cartoon hero ?

All people, from romantic partners to old friends, enjoy receiving money as a gift. They'll enjoy it even more if you give them money in one of these creative ways.

6. Hide it in a candy jar

Cheer someone up with a glass jar filled with their favorite candy. Bury a small plastic bag with money inside to sweeten the surprise!

7. Trick them

This is a creative way to give money to someone who shares your sneaky sense of humor. Mail someone money, but use an envelope with an official-looking message that reads "URGENT: OPEN IMMEDIATELY."

This ensures they'll open the gift as soon as they receive it, while also giving them a harmless little scare.

8. Give money "tissues"

Looking for a get-well gift idea? Send someone a tissue box containing cash instead of actual tissues. (You could even include an adorable tissue box holder like this one .)

9. Ask for "help"

Show a loved one you appreciate the ways they support you in your daily life by asking them to "help" with a chore, hiding money accordingly.

For instance, maybe your partner is taller than you, and you rely on them to help you grab items from high cabinets. You could hide money with a "Thank You" message in one of those items.

10. Pack their wallet or bag

If your relationship with a partner or loved one is trusting enough that you know they'd have no qualms with you going into their wallet or purse, pack it full of money when they're not around.

Use small bills so you can include enough cash that they'll notice it.

Holidays offer the perfect chance to give money in creative and festive ways. Consider these examples!

11. Stocking stuffers

This creative way to give money as a Christmas gift may seem a little weird to some, but to others, it's a perfect gag. Surprise a loved one with a twist on the traditional stocking stuffer idea by stuffing a pair of socks you know they plan on wearing soon with some cash.

12. Pick a tree

Consider this idea if you like to turn gifts into arts and crafts projects. Design a diorama that resembles a lot where someone would purchase a Christmas tree, with dollar bills folded into triangles and propped up to look like trees. You could also stick dollar bills into foam tree cones, like these .

13. Hang ornaments

If you typically ask a loved one to help you hang ornaments during the holidays, fill a clear one with a removable top with cash, and write their name on it.

Place it in the bag or box where you usually keep your ornaments, choosing a spot where you're sure they won't miss it.

14. Plan an Easter egg hunt

Easter is another fun time to give gifts for some. Bring out an adult loved one's inner child by filling plastic Easter eggs with cash and sending them on a surprise Easter egg hunt around the house.

15. Wrap holiday bonuses in small boxes

Many companies give all employees small holiday bonuses in the form of gift cards. Surprise your employees by wrapping these bonuses in small boxes.

Creative Ways to Give Money for a Birthday or Another Special Occasion 

A good occasion to give money is also a good occasion to be creative. These ideas can help.

16. Give a "boring" gift

Play a harmless prank on a young person's birthday by giving them a "boring" gift, such as a pair of socks , with money hidden inside.

17. Show sympathy with a picture

Giving money on an occasion that's "special" for sad reasons can be difficult. You might wonder what the right funeral gift money amount is, or if you should even include money in a sympathy card .

That said, if you know someone who lost a loved one would appreciate the gesture, send them a framed picture of the loved one among family and friends, and tie a small envelope with money inside on top of the picture, positioning it near someone's arms or hands so it looks like they're presenting it as a gift.

18. Fill up some balloons

This is another fun and creative way to give money during a birthday celebration. Most party stores carry perfectly clear balloons you can fill with confetti.

Add in some cash and challenge the birthday-haver to pop them and collect their "winnings."

19. Cheer them up at work

Do you know someone who has to report to a retail or hospitality job on a special day, whether it's their birthday, Mother's Day, or any similar occasion?

Cheer them up by stopping by and making a purchase. When it comes time to pay, hand them a gift card first, instead of your actual debit or credit card. Just make sure you actually pay for your purchase too!

20. Add some fun to a meal

Serving someone breakfast in bed or simply making their favorite meal is a common way to celebrate a special occasion.

When the meal is over, deliver the "check" as if they were at a restaurant, surprising them with money or a gift card instead of a bill for the meal.

Whether you're making a memorial donation or simply donating to a cause that's important to you, it never hurts to donate in a creative manner. The following are some ways you can do so.

Tip:  If you want to donate funds in the name of someone who has passed away, consider creating an online memorial page with fundraising. Cake's online memorial pages are easy to use, free, and complete with the fundraising capabilities you need.

21. Donate in someone's name

Making a donation in the name of someone who either would have strongly supported a cause is a fun way to make a basic donation more creative.

22. Put on a show

If you' re a talented performer, or you know people who are, raise even more money for a donation by organizing a variety show and donating all the money from ticket sales.

23. Play trivia

Jeopardy! often broadcasts special episodes featuring celebrities donating their winnings to charities, with the amount of money donated based on their performance in the game.

Put a twist on this by deciding on an amount of money to donate to a cause ahead of time, then host a trivia night, with the plan to donate 50 percent of the sum in the name of the winning team, 25 percent in the name of the second-place team, etc. This can help spread awareness.

24. Declutter

Inspire your loved ones or friends to give to charity (and declutter their homes ) with a spring cleaning challenge.

When they're cleaning their homes, they should identify items they no longer need, selling them online and donating the proceeds.

25. Organize a charity backyard BBQ

Plan a simpler version of the charity dinners popular among the rich and famous by hosting a backyard BBQ with a box or jar where guests can deposit money to donate to a cause.

You may want to encourage everyone to make a donation to place their money in envelopes, so no guests feel ashamed of not donating as much as others. Or you could use a donation box that's not see-through, like this one . 

Money is a traditional graduation gift. Creative ways to give money to a recent grad include the following:

26. Cash in a savings bond

OK, you'll have to prepare very far in advance for this one, but purchasing a savings bond for a child and cashing it in when they graduate from high school or college is an idea worth considering if you're a parent or relative of a young child.

27. Pay for student loans

This idea is a lot more expensive than others. However, if you can justify the cost, you could surprise a recent graduate by letting them know you'll pay off some of their student loans for a year (or any other length of time).

28. Open an investment account

If you believe a recent grad is mature and wise enough to use an investment account responsibly, and if you have the money to do so, open an account for them and deposit a certain amount of money in it. This gesture will also signal to a grad that you have enough respect for them to trust them with an investment account.

29. Give money in a popular book

A popular gift for recent graduates is Oh, the Places You'll Go!   by Dr. Seuss. While a grad may appreciate the gesture if you were to give them this gift, they also might not have much practical use for a children's book. Surprise them by taping a check or cash to the inside of the front cover.

30. Give rent money

A recent graduate may be looking for an apartment of their own. Help them out by giving them money to pay for their first month's rent and/or security deposit. Again, the amount of money you give in this case will depend on how much you can afford. You may want to begin setting aside money in advance if you're considering this idea.

You don't have to see someone in person to give them money as a gift. The following creative ways to give money online are ideas worth considering if you live far from someone you're sending money to:

31. Give an online gift card

A gift card doesn't need to be a physical item. Many online retailers, such as Amazon , allow customers to purchase digital gift cards. This is a simple way to give money online that's also more eco-friendly than mailing an actual gift card.

32. Send money through a service such as PayPal or Venmo

Creative ways to give money online can be simple. Instead of overcomplicating the process of giving someone a gift, surprise them by sending them money through PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or any other service of that nature that you know they use.

33. Give credit on an app store

App stores typically allow customers to give credit to other customers. This is similar to a digital gift card. Consider giving money in this way if you know someone who loves purchasing apps.

34. Give an eCard

Digital greeting cards, or eCards , serve the same purpose as traditional greeting cards. The only difference is that you send them via email. They may also be animated. Consider sending one for a special occasion, along with some form of money, such as a digital gift card or an online money transfer.

35. Set up a GoFundMe

Do you know someone who's in need of money but is perhaps not the type to ask others for it? If so, you could set up a GoFundMe page for them, contributing some money to it yourself to get them started. Then, share the page with others on social media and through email to attract more donations.

Giving money is one way to show a parent you appreciate them on Father's or Mother' s Day. These creative ways to give money are ideas to keep in mind:

36. Give a bouquet with cash in it

A bouquet of flowers is a popular Mother's Day gift. You could add a little twist to this common gift idea by also placing cash bills between the flowers in the bouquet. Just make sure theyre noticeable and that you've inserted them in such a way that they're unlikely to fall out!

37. Give a "chocolate" box

A box of chocolates is another popular gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day. You can use one to give money by emptying out a chocolate box (make sure to save the chocolates themselves, though!) and filling it with cash. You can then give Mom or Dad the chocolates in another container.

38. Surprise them with a novelty check

If you're visiting a parent for Mother's or Father's Day, when you arrive at their home, surprise them by acting as if you're giving them a large novelty check because they won a competition for being the best mom or dad around. Of course, be sure to give them an actual check as well!

39. Make a "cash tie"

A tie  may be a popular Father's Day gift, but it can also be a somewhat boring and predictable one. Spice it up by wrapping cash bills around a tie and taping them so that they don't fall off. There are various guides on how to do this online.

40. Give memories and money

To give money in a genuine and heartfelt way, create a book with cash bills taped to the pages. Beneath the cash on each page, write something like "This is for…" mentioning a happy memory that involved Mom or Dad being there for you in some way.

Creative Ways to Give Money: Ideas Worth Keeping in Mind

Giving money as a gift or donation is rarely a bad idea. If you're tired of putting cash in a card or handing it over discreetly, hopefully these tips will simply help you do so more creatively. 

