by Kim Park

Created on: January 28, 2011   Last Updated: May 24, 2012

Some consider giving money as a gift to be rude and without thought but this is not true. Money is a very versatile gift, especially for those individuals that are hard to shop for. By using a creative idea for giving money you can show the recipient how you put thought and effort into the gift as well as how much you care. Below are several creative ideas for giving the gift of money that can set your present apart from the crowd and are sure to be received with a smile.

Origami

One simple yet beautiful way to creatively give money is to fold the bills into wonderful origami shapes. There are many sites with simple and unique patterns for folding paper bills, such as the Origami Resource Center or the website Homemade Gifts Made Easy which both offer a wide range of designs including a butterfly, umbrella and elephant. Ideally a pattern could be found that fits the giving occasion, such as a shirt and tie as a gift for a new job or a plane for a gift towards a vacation.

Homemade gift card

Although gift cards are very common they are not available for every retailer or every situation. When giving a gift of money meant for a specific purpose and where a gift card is not an option consider making a homemade gift card. The gift card could express how the money is meant to be used, such as towards a cruise or a nice dinner out or can have a broader message, suggesting the recipient use it to treat themselves to something nice. The thought and effort put into making a gift card will be very much appreciated by the receiver.

Creative wrapping

When giving the gift of money it is possible to have a lot of fun in the wrapping. Money can be wrapped to look like another object, such as a book, or in another object, like a DVD case, making the recipient think they are receiving something else entirely. Another fun way to wrap the gift of money is to place the money under the bottom flap of a box which is then filled with tissue paper so when the box is opened appears empty until it is completely taken apart and the money is discovered.

Scavenger hunt

Any gift can be given through a scavenger hunt but this style of giving works especially well with money because a portion of the gift can be left with each clue. Once the receiver finds all the clues they will have their entire gift. If giving money in this style to a child the scavenger hunt could be called a treasure hunt. Include a map and have the money found could be coins, rather than bills, to seem even more like pirate treasure.

For someone with a sense of humor

If the money is being given to someone with a good sense of humor consider giving the money as all coins. This way of giving money is sure to confuse the recipient because of the excess weight and bulk. Even if the monetary gift is small it can be make to look larger by using smaller denominations of coins. To add even more humor to this way of giving money wrap the coins in a cloth bag with a money symbol on it, similar to what a cartoon bank robber would use. This is also a great way to give money at a large occasion, such as a wedding or anniversary party, because it is bound to stand out amongst the other gifts and be remembered well.

Be creative the next time you decide to give money and it is sure your gift will make a larger impact and be received with a smile.

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