When it comes to giving gifts, I usually don’t like to give money. For me, personally, I think of it as a cop-out only because it is easy to give money instead of a gift. I do realize, though, that sometimes money is the best gift to give. On those occasions where money is the best option, I prefer to find creative ways to give it rather than opting to put a few bills or a check in a greeting card.

Here are a few money gifts I have given recently, along with some others I found that I hope to try soon. Some of these may say Christmas or graduation, but they can easily be modified for any occasion.

A little Extra DOUGH Gift

This was an easy project. I simply printed out a tag that said “We figured, more than anything, everyone could use a little extra DOUGH at Christmas time! {open me}” I printed it on plain paper, cut it into a circle shape, and used a couple of glue dots to attach it to the lid of a can of Play Doh. I popped out the Play-Doh, wrapped some money around it, and then slid it back inside the can.

Don’t BLOW it All in One Place

I started out by pulling about half of the tissues out of the box. I found an image of a dollar bill online (the one I used had Santa on it) and along the top of the bill I wrote “Don’t BLOW it all in one place!” I then taped a $10 bill to one end of that and continued taping bills together to make a long chain of ten $10 bills. I then carefully placed the bills in the box so when you pulled the top one out, the rest followed one-by-one.

Money Maze

While this was not a homemade money gift, this Money Puzzle Maze (affiliate link) was a huge hit with my kids and their significant others! How it works is there is usually a slot you can slip the money in and the only way to get it out is to solve the puzzle. The one I got for my kids was a maze that you had to navigate the ball around to the trip spring. You pressed on the spot at the end of the maze when the ball is sitting there and it releases the spring and opens the door. This kept than all busy for quite awhile and they even made a race out of it to see who could get it open first.

Make a ‘Stache Jar

Decorate any empty jar you have with google eyes and a mustache cut out of felt. Pop some money in it and make sure you label the top with something like “Special Stache for a special person”. You can find directions explaining how I made these stache jars by following along with this tutorial.

How to Make a Money Bouquet

Kim, from seven thirty three, created a unique bouquet of flowers using money. She created each flower by accordion folding a dollar bill and attaching it to a stick. She made eight flowers and presented them all in a cute soup mug vase. Learn how to make this bouquet by reading Kim’s tutorial.

Money Lei

Follow these directions, shared on Lil’ Luna, and you can make a fashion accessories that is worth a million bucks! Well, maybe somewhere between $30 and $35 bucks. This lei is made by alternating piece of paper and dollar bills that are accordion folded. Learn how to make this bouquet by reading Kristyn’s tutorial.

Gift Money Holder

I just had to share this fun money holder created by Kathy from Kathy’s Stamping World. I love how she created this little pocket that slipped into the fancy envelope that looks like a wrapped package. This would be a great excuse to buy fancy paper no matter what the occasion is. Learn how to make this money holder by reading Kathy’s tutorial.

Bottle Full of Money Gift

Nancy used her Cricut Electric Cutting Machine (affiliate link), a tassel, and some curling ribbon to make this unique money gift. Nancy cut a sideways “U” shape into the side of the bottle, but you can also use a utility knife to cut carefully cut the bottle in half. Wash it out, dry it well, and fill it with goodies. The cut in the bottle is then covered by the paper label. Along with the money Nancy stuffed this one with was some small candy bars. Learn how to make this money bottle by reading the tutorial at Nancy’s Craft Spot.

Hard Work Has Paid Off Paint Can

Any time I want by the clear paint cans at the craft store I am tempted to buy one, but I usually don’t let myself unless I already have a project in mind; needless to say, I was happy to find this fun and easy gift idea using one. The fine folks at the eighteen