Categories:

You may also like.

What to Write in a Money Gift Card: 30 Message Ideas

Gift Giving Etiquette: 12 Quick Tips to Get It Right

28 Gift Ideas for Families Dealing With Cancer

Should You Put Money in a Sympathy Card?

• lol Badge Feed
• win Badge Feed
• trending Badge Feed

Browse links

• © 2024 BuzzFeed, Inc
• Consent Preferences
• Accessibility Statement

21 Surprisingly Fun Ways To Give Cash As A Gift

Grad and wedding seasons, you have met your match.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Try this pizza box with a surprise inside.

~ Cheesy ~ in a good way.

2. Or a Kleenex box o' cash.

"Don't blow it all in one place!"

3. These clear balloons are perfectly festive.

Most party stores will fill them up for you. Get all the info here .

4. This dollar bill notepad is sure to turn heads.

All it takes is some rubber cement or glue and fresh dollar dollar bills. Get all the steps here .

5. Congratulate a graduate with a money lei.

*Additional candy lei seen above optional*

6. This transformed chocolate box makes a perfect care package or gift.

Half the fun is emptying the chocolate box before stuffing it with bills. Get the details here .

7. Rolled bills make perfect pseudo diplomas.

Get the tutorial and printable here .

8. These emergency funds are sure to come in handy for both newlyweds and graduates.

Find out more here .

9. Fold any denomination bill into a cute fortune cookie.

The fortune doubles as a perfectly tiny card. Learn how here .

10. Decorate a card with cash candles.

Get all the info here .

11. Use the gum wrapper technique to make a bracelet they'll want to keep.

Get the how-to here .

12. Make this perfectly pretty rose by adding a wire stem and fake leaves.

Feeling generous? Whip up a whole bouquet. Get the full tutorial here .

13. Stash a little "money to burn" in a matchbox.

Learn more here .

14. DIY a money topiary with a styrofoam ball and pins.

Get the tutorial here .

15. Make a themed Mason jar to brighten up a last-minute gift.

Top with a veil or party hat to make this party-ready on any occasion. Get the how-to here .

16. Make this adorable suit or dress origami for a perfectly stylish friend.

Get all the steps here .

17. Save something for a rainy day by hanging cash inside a cheap umbrella.

A boring gift will turn into a fun surprise! Find out how here .

18. Turn any bill into a super dapper bow tie.

19. This envelope is half the fun, and the perfect size to stow a card or gift card.

Find out how to make it here .

20. Combine two perfect things in one card: cupcakes and cash.

Check it out here .

21. Your honoree will feel very special wearing a money chain medal.

Learn how to make it here .

Share This Article

35 Great 50th-Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Friend, Spouse, or Relative

A golden milestone calls for a special gift.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

When thinking about a gift, consider the person's hobbies, interests, and needs. It could be a cookbook they are excited to try, a stylish piece of jewelry that will complement their personal style, or even a new gadget for the tech enthusiast—there are so many excellent options at all price points. You can even create a personalized gift such as a photo album featuring memories of each decade.

Below, we have rounded up some options that are guaranteed to put a smile on your recipient's face. They'll love how much thought you put into celebrating their special day, and you'll love getting to honor them with something truly unique.

UncommonGoods New York Times Custom Birthday Book

Celebrate their special day with this compendium of The New York Times front covers on the date of their birthday. Their name and date of birth will be printed on the front, making a truly wonderful coffee-table book.

Vintage Candy Co. Vintage Candy 50th-Birthday Box

Birthdays are always a time for nostalgia, especially big milestones like a 50th. If they have a sweet tooth, this special box of candies will have them salivating at first sight and evoke memories of their childhood.

ShirtInvaders 50th-Birthday Shirt for Women

If you are gifting this to your mom or another lady in your life, they are guaranteed to feel 50 and fabulous in it. Plus, it comes in a number of colors, so pick the one they love the best and can wear all year long.

GiftGirl 50th-Birthday Potted Plants

Coming in a beautifully presented box, these three potted plants are unique gifts for someone who loves plants. The box comes gift-wrapped, and you can have it sent to the birthday girl.

Barefoot Dreams Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Hooded Robe

There's a reason that this ultra-plush hooded robe has a devoted fan following, including Oprah herself. As she declared in her 2021's Favorite Things roundup, "What I know for sure: A yummy-feeling bathrobe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I like that these have a roomy fit and that the ribbed material and hood up the cozy factor even more."

Cozy Earth Oprah Daily “Live Your Best Life” Bamboo Pajamas

Made by Cozy Earth—the brand whose bedding Oprah described as the “softest ever”—these luxury pajamas are designed for the ultimate in comfort. Treat your 50-year-old to blissful relaxation in this sumptuous stretch-knit loungewear designed to drape beautifully and flatter every body type.

TheraGun Mini 2.0 - Handheld Electric Massage Gun

Chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things , this mini massage gun is a great gift for those who often suffer from aches and pains. Oprah said, “Give the gift of a tension-relieving massage anytime, anywhere with the new Theragun Mini, which is even more compact and lighter than the original mini—and just look at the desert rose hue. Connect it to the Therabody app for guided recovery routines.” The perfect gift to alleviate aches and pains.

Music Memories Custom Canvas

If they love music, why not celebrate them with one of the favorite songs in wall art form? Simply select the artist and title, and the lyrics will be presented in an artistic rendition of a record, all framed and ready to hang.

On The Rox Drinks 50th-Birthday Stemless Wine Glass

Does your 50-year-old love wine? Let them say cheers to 50 years in style with this "Fifty & Fabulous" stemless glass.

UncommonGoods My Life Story So Far

When someone has been on this earth for half a century, they're sure to have some stories to share. That summer they backpacked around Europe, the time they won that big game, the lost weekend in Nashville. Encourage them to put pen to paper with this My Life Story So Far , with prompts for memories, stories, and wisdom.

Jaclyn Roxanne Pear Earrings

A pair of pear earrings (see what we did there?) is a thoughtful gift for those who enjoy the finer things in life. These earrings are sophisticated and stylish, and add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

PlantOGram Live Frantoio Olive Container Plant Tree for Indoor or Outdoor

Sometimes there is nothing like a gift that is a living thing. Flowers are always welcome, but with a plant, the giftee can enjoy the item for so much longer. "I'm a firm believer in the power of nature," says Oprah . This is one of her go-to gifts.

50th Birthday for Her - Prosecco & Truffles

A 50th birthday is the ideal time to get a little decadent and indulgent. Celebrate them with this impressive gift that is guaranteed to impress. Delicious fine chocolates and prosecco come presented in a beautiful faux-leather box.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Square Smart Glasses

Oprah had this to say when choosing these smart sunglasses for one of her Favorite Things : “They look like classic, streamlined Wayfarer sunglasses, but they actually connect to your phone. You can listen to music or podcasts, answer calls, and even take pictures and videos. A simple tap or voice command is all it takes to do these things. And they charge in their case!”

Flour Shop Flour Shop Rainbow Explosion Cake

Another bestseller, this fabulous and photo-ready rainbow explosion cake is ideal for a 50th birthday, whether you're celebrating together or sending your wishes over FaceTime. Choose your loved one's favorite color and watch as they marvel over the six rainbow-hued layers of vanilla cake, stacked between candy, sprinkles, and layers of decadent vanilla cream cheese frosting. Each cake is made from scratch, and you can taste the love and care the team of artisan bakers put into it.

LilySilk Essential Silk Beauty Set for Hair

For the woman in your life turning 50, it's time to upgrade her bedtime routine! This soft pillow with the silk heatless curler will keep her hair smooth without any breakage, so she can focus on more important things—like getting a good night's sleep.

UncommonGoods Gardener's Tool Seat

This tool set is an ideal gift for those who love to garden. With a comfortable seat and built-in storage for tools, it's the perfect way to avoid back strain and keep everything organized while working on their stunning greenery.

Wallaroo Hat Company Men’s Turner Fedora

Turning 50 means your recipient may want to go on a trip to celebrate their birthday. If their birthday trip is a tropical vacation, chances are this fedora hat will literally have them covered. Designed in Australia, these hats offer a trendy and effective way to protect against the sun.

JIGGY Luxury Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults

A great way to challenge your mind and improve cognitive skills, memory, and concentration is with puzzles. This luxury jigsaw puzzle makes for a thoughtful gift because it is not only entertaining but also a great bonding activity. Once it's done, your recipient can even hang it up as a forever keepsake.

balanced body Ultra-Fit Circle Pilates Ring

Age is no barrier to staying healthy and in shape. For those beginners who are getting into fitness and enjoy low-impact workouts like Pilates, this tool will help strengthen and define muscle and develop strength without stepping into the gym.

Pooja Shah is a freelance writer and lawyer based in New York. She writes on commerce, culture, lifestyle, and travel. More of her work is at www.pooja-shah.com .

The Best Gifts to Get Your Loved Ones

62 Best Gifts for Dad

The Best Gifts for Trendsetters

The Best Holiday Beauty Buys You Can Gift Yourself

6 Luxury-Inducing Gift Ideas

Oprah's Favorite Things 2018: Food Gifts

Every Pet Gift on Oprah's Favorite Things List

Every Kitchen Gift on Oprah’s Favorite Things List

Every Beauty Gift on Oprah’s Favorite Things List

Oprah's Favorite Things 2018: Inspirational Gifts

Every Tech Gift on Oprah's Favorite Things List

Oprah's Favorite Things 2018: Fashionable Gifts

What Mommy Does

Inspiration for Daily Living

13 Best Meal Train Ideas for Families {& How to Easily Set One Up!}

17+ Adorable Diaper Gift Ideas {Practical AND Fun to Give!}

⭐ 25 Bake Sale Worthy Treats – Sell Out Recipe Ideas for Your Next Fundraiser

5 Free Stay at Home Mom Printables {Cleaning, Meal Planning & More!}

20+ brilliant ways to give money as a gift – clever money gifts everyone loves to receive.

Shared on August 31 Leave A Comment

Giving gifts is one of my favorite things to do. While I always love finding unique gifts for people, there are sometimes where the best gift to give is money .

Rather than just hand them a crumpled $20 in an envelope, I do my best to make the experience special.

I’ve written about fun methods of gifting cash before and felt like coming up with some more ideas!

Here are the super clever & unique ways to bless your recipient with cash. 

20+ Best Ways to Give Money as a Gift

I asked a few of my blogging friends for suggestions, and got some great ideas!

Here are some of the fun ways they gift money, along with a few of my tried and true methods.

If you are brainstorming the best ways to give money as a gift with others, don’t forget to share this list with them!

First things first – how do you give money as a gift without being tacky? 

First of all, it starts with giving it in a cool way.

If you act weird and just hand someone cash as a gift, that could be very awkward. But if it’s more of a surprise / gag gift / something funny / unexpected or neat….then that changes the whole feel. 

Second, make sure you’re giving it to the appropriate person.

Giving cash to your grandma would obviously be very odd, but giving the same thing to an older teenager in your life? It will probably will be their favorite present of all time! 🙂 

Just use common sense when it comes to gift giving, and you can’t go wrong here! 

Brilliantly Unique Ways to Gift Money

I’m constantly thinking of more ways to present money as a gift, so make sure to bookmark this page for later reference.

Let me know if you end up using one of these ideas! I tried to add something for everyone to this list.

1) Most Unique Option – A Real Money Notepad!

This is a huge hit whenever I give it to a teenager in my life.

I’ve written about it before in my other post about creative ways to give cash as a gift for good reason!

I think it will always be my favorite. I cannot describe how much they LOVE receiving it! 

I mean, who doesn’t want an entire pile of dollar bills that you can conveniently tear off like a piece of paper? LOL 

Here’s the full tutorial >> Step-by-Step Money Notepad Tutorial

2) Cute & Hilarious Cash-Filled Tissue Box 

I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they realize this benign gift is actually something they want most. 

The hardest part about doing this one is connecting all the bills together.

I’ve tried it many ways and I can tell you the easiest way to do it without causing the bills to rip when you take them apart – is to use painter’s tape like this >>

Tissue box cash gift by Life is Sweeter by Design

3) {Very Popular} First Aid Emergency Stash Kit 

I know this is a very popular gift option because I see a lot of people buying this hard shell first aid kit on Amazon >>

It’s really cute and super surprising to receive because it’s so unexpected.

I know many people who have given this to a lucky teenager in their life. It’s such a novel idea! 

First aid emergency stash cash by WhatMommyDoes

4) Fun Way to Give Cash – Candy & Money Lei

This is a little on the more complicated side, but it’s very impressive!

Who doesn’t want candy AND cash?!

Candy and cash lei by Tikkido

5) Unexpected Item – Excitement Hidden Money

I get the comment all the time that it’s silly to give this gift because someone might eat dirty gum. 

I mean, I would hope they wouldn’t, but I suppose you could put a little warning note in there! LOL

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking – – That’s gross! Who would put that gum in their mouth?! 

You are correct – obviously, you wouldn’t want to put this gum in your mouth after it was surrounded by money!

Hopefully your recipient is smart enough to know this; if you’re not sure they would think of this, perhaps you can mention it to him or her just in case. LOL

Excitemint hidden money gift idea by WhatMommyDoes

6)  Gift Card in a Jar

This one’s kinda funny! It’s technically an idea for a gift card, but it’s way too cute not to include.

This could also be thought of as an annoying money gift idea. 

I know that I personally consider cash and gift cards in the same gift category.

Note: This mason jar wouldn’t work well for cash because of the glue and water needed.

Gift card in a jar by Freebie Finding Mom

7) “I Mean Business” Adorable Money Gift

I love this business card holder gift idea for career-hunting Junior or Senior year college students or even young professionals. 

After they use the cash inside, they can use it to collect and save business cards !

Such a fun and useful gift with a hidden surprise! 

The coolest thing about this is that you don’t need to use a high dollar amount to make it look impressive.

When the cash is fanned out, it’s super awesome looking! 

“I mean business” money gift idea by WhatMommyDoes

8) Personalized Piggy Bank (Full of Cash or Coins, of course!)

Here’s a cool take on a piggy bank – it’s a personalized wooden initial with a see-through front! 

This will make a great gift for a teenager or young child. 

I’ve seen these filled with paper money as well, so don’t feel pressured to come up with that many coins. LOL

Get this personalized wooden piggy bank on Etsy >> 

If you’re shopping for a little girl, I especially love this personalized glass block pink bow piggy bank!

I would fill this one with coins. 

Get this personalized glass piggy bank on Etsy >>

9) Money Pizza Box

I love this idea for giving money. It seems a bit time consuming, but looks very impressive when it’s done! 

This looks like a rather simple design to recreate:  

• Grab some tape, some quarters (for the pepperoni), and $50 to $75 worth of dollar bills. 
• Tape down the dollar bills in a layered circle pattern.
• Sprinkle on some quarters (tape down as well)
• Roll up some dollar bills for the edge of the crust
• Place a fun sign on the inside of the box if you’d like

Source: Adorned Crafts & Designs on Instagram

I have learning how to create a pizza box full of money on my to do list. As soon as I make one, I’ll post a step-by-step pictorial here. 🙂

In the meantime, I’m leaving you another money pizza box idea to base yours off of! 

You can watch a quick video of its creation on Instagram >> How to Make a Money Pizza

10) Dollar Bill Origami Crafts

I can’t believe you can take a full-size dollar bill and make it into a tiny heart! 

I guess even money can be used for origami! This is so unique.

This origami heart lends itself to larger denominations like $100, $50, or $20 since it takes just ONE of them.   

How awesome would it be to receive this as a gift?! 

Source: sae_makendecorate on Instagram

I won’t even pretend to know how to actually make one of these origami hearts, but I did find a book that gives simple instructions for making all kinds of money origami creations! 

It includes instructions for a heart, a house, a variety of animals (including a bird, butterfly, and whale)!

(The only pattern I didn’t see listed that I would want to try is a folded money flower.

I’m sure other books on Amazon would have that design, but this book looked easiest overall so that’s why I chose it).

Click here to get the book Easy Dollar Bill Origami >>

I read that some people like to give money origami as a restaurant tip for a nice surprise. That would actually be a pretty neat trick to know how to do! 

11) Bag of Cash (with DIY Paper Topper) 

I came up with this idea as I was packing my kids’ lunches one day! HA

I grabbed one of the quart sized Ziploc bags from our pantry, and rolled up some dollar bills to go in it.

Each roll is two $1 bills loosely rolled and held together with a tiny elastic band (also items I had on hand). 

After I filled up the bag with money, I grabbed some scrapbooking paper , and cut it to the exact width of the bag.

I didn’t measure the height of the topper, but it’s about 2.5 inches tall. I mean, really, this is up to you. I think the thicker looking topper looks very nice. 

In this first pic, you can clearly see how the parts fit together. 

After I cut the paper, I simply stapled it a few times across the top of the baggie. BOOM! Instant money gift that looks incredible! 

This bag held approximately $40 in cash….a great gift for an older teen in your life. 

12) Cash in a Can

“What in the world?!”

That’s what your gift recipient will think when they see this….but when they open the can of fruit (or veggies), they’ll realize it’s actually something amazing. 

This is such a fun gag gift for Christmas or a teen’s birthday.

Make sure you tell them to open the can or they might think it’s an actual joke! LOL

Cash in a Can Gift Tutorial from It’s Always Autumn >>

13) Money Tree

The best kinds of trees are made of money, right?!

The second best thing to money falling from the sky! LOL

I found these sparkly Christmas tree decorations at Dollar Tree. 

It was so easy to just roll up dollar bills and place them around the tree. 

The best part about this is that your recipient will receive cash AND a cute Christmas decoration – two gifts in one! 

14) Completely Full Digital Coin Jar 

Who doesn’t want a jar filled to the brim with coins ?! This is a really fun present for any teenager or kid who likes to keep track of their money.

The lid is digital and actually adds up the coins as you put them into the jar. I thought this was really fun to do! 

If you have one, will you comment below with an estimated total? I’m so curious!

Seems like it would be a pretty substantial gift if you gave this FULL of coins! 

15) Birthday / Christmas / Graduation “Cheddar” Cheese

I thought this ideas was so cute! I swear, some people are SO creative…I would have never thought of this on my own!

There are three options here – choose one of the following: 

• Birthday cheddar
• Graduation cheddar
• Christmas cheddar

This requires barely any effort and would make a huge impact. All you have to do is purchase one of the “cheddar cheese” templates from Ashaty on Etsy. 

Then print out the image, cut according to instructions, and glue the edges together. 

Boom! You have an awesome gift that’s super CHEESY and hilarious. HA

16) “Just Give Them Money” Funny Card

This Just Give Them Money card is as true as it is funny.

Even the pickiest of gift recipients will be thrilled to get some cold hard cash for the holiday season.

17) Money Giftwrap!

Can you imagine how carefully your recipient will unwrap this wrapping paper? Verrrrrry slowly!! HA

No one wants to rip perfectly good dollar bills!

If you want to make it easier for them, I recommend gift tape that isn’t as sticky . Or you could even use delicate surface painter’s tape , although it won’t look as pretty. 

18) DIY Money Machine

This is such a fun & creative idea. You can really make it worth a little or a lot depending on the bill denominations you use. 

19) Mini Money Cake 

This adorable & creative money cake was created for a baby’s birthday! I love the presentation of it on a lovely green cake plate + pink ribbon. 

It’s a pretty AND practical gift that the parents will love, even if the baby isn’t old enough to appreciate it yet.

Talk about impressive….this kind of cake takes a lot of effort but looks so cool when it’s done! 

Picture used with permission from Head in the Cloud Designs on Instagram ( source )

If you don’t have time to make your own cake, but like this particular presentation idea, you can always purchase a completed cake on Etsy! 

I think the pricing is rather reasonable considering the materials, talent and effort that goes into producing such a lovely design! 

Get the Santa Money Cake on Etsy >>  

20) Graduation Money Leis

This money lei was made with $50 worth of dollar bills. I love how easy this would be to customize for your grad’s school colors! 

Picture used with permission from Martha’s Sugar Treats on Instagram ( source )

Next up is another version of a money lei. I like how it’s made with larger bills to make it worth much more (around $150!)

That’s the beauty of gifts made out of cash – you can adapt the denomination of the bills to suit the occasion. 

21) “Smarty Pants”

Or as my daughter would say as you opened this gift, “Do the Smarty Pants dance!” 🙂 

When I saw this empty bottle of Smarty Pants vitamins on our counter, I just knew it would be the perfect hiding spot for a teenager’s money gift!

It was super easy to do. All I did was use a small piece of tape to attach the dollar bills together, end to end. 

Gift wrapping tape works great for this because it’s not super sticky and will detach easily. 

Then I rolled up the bills and put them inside the container.

Just make one little point of the first bill stick out the end of the roll like the image below, and your recipient pull the roll of cash right out of the container!

Such an adorable way to hide gift inside an unsuspecting place!

22) Adorable Graduation Cap “Cake”

This is an adorable & simple meaningful present that incorporates a graduation cap. 

All this would take is a base that’s circular (a round box, perhaps), then line the outside of the box with rolled up dollar bills, and tie with ribbon!

Then all you have to do is decorate a bit more for flair. Easy peasy! 

Picture used with permission from Adorned Crafts and Designs on Instagram ( source )

23) Cash-fetti Money Popper

I think this might take the prize for MOST CREATIVE GIFT of all! What a cool surprise inside! 

You could give this to someone for just about any festive occasion, from a birthday, graduation, wedding, Christmas, or even a baby shower! 

Click here to buy this Cash-fetti Money Popper >>  

Picture used with permission from Posh and Sparkle on Instagram ( source )

The creator of these confetti poppers, Posh and Sparkle, actually has two more beautiful confetti poppers that I love. 

This one is just for Christmas, which is a perfect way to have a ready-made gift! Just look at the beautiful explosion of Christmas confetti! 

Click here to buy Christmas Cash-fetti from Posh & Sparkle >> 

The other one that I really love is this BIODEGRADABLE purple confetti. 

This is a really great option for anyone who is environmentally conscious and perhaps wants to pop the confetti outside. 

All three of these options are great, and I’m so thankful someone was creative enough to invent this!

24) Beautiful Flower Bouquet with Cash

I am ALL FOR doing things the simple way. What could be easier than picking up a pretty bouquet of flowers on the way to an event and tucking in a variety of bills around the petals? 

I think anyone would be extremely pleased to get this as a gift! 

Picture used with permission from Mia’s Flower Shop on Instagram ( source )

25) Cash & Coins in a Chocolate Box

I think this is a super cute way to trick someone into thinking they’re getting one gift when what you actually put inside is way more valuable. 🙂 

This box is filled with a variety of denominations.

The trick to getting this to work is to tape down each wrapper and then also use tape to adhere each bill/coin to each wrapper. That way it won’t end up being one big wrapper/cash mess when it’s finally opened! LOL

Picture used with permission from Life as Mom ( source )

26) Money is Trash

Why give money straight up to someone when you can wrap it up like a crazy person in a roll of trash bags?! LOL

I love how unexpected this roll of trash bags would look like as a gift. Your recipient will be SO surprised. 

I put about $30 worth of one dollar bills in here and it looked really impressive. I’d say this is a great way to give $20 or $30 worth of dollar bills.

Even more would be way more awesome because it would feel like a never ending roll of cash! 🙂

27) Hide $$ in a Chocolate Tin!

I found this tin of Russell Stover chocolates at Dollar General.

I thought about working in the bills between the chocolate, but it was kinda difficult and also just gross. LOL

So instead we ate the chocolate and replaced it with rolled up dollar bills! 

I think the result is fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite fun money gift holders to date! 

28) $1 Billion Russell Stover Notes

I also found these adorable Russell Stover Notes “In Santa We Trust” chocolate bars at Dollar General! 

I think they’re hilarious! 

I’ve also seen them for sale at Target + Walmart + even directly from Russell Stover if you need them in bulk.

If you don’t have a store around you that carries these special edition Santa chocolate bars, I found them for sale on Amazon right here >>  

**I apologize if they’re out of stock by the time you see this post. Hopefully they will be back in stock next year! 

In my bars, I slipped a few dollar bills inside the envelope next to the chocolate bar.

The cash + chocolate didn’t actually touch, so my recipient can still actually eat the candy bar! LOL

29) Snickers Satisfies

I love using a little play on words whenever I can. 

Did you know that the new Snicker’s wrappers can either say “Snickers” OR “Satisfies?”

Well, what a perfect way to give a “SATISFYING” gift! 🙂 

bahaha so corny, I know! That’s why I love it!

Wouldn’t you know that I took this picture of a gift bag with Snickers + cash in it and you can’t even see the money?! LOL

I did NOT mean to do that, but I promise it’s there! 

Actually that makes the gift THAT much more surprising if you accidentally do this, as it literally looks like a bag of candy when in reality it’s worth a lot more!

30) A “Heavy Duty” Gift

I loved the “money is trash” gift above so much that I decided to do another option with an everyday supply. 

Enter: Strong Strips! Extra-Large Heavy-Duty Bandages 

I already had these on hand….honestly, any brand of bandages will probably say “strong” or “heavy duty” on it so that will work! 

Just layer however many bills of whatever denomination you want in between a handful of bandages. 

The money bulked up the package, so I didn’t end up having to use all the bandages in the package for this. 

I went with one bill from each denomination (including $2!) from one to twenty dollars. 

I think it’s quite a nice gift for any young person in your life! 

And when the money is inside, it sinks to the bottom, so you can’t actually see it very well. 

When someone first opens this, they will REALLY think you gave them a box of bandages! LOL

I love a good hidden / surprise gift like this! It will be very memorable.

31) Snowman Tin Full of Coins

I picked this little snowman at the dollar store as well. 

I don’t know what you were supposed to use him for – maybe to hold a gift card? 

I suppose that would also be a great way to give money as a gift! 

But, of course, I wanted to up the wow factor so I filled it with quarters & dimes! It was quite heavy when it was full. 

It’s a pretty decent amount of money, too! You can see just how many quarters & dimes can fit in a tiny containers in this up close shot. 

I think it ended up being around $20 worth! 

32) A Good Snack

Like the quart size bags above, I made a gift baggie out of a snack sized bag. 

Because the bag is small, it lent itself well to a combination of coins + bills. 

When you’re done filling the snack bag, just staple a bit of festive paper along the top (cut it to fit the width of the bag). 

Just to show you how much value this little baggie can hold, I took an up close shot of the coins going in. It’s surprising high value for a small size bag.

All in all, it held close to $20 with this mix of coins and tightly rolled dollar bills in there. 

33) ‘School Supplies”

As a colorful pen + marker addict myself, I am in love with this idea!

It’s not fussy, but it’s so practical and adorable! No need to get fancy – just tuck in whatever dollar amount you want inside the box with the pens. Easy! 

I would probably write a message like “I heard you needed some new supplies for school…” or something similarly cute in the gift tag. 

I grabbed this box of Paper Mate pens at Dollar General….I couldn’t find the exact type online, but this is another great option >> Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens

34) Chocolate Money Box Gift

I loved this medium sized square box because it fit exactly $20 worth of rolled up dollar bills in it! 

I couldn’t fit them all in there at first, so it was a game of Tetris for a bit, but I did it! 

I think it makes a lovely presentation and is such a cute surprise gift idea! This year I’m gonna give it to a special 18-year-old in my life.

35) Go Fish

This is a good way to surprise someone with cold hard cash as a gift.

They won’t even be the least but out off when they try to play a game, just to find money in the place of the cards.

I know I wouldn’t be!

36) Looking “Sharp”

Who doesn’t love a good pun? Grab a multi pack of markers and add in your money surprise. 

This would be a great way to start off a larger gift. The markers are the one small detail and the money could go toward buying the easel or other supplies to round out the present. 

37) A Colorful Gift!

This is a super simple way to give money to a child. Most young kids would be happy enough with crayons but then finding money for their piggy banks will get them so excited. 

It’s very easy to wrap these crayons to make them fit into the box again to hide all the cash you’ve given them. 

I think that’s it for now! I love coming up with new ideas, so I hope to add some more in the future! 

More Cash Present Ideas from WhatMommyDoes

• 10+ Fun Ways to Give Money Creatively
• 7 Creative Money Gift Ideas
• DIY Money Pizza Surprise Gift
• Cheap Christmas Gifts for Kids (all under $20!)
• Amazing Family Gift Ideas – things you can give to the entire family at once…perfect for neighbors, extended relatives, and family friends

• Recent Posts
• 47+ Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for Bloggers {Updated for 2021!} - 11/23/2021
• 15 Best Lego Gift Ideas for the Lego Lover in Your Life - 09/21/2021
• 20+ Brilliant Ways to Give Money as a Gift – Clever Money Gifts Everyone Loves to Receive! - 08/31/2021

Don’t Miss the Latest

27+ Budget-Friendly Meal Train Ideas

  Meal Trains are such a wonderful way to lend a helping hand to friends or family members having a difficult time. But what do you do when you want to help but feel limited by budget restraints?  I reached out to some of my blogging friends and gathered 27 budget-friendly meal train ideas. Whether Keep Reading

30 Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

    When I wrote about giving away most of my kids’ toys before Christmas, I bet I made a lot of people wonder if I would be giving them replacement toys for Christmas. Here’s the thing – I never want to get back into that spot where I felt like I needed to throw Keep Reading

50+ Fun Family Christmas Gift Ideas for Every Budget

  Every October / November, I find myself scratching my head over whether or not I should buy certain people gifts.  I LOVE giving gifts, but sometimes the overwhelming nature of the holiday season gets to me… ….and I kinda panic.  I like to get my closest neighbors a small gift of some kind that Keep Reading

23+ Best Pumpkin Baby Shower Ideas 

If you are lucky enough to host a baby shower in the fall, a pumpkin themed baby shower is not only adorable, but easy to put together. Whether the baby will be born during the fall season or if the celebration happens to be during fall, choosing pumpkins as a baby shower theme will give Keep Reading

I'm a CPA turned SAHM of 3 kids ages 12, 14, and 16. I'm a mommy by day, blogger by night. Join me as I write about fun kids activities, family finances, and losing 50 lbs after baby #3.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Family Finances

7 Easy School Market Day Food Ideas

17 best things for kids to make and sell, the best homemaking worksheet bundle for new moms, 10 summer projects to make money as a kid, cute monthly budget printable – free editable template, disposable oatmeal baking cups + liners {cute designs}, 10 expensive baby things i would have bought if money was no object, 9 easy sheet pan dinners for weeknights, how to hold a children’s business fair in your community, 63 weekly meal theme night ideas.

More This Way

Family Life

Adorable matching big sister + little sister outfits, 13+ great gifts for second babies & their moms, 27+ cute and easy sewing projects for gifts, 15+ awesome & creative themes for your next gift exchange, 10+ new baby gift basket ideas, free printables.

{FREE} Thank You for Being a Great Teacher Fill-in-the-Blank Student Interview

Free printable valentine’s day coupons, 3 easy heart coloring pages for kids {stripe patterns}, cute happy pumpkin coloring pages, free printable four leaf clover templates, easy coloring pages for kids {cute designs}, simple star coloring pages for kids {so cute}, free printable valentine’s day card to color – heart pattern.

25 unique gift ideas to celebrate a 50th birthday

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

A 50th birthday is a big one: a half-century of life is certainly worth honoring. To help you celebrate their milestone birthday, we found 25 products, big and small, that make great 50th birthday gifts. 

These gifts fit a wide range of styles, budgets, and personalities so you're sure to find the perfect gift whether the 50-year-old in your life is a home cook, a plant parent, or a bibliophile. From small tokens of appreciation to big birthday gestures, here are 25 great gift ideas for their 50th birthday.

The best 50th birthday gift ideas in 2022:

An engraved chef's knife.

8 Inch Chef Knife with Engraving, available at Made In, $129-$179

Best for: The chef

Treat the chef in your life to a practical kitchen accessory with a personal touch. This seriously sharp chef's knife is perfect for slicing, dicing, chopping, and more. The custom engraving makes it all the more special.

A fresh take on pearl earrings

Francesca Earrings, available at BaubleBar, $42

Best for: The trendsetter

With four freshwater pearls strung together by a dainty gold chain, these are a fun, modern iteration of the classic pearl earrings. They're sure to add a sophisticated and chic touch to any look. 

An alarm clock that will wake them up naturally

Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Alarm Clock, available at Amazon, $49.99

Best for: The aspirational early bird 

They may not be an early bird yet , but this alarm clock can get them one step closer. The device simulates sunrise and uses gradual sound to wake them up more naturally than a regular alarm clock. 

A giant bucket of their favorite finishing salt

Maldon Salt Bulk Tub, available at Amazon, $24.78

Best for: The gourmet baker

Any home cook or baker worth their salt will appreciate this giant tub of crispy, crunchy, saltiness. Maldon salt is the perfect finishing touch to pretty much every dish — from savory to sweet — so you can be sure they'll make use of this often. 

A commuter-safe coffee mug

Corkcicle Insulated Coffee Mug, available at Amazon, $34.95

Best for: The caffeine lover

Whether their commute involves a car, train, or a walk to the kitchen, this insulated mug will keep their morning coffee hot without any spills thanks to a sip-through lid. It's even shatterproof for extra durability.

A high-quality smart speaker

Sonos One SL Wireless Smart Speaker, available at Best Buy, $199.99

Best for: The audiophile

Treat your favorite audiophile to the gift of rich sound with a new speaker. If they already have a Sonos speaker, they can easily add this one to the collection and connect them all to create a whole home sound system.

A Kindle for reading wherever, whenever

Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon, $139.99

Best for: The traveling reader

Give them the ability to keep a library on them at all times with a Kindle. The lightweight device can store thousands of books and it's portable enough to take with them everywhere they go, so they can always keep up with their favorite titles. 

A minimalist watch

Minimal Sport Watch in Pacific Mist, available at MVMT, $128

Best for: The avid walker

Help them keep track of time in style with this sleek watch. Not only does it boast a minimalist aesthetic, but it has a 100-meter water rating and is made with surgical-grade stainless steel for ultimate durability.

A chic way to care for their plants

Modern Sprout Brass & Glass Mister, available at Food52, $30

Best for: The proud plant parent   

This gorgeous glass and brass mister will make caring for their plants all the more pleasing. The fine mist spout makes it easy to give their plants just the right amount of water, whether it's a lot or a little. 

A book of dad jokes

"The Book of Terribly Awesome Dad Jokes" by Dan Gilden, available at Amazon, $7.95

Best for: The jokester

They don't need to be a dad to appreciate a good dad joke . This book has over 200 of them and makes a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor.

A robe that will make them feel like they're at the spa

Coyuchi Organic Waffle Robe, available at Coyuchi, $128

Best for: The lover of lounging

There's something about throwing on a nice robe after a shower that just feels luxurious. Give them that little luxury with this waffle robe from Coyuchi. It's made of an airy weave and pre-tumbled for a soft feel that gets better with every wash.

A chic and sultry candle

Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle, available at Nordstrom, $82

Best for: The candle collector

Le Labo's iconic Santal 26 fragrance boasts notes of amber, sandalwood, cedar, and vanilla. Not only will it fill their space with a subtle smokiness, but the thick glass vessel brings an industrial chic touch to their room too.

The gift of learning a new language

Language Subscription, available at Babbel, from $49

Best for: The lifelong learner

Learning a new language is exciting and keeps the mind sharp. Whether they've been talking about how they wish they never stopped taking Spanish classes in college or they have a trip to Italy on the horizon, a subscription to Babbel's language-learning platform is a practical and thoughtful gift. 

A comfy and funky pair of slippers

Ugg Fluff Yeah Slide, available at Zappos, $99.95

Best for: The fan of extreme comfort

These plush slippers will have them looking and feeling like they're walking on a colorful cloud. We could tell you how soft they are, but the thousands of five-star reviews speak for themselves.

A two-in-one board game with an artistic touch

Keith Haring Backgammon & Checkers Game, available at MoMA Design Store, $42

Best for: The board gamer

A piece of decor and a few great activities all wrapped up in one, this set is sure to appeal to board game lovers and artsy types alike. It works as both a backgammon and checkers board and features Keith Haring's iconic, bold iconography.

An unforgettable experience

Airbnb Experiences, available at Airbnb, price varies

Best for: The future vacationer 

For the person who has everything or hates getting gifts, go for an experience . Airbnb Experiences makes gifting an experience easy, with a variety of in-person and virtual activities led by experts. From food tours, horseback rides, photography sessions, and more, the platform has something for everyone. 

A trio of stunning orchids

Three Wishes, available at The Bouqs Co., $74

Best for: The classic gift lover

Flowers are a great gift for any occasion. Regular bouquets are wonderful, but orchids last much longer and are known to bring good luck and wishes — perfect for a birthday celebration.

An affordable cashmere sweater

The Essential Cashmere Sweater, available at Naadam, $75 for men and women

Best for: The minimalist

This 100% cashmere sweater is so soft that it's hard to believe it's just $75. The crewneck fit is a classic that anyone, regardless of their sense of style, can appreciate. Plus, it comes in a range of brights and neutrals so there's something for everyone. 

Everything they need to make a great espresso

Breville Barista Pro, available at Williams Sonoma and Amazon , $849.95

Best for: The espresso aficionado 

While pricey, gifting this Breville Espresso Machine is like getting them their very own barista. It does everything from grinding the beans to brewing the perfect espresso and frothing milk for the final touch. 

A cake from an iconic bakery

Birthday Cake, available at Milk Bar Store, $62

Best for: The cake connoisseur 

Any birthday is made sweeter with a Milk Bar Birthday Cake . It tastes like a gourmet version of boxed confetti cake and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

A frame that lets them show off all of their favorite photos

Aura Mason Smart Digital Picture Frame, available at Amazon, $199

Best for: The nostalgist 

For the sentimental one who has so many pictures they want to display, give them a digital frame. They can send over 10,000 photos straight from their phone and even invite friends and family all over the world to share photos of their own, making it all the more special.

A phone case of their pet

Custom Pet Portrait Phone Case, available at West & Willow, $50

Best for: Their pet's #1 fan

Their pet is their personality trait – and who could blame them? A personalized phone case featuring an illustration of their furry family member is cute, thoughtful, and sure to make any pet owner smile. 

A mini massager to melt away stress and tension

Theragun Mini, available at Therabody, $199

Best for: The sore athlete

This mini Theragun can go with them everywhere for relief at any time. It can fit in their pocket to help soothe cramps, knots, and muscle tension whether they're on the slopes, coming back from a hike, or laying on the couch at home. 

A sustainable bike bag

Recycled Nylon Bike Frame Bag, available at Uncommon Goods, $30

Best for: The cyclist 

This cool bag can keep any biker's essentials within arm's reach without getting in the way. It's handmade in Colorado from recycled nylon tents and awnings.

A cocktail smoker for aspiring mixologists

Glass Topper Cocktail Smoker, available at Uncommon Goods, $100

Best for: The at-home bartender

If they already have all the cocktail-making essentials, help them take their mixology up a notch with a cocktail smoker. This one is easy to use and a fun way to experiment with new recipes and flavors.

• Main content

The 43 Most Awesome (Jan 2023) 50th Birthday Gift Ideas This Year

By Doris Tan (updated Jan 2023) Coming out with 50th birthday gift ideas is an interesting but challenging task.

Think about this.

Whether is for your wife, husband, mom, dad, friend, co-worker or boss, someone turning 50 means he or she is reaching an important milestone in life.

What is the best gift for 50th birthday?

Buy something that makes him or her feel special. This is the time when many things in life have been accomplished. Great 50th gift idea suggestions include something related to hobby or personality, items that are funny, meaningful, practical or creative. An item that specifically celebrates this milestone age is recommended too.

Here at Mammoth Gift Ideas , we seek to recommend numerous fiftieth birthday gift ideas for women and men which they will like and appreciate. Do check out our list of top 50th birthday party ideas too!

Scroll down now!

We are reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may receive an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more .

1. Set of 2 Golf Ball FifTee & Fabulous

The set of two golf balls is neatly packed in boxes ready to be gifted which makes it the best 50th birthday gift. They come with the official logo and are sure to be a memorable hit for the golf lover. Even non-golf lovers will love this set as it is decorative and can be displayed easily at home, in the car or office!

2. Bose Portable Wireless Waterproof Speaker

With long battery life, he or she can get lost in their musical little world as they explore the beauty that the great outdoors offers without worrying about running out of battery juice. This waterproof speaker is intricately designed to give the clearest possible sound.

3. Go Anywhere Padded Chair

The cushioned seat and back support, reclining backrest, and robust steel frame make this chair a smart choice.

I appreciate the fact that it can also be folded, making it very convenient for him or her to take to sports events or other outside activities like as traveling to the beach or camping in the woods. The practical gift for men turning 50, the shoulder strap makes carrying and transporting the chair simple.

4. Birthstone Roses Timeless Design

Flowers are a classic favorite among women of all ages. Surprise the birthday lady on her special day with this special flower – a rose that never fades. This rose is even made more interesting as the color of the rose matches her birthstone color.

Fifty year old is a memorable birthday as it embarks another chapter of her life. This is apt for women over 50 to commemorate this chapter. A great thoughtful birthday gift for wife also .

5. Funny Exclusive 50 Year Old T-Shirt

A motivational t-shirt that celebrates reaching this milestone age.

The beautiful design coupled with the funny words “Aged to Perfection” reminds everyone that the 50 year old is perfect and still going strong! Available in various colors, it is made of quality materials that ensure durability.

The birthday recipient will be proud to wear this exclusive t-shirt to specially announce this important age has finally arrived.

6. LEGO Succulents Plant Décor Special Display Piece

Who doesn’t like to spend more time relaxing at home? How about engaging in some creative play with this special LEGO plant display.

Create a unique assembly of succulents that are modelled after real plants. The intricate details and realistic presentation will surely astound the birthday man or woman. You can arrange the 9 plants together or display them separately. An unusual gift that is great for a 50 year old woman who has everything!

7. Story of Your Name

Give a special personalized 50th birthday gift that can be proudly displayed at home or office – the story of his or her name! To mark a special birthday year, this beautiful art piece celebrates this important occasion in an artistic and meaningful manner. Even after 5 decades, the recipient may not know the history of his own name.

The high quality printout, which has a choice to be framed, includes the option to add a custom text to make it even more special. A suitable gift for someone who has everything.

8. Amusing 50th Birthday Gag Gift Toilet Paper

Reaching this milestone age is something worth celebrating and having some fun. Remind the 50 year old about this age with this funny novelty present – a toilet paper that is designed specially for this occasion!

Amuse everyone when they see this small, inexpensive but highly unforgettable prank item which can be a good party favor too!

Printed on quality paper, this practical gag gift will surely bring out the laughter.

9. Fifty The Ultimate F Word Hilarious Mug

Using this humorous mug, serve the 50-year-old a large amount of booze or any other acceptable beverage to celebrate their milestone birthday!

Test the recipient’s ability to maintain their footing after gulping down from this hilarious gag gift for someone turning 50. Make a memorable toast to him or her as a way to spice up the ambiance of the celebration.

10. Sterling Silver 5 Rings Necklace With Special Card

Suitable for a lady celebrating her important 50 year old birthday, this necklace which has five rings, which symbolise 5 decades, is a suitable piece of jewelry to give her best wishes for her birthday.

Made with Sterling Silver, this is a wardrobe versatile which I can see it matching easily with many different outfit. I would say it is one of the best gift for mom or sister turning 50. A great gift suggestion for the 40 year old woman too.

As it’s in packaged in a nice box with a special card for you to write your best wishes, it’s a ready to give present, hence this is also a great last minute birthday present!

11. Attractive Whisky Glass With Pewter Badge

If the birthday man, whether is your brother or husband, enjoys a glass of whisky, celebrate his 50 and fabulous birthday with this classy and sophisticated drinkware that will not go outdated.

The best feature of this glass is the pewter badge that states his age and funny wording “Aged to Perfection”. It comes in an elegant gift box and velvet bag to make this item complete. For an even more special experience, get a set of whiskey stones and gift card!

12. Wifi HD Digital Photo Frame For Easy Sharing Of Photos

Having a modern photo frame with all the useful high tech features is like a treasure trove of memories that we may relive again after time! One of those great 50th birthday presents who like receiving or sending images of their loved ones including their children and grandchildren, this WiFi digital picture frame is a fantastic Christmas gift too.

This multifunctional gadget not only lets people shares images instantly using the app or email, it can also play music in the background and auto-rotate images! I would certainly use this photo frame with so many useful features. The cool tech device makes it a great gift idea for 17 year old boy too!

13. Meaningful Story of a Lifetime Book

This is perfect for your family member, as the questions raised in the book provides an heirloom that will last for generations. The family can also use this book as a great way to foster closer family ties.

The birthday member will be touched to receive this book that enables him/her to write his/her own story. This amazing book is also one of the best 75th birthday gift ideas also.

14. Retro Candy Mix to Relive Best Childhood Days

Whether the birthday recipient is your wife or husband, this box of nostalgic candy is one of the best way to celebrate the 50 and fabulous birthday.

With numerous retro candies, there is surely some tasty sweet treats that he or she can relate to from all the past special occasions gone through. Just like the other birthday party supplies, share them with other guests at the birthday party or simply enjoy the candies with loved ones. The exclusivity of this colorful set makes it a great gift for the 50 year old who has everything.

15. A Jar Full Of Meaningful Notes

Among those meaningful 50th birthday gift ideas that people can readily think of, giving a keepsake jar from KindNotes that comes with numerous meaningful notes inside is undoubtedly a special idea. It is like having numerous special birthday cards in a extraordinary jar.

You can choose from a range of themes and designs. Each note is kept in an envelope. Besides the notes that are predetermined, you can also add your own customized messages to make this keepsake item even more unique.

16. Lightweight And Powerful Binoculars With Smartphone Adapter

If the birthday person is adventurous and loves outdoor, then this is the best present – a powerful binoculars that gives sharp and bright images. Its lightweight and waterproof specs makes carrying it anywhere a breeze.

The best feature undoubtedly has to be the smartphone adapter. By mounting the smartphone to the binoculars lens, the user can capture and share beautiful magnified images and videos easily with friends!

17. Special 50th Birthday Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler

A tumbler is certainly a useful and one of the best gift for a 50 year old, whether the recipient is your husband, wife, friend or colleague.

The practical tumbler comes with press-in lid and can store both hot or cold beverage.

Made from stainless steel, double walled and vacuum insulated, the best feature is the beautiful and timeless design with artwork that is printed visibly. A tumbler is suitable for all ages, which makes it a great 21st birthday gift idea too.

18. Relaxing Blanket To Reduce Tension

Looking for ideas that are unique? Consider this NAP Touch Throw Blanket. Its special fabric is created to provide the relaxing mood to do things that the birthday person enjoys like reading a great book, watching the latest online show or a nap.

One of the best gift for 50 year old woman who has everything! A comforting blanket is one of the best get well gifts too.

19. 50th Birthday Apron for the Chef

If the 50 year old likes to cook, this apron is especially memorable for the birthday folk, to mark his or her milestone in life, the big Five-zero.

The hilarious wordings on the apron is sure to bring smiles and laughter to his or her guests or family members when wearing this apron.

This makes the cooking experience interesting and fun. A pair of matching aprons for a couple is also among the best his and hers gifts ideas too.

20. Unique Customized Birthdate Book

A gorgeous piece of birthday book that can be personalized to make the birthday present truly special. This one-of-a-kind birthdate book is personalized with the recipient’s birthdate information. Inspired by astrology, the receiver will understand more about herself based on the stars and more.

She be thrilled to put it on display the unique, exquisite book in the room and show it off to her friends and visitors, making it one of the best gift for 50 year old woman.

21. Unique Music Box Custom Music Option Personalized Engraving

Music boxes have a timeless quality about them that makes them a treasured souvenir. There is a large number of music boxes available at Music Box Attic which makes it one of the best gift for 50 year old woman, whether is for your wife, mum, sister, female colleague or friend. These amazing music boxes are the perfect anniversary gifts also.

Furthermore, the possibility to engrave the box and choosing from a wide selection of song the music you want the box results in it a truly personalized gift. As for the birthday party ideas, you can consider presenting this music box with the music played before singing the happy birthday song!

22. Stunning 3D Photo Crystal With Numerous Personalization Options

Those dazzling whites, arched brows, and smiles all merit a trip down memory lane. Because of the exceptional workmanship, this personalized 3D picture crystal helps bring a photo to life, resulting in a mind-blowing present.

They will appreciate a clear photograph that has been skilfully engraved into the crystal utilizing cutting-edge technology. This is the best option if you are searching for a keepsake item.

23. Tactical Pen For Self-Defence

More significantly, I believe the best feature has to be the powerful tip may be utilized as a defensive instrument when there is a threat to one’s safety in addition to being able to shatter glass in an emergency. This compact pen is definitely one of the best last minute birthday gift you can find!

24. 50 is Just a Number Hand-Painted Artisan Wine Glass

As a bonus in this funny 50th birthday gift, she will find a tantalizing cocktail recipe to try at the base of the glass. Consider bringing a lovely customized cake, birthday candles and balloons as party decorations to create unforgettable experience!

25. Unique Birthdate Candle With Natural Fragrance

Imagine an astrology inspired candle unlike any you have seen before, even for those at the age of fifty. This is one of those unique birthday presents intended to commemorate his or her birthdate! This excellent present includes information on the recipient’s personality, tarot cards, and numerology.

The soothing smell of natural fragrance from the birthday candle will also be energizing. You may also get a homemade handwritten 50th birthday card or a gift card to purchase other things that your loved one wants!

26. Funny and Practical Natural Canvas Tote Bag

Give her a funny and practical gift to make her 50th birthday memorable even for years to come.

This shopping tote bag is one such item, which can also double up as her new favorite grocery bag, library tote or even beach tote.

The simple minimalist design makes it a versatile bag that can be carried in many different occasions.

27. 50 Things to Do When You Turn 50 Book

Welcome the start of an important milestone in life with this informative book. He or she can learn numerous ways to be well prepared for the challenges ahead while having an optimistic approach with life.

The wisdom that is shared will be very useful for people who may dread about the uncertainties ahead. They can also draw more inspirations and plan they want to achieve ahead. Definitely the perfect gift for the fifty year old.

28. Heavy Duty Gardening Tool Kit

If the 50 year old has green fingers and loves to spend time in the garden attending to the plants and flowers, then this tool kit is ideal to bring variation to her gardening hobby.

The kit contains several essential tools like shears and trowel which are made of stainless steel, easy to hold and heavy duty. There is also a tote bag to keep the tools organized after usage.

29. Innovative Creation For A Relaxed Sleep Experience

Many modern people suffer from a lack of good nights sleep including myself. An idea that helps the golden man or woman to relax and sleep is a useful and thoughtful item for the 50th birthday.

With 12 sound programs that are made of brainwave frequencies, the gentle rhythms will help the brain to enter into a relax mode to provide sleep. Give him or her the tranquil settings at night for a well deserved restful night every day! White noise sound machines are recommended gifts for second babies also.

30. Awesome 50 Years Old Beer Glass

The wordings on the beer pint glasses evoke wonderful memories in future for the fifty year old.

The wordings makes this a wonderful way which convey your thoughtfulness and well wishes on his or her 50th birthday. Besides looking fabulous, the beer glass offer clarity in showcasing various types of beer like lager, IPA and stout.

This vintage looking cool drinkware for the 50 year old man and woman will certainly be a keepsake item that will be treasured for many years.

31. Travel Destination Map For the Cool Adventurer

The birthday mate who loves travelling will be excited to receive this map, as 50 year old is the perfect time for him/her to list down the countries and cities (for the world traveler map) that he has travelled.

50 year old is the right time to reminisce the enjoyable travelling experiences and take a stock check of his/her bucket list.

This is indeed a timely and meaningful gift for the frequent traveler and also a great gift idea for couples as well .

32. Unforgettable 50 Years Ago Anniversary 1973 Poster

Looking for a present that can function as a decorative item at the birthday party also? This party poster can serve as part of a great 50th birthday idea as the theme can be a throwback to the 1973 period.

With interesting and memorable facts on a large sized quality poster paper, other guests in their 50s will have an enjoyable time discussing some of the points mentioned in the poster which serves as the highlight among the different 50th birthday decorations.

33. Spa Gift Set in a Cosmetic Bag

Searching a gift idea for a lady who is celebrating her 50th birthday? Get a present which she can indulge in an array of relaxing and enjoyable activities, right in the comfort of her own home.

In this gift basket, she can find manicure and pedicure kit, fragrant bath soap, body butter, tea leaves for drink and much more.

With an assortment of items to pamper her, this is certainly ideal for the birthday girl! We have also recommended spa related items in our page on sick care package .

34. Hilarious Mug For the 50th Birthday

For the 50th birthday, offer this funny mug that states the hard truths about reaching this important age. The body definitely has endured decades of wear and tear and some of the effects are probably already showing.

Let the simple but true and funny words on the mug lighten up the mood at the party while having a light hearted note to remind the recipient the importance of self-care.

35. HD Portable Projector Compatible With Smartphones and Laptops

If the 50 year old is a techie who loves electronics gadget, then you can be sure he or she will love this device.

Imagine the ability to project what is on your smartphone onto a screen or wall easily in high definition images!

In addition, this all-in-one projector has a built-in speaker for a complete and enjoyable experience.

36. Wine of The Month Value-oriented Wines Subscription

He or she will appreciate every sip of quality wine from around the world and is perfect for the 50-year-old who has everything. In addition, if they get to read about the maker of the wine, what it’s best served with, and how best to store it in the “wine letter” that accompanies the delivery.

37. Massage Gun For Deep Tissue Massage

I appreciate that it is built with a quiet motor with an easy holding design, this wonderful and nice massager can be used all year round, which will surely delight the birthday boy or girl! Certainly a great gift for 60 year old men too.

38. Happy Birthday Gift Cake Candle

The aroma is meant to roam around a given space for many hours while the thought behind this special birthday present is meant to last forever in the birthday man or lady’s memory.

39. Cheese Board Complete With Plates Cutlery Wine Opener

This magnificent cheese board will make a statement in the recipient’s dining area and kitchen. Guests will be impressed by the finely crafted bamboo board that comes with drawers and cutlery.

This 50th birthday gift also includes other useful accessories, such as a wine opener, bowls, plates and markers which will be much appreciated as well. You can also get a specially customized birthday cake and gift card to make him or her even more joyous.

40. Outdoor Growler Set With Stainless Steel Tumblers

It is a good idea to take stock of his life at 50 and thank his lucky stars. What better way for a birthday beer enthusiast to be thankful for his favorite ice cold beer!.

One excellent method to help him do so is with this robust outdoor growler set as presents for 50 year old guy. It can also be used to keep soup or coffee hot for a long time because of the vacuum-insulated body. This is an awesome birthday gift for brother too !

41. Premium Mouth-Watering Gourmet Biscotti

For the upcoming birthday, why not consider getting a box of these irresistible gourmet biscotti.

With twenty four gourmet biscotti that comes in various mouth-watering flavors including chocolate chip, nut crunch and cookie crunch, these edible arrangements handcrafted treats are made from premium ingredients for that unforgettable afternoon tea!

Packed in an elegant box with a bow, this is definitely one of the best gifts for someone turning 50. It is also a recommended 40th gift idea for men.

42. Unique Personalized Tumbler With Splash Proof Lid In Various Designs

50 is a huge milestone birthday. Consider giving something that is useful and customized just for the recipient.

A top quality tumbler made of high-quality stainless steel with insulation fits this criteria. In addition, you will have the option to choose from a list of different attractive styles and personalized with a name or short text. The double-walled insulation ensure the temperature can be maintained for a long period. The perfect 50 birthday gift idea for men and women!

43. Funny Gag Gift Mug For The 50 Year Old

Want to see the birthday person doing something funny at the 50th birthday party? Why not get him or her this mug, and then drink from it? You can put coffee, tea or any hot beverage that is deemed suitable and let him or her drink this present, to make the birthday celebrant a proud person.

Made of microwave and dishwasher safe material, you may include this gag gift for the 50 year old with other items to complement it e.g. coffee powder, tea bags and more.

We Recommend:

50th Birthday Party Ideas: 25 Ways to Celebrate the Big Five-Oh

Whether someone is turning the big five-oh, celebrating a half-century, or feeling 50 and fabulous, they deserve a big birthday bash. No matter how you say it, 50 is a big deal. In fact, we can only think of one milestone birthday that’s bigger — and you’ll have to wait another half-century to get there!

Over the years, the birthday boy or girl has probably had a lot of unique experiences, which can make it hard to plan a birthday celebration that doesn’t make them roll their eyes and go, “Been there, done that.” But with these 50th birthday party ideas, you’ll find one-of-a-kind suggestions that your guest of honor will love — even if that’s you!

50th Birthday Party Ideas Your Guests Will Never Forget

We’ve rounded up 25 of the best 50th birthday party ideas to inspire your celebration. Pick a party idea your guest of honor will love, and start your party planning with our complete guide . If you’re planning a 50th birthday bash in the time of COVID, check out our guide to social distancing events  to keep your guests safe.

1. Host a Tasting

Design: Signature Greenvelope

For a foodie’s 50th, throw a tasting party. Lots of foods and drinks — wine, chocolate, whiskey, honey, cheese, olive oil — have widely different tastes depending on the varietal, region, and flavor profile. Choose your guest of honor’s favorite foods, write the menu on an adorable chalkboard, and get ready to sip and savor.

2. Hire a Celebrity Speaker

From athletes to scientists to favorite bands, a guest speaker or entertainer that the birthday boy or girl admires will be something they’ll always remember. Choose a favorite celeb from the guest of honor’s childhood to find someone who is more likely to be available (and affordable).

3. Rent Out the Aquarium

If your loved one loves the ocean, rent the local aquarium for the evening. The aquarium all lit up will be so beautiful you won’t need any other party decorations.

4. Throw a Theme Party

A birthday party theme  can make it easy to plan a cohesive event. Just think of something your guest of honor loves — sports, movies, grape soda, anything can be a theme — then everything from your 50th birthday party decorations to your party games to your cupcake toppers will fall into place.

5. Visit a Brewery

Design: Jessica Williams

For the birthday boy or girl who loves a good brew, plan to visit a local brewery or go brewery hopping if there are a few in your area. You may even be able to get a tour and see how the beer is made. This brew bash invite  is perfect for this idea.

6. Host a Red Carpet Event

There’s no better time to go big than a 50th birthday. Plan a red carpet event  that makes your guest of honor feel like a celebrity. Then, make their entrance extra special with a confetti drop when they walk through the door.

7. Go on a Camping Trip

For a more casual birthday celebration, commune with nature on a camping trip. Gather your friends and family members, sit around a fire, roast s’mores, and tell scary stories.

8. Tour Wine Country

Wineries make a great weekend getaway for a big birthday, and there may be a wine region  closer than you think. California, Washington, and Oregon all have impressive wine producers, but there are also beautiful wineries in New York, Virginia, Texas, and beyond.

9. Tee Off on an Exclusive Golf Course

If your birthday boy or girl is a golf aficionado, make a reservation at a beautifully manicured golf course. Play the best course in your town, or use this as an excuse to play a bucket-list round of golf at Augusta or Pinehurst. Bonus: Golf goes great with all those over-the-hill jokes you’re dying to make.

10. Have a Low-Country Boil

For a seafood lover, a low-country boil  will provide the perfect 50th birthday party food. And it’s deceptively easy to throw together — just throw all your seafood and potatoes into one pot, add some Old Bay, and boil. But first, don’t forget to send out a stylish seafood boil invitation .

11. Relax at a Yoga Retreat

If your guest of honor would like to start their next half-century with a bit of zen, plan this weekend birthday escape. The birthday girl or boy and their closest friends will spend the weekend doing yoga, meditating, eating fresh food, and enjoying nature.

12. Visit a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

For foodies looking to check something off their bucket list, eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant will provide the unforgettable dining experience they’re craving. If there isn’t a Michelin-starred restaurant in your area, look for a place that offers a tasting menu and wine pairings.

13. Throw a Fundraising Gala

This 50th birthday party idea is a great way to give back. Celebrate with friends, family, and coworkers in an elegant setting, and tell anyone looking for a gift idea to donate to the guest of honor’s favorite charity.

14. Make It a Surprise Party 

It’s fun to surprise a birthday girl or boy with all their loved ones and all their favorite things. But for a 50th, they might see it coming. To avoid being found out, throw your surprise party  a week or two before the actual birthday.

15. Get Schooled in Craft Cocktails

Design: Merimoi Press

Your guest of honor may think they have the know-how to make the perfect cocktail, but a craft cocktail class will show them all the skills they need to go from amateur bartender to pro mixologist. This idea keeps the conversation (and the booze!) flowing for a fun 50th birthday party.

16. Throw a Dinner Party

Dust off your wine glasses and open your home to friends and family with an intimate dinner party . If you’re not much of a cook, have the evening catered by your guest of honor’s favorite restaurant.

17. Make It a Black-Tie Affair

Ask guests to dress up in their most elegant duds for a black-tie affair. This event allows you to go all out with a beautiful venue, elegant table decorations, and elaborate centerpieces. Have dinner and dancing, and ask a close friend or family member to make a toast.

16. Have a Retro Bash 

Going retro is a perfect 50th birthday theme. Celebrate the birthday boy’s or girl’s 50s like it’s the 1950s, with party-goers wearing poodle skirts or leather jackets and white T-shirts. Or throw it back to the guest of honor’s favorite decade with an ‘80s  or ‘90s theme party .

17. Zen Out With a Spa Day

Design: Claudia Owen

Take your guest of honor and their best pals to the spa for massages, facials, and a steam. Split the cost of the birthday boy’s or girl’s treatments as a beautiful 50th birthday gift. To get your guests excited before the main event, send a lovely spa-inspired invite  and include all the details.

18. Swim With Dolphins

Here’s one for the bucket list: Take your whole crew on an ocean adventure to swim with dolphins or sharks. Or, choose a freshwater friend, and swim with manatees. Either way, this 50th birthday party idea is sure to go swimmingly.

19. Cruise on a Catamaran

Speaking of the ocean, a catamaran cruise is an all-inclusive day trip — meaning no one has to spend their time buying birthday party supplies or DIY-ing decorations. Guests just show up, and all your food, drinks, and fun are provided for you.

20. Enjoy an Evening of Jazz

If the birthday girl’s or boy’s favorite playlist includes Miles Davis and Chet Baker, spend their birthday party at a jazz club or hire jazz musicians to play at your event.

21. Rent an Antique Train Car

For history buffs, antique trains  will take them back to a more romantic time (even if these trains don’t actually go anywhere). Rent out an old dining car, serve prohibition-era cocktails, and ask guests to dress in their finest flapper attire.

22. Get Front-Row Tickets to a Sporting Event

Hey there, sports fans! Take your birthday boy or girl to see their favorite team. You can look for a section that still has room to seat all your friends and family, or you can bring everyone up to a luxury box for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Either option will make for one happy birthday!

23. Have a Trek In, Trek Out Party

For all the adventurers out there, choose a remote locale, and have guests fill their backpacks with all the party food and birthday party supplies you need to make the day great. Hike to a secluded spot , and set up your birthday party in a far-off cabin, a clearing in the woods, or a plateau overlooking a scenic landscape. Bonus points if you can get the birthday cake in without messing up any of the frosting.

24. Go to a Fashion Show

You don’t have to live in Paris or Milan to go to a fashion show. National department stores and small local boutiques often host fashion shows. So, send out a chic invitation , gather your friends and show everyone just how fabulous 50 can be.

25. Host a Roast

If your guest of honor has a great sense of humor, host a comedy roast. You can hire a comedian or ask friends and family to write hilarious speeches  to poke some fun at the honoree. But if you dish it out, make sure you can take it — it’s traditional for the guest of honor to get the last word at a roast with a speech that makes fun of everyone who roasted them.

Time to Make Those Milestone Memories

The best 50th birthday party ideas are a reflection of the birthday boy or girl you’re celebrating. If you’re still not sure what to plan for your guest of honor, make a list of the things they love. For foodies, host a tasting. For adventurers, trek to a remote party locale. And for glamazons, go to a fashion show.

At the end of the day, as long as you invite the guest of honor’s favorite people, you’ll have a milestone birthday they’ll remember. Get everyone to the party by sending online invitations  directly to guests’ inboxes. It makes the planning easier, letting you focus on all your big 50th birthday party ideas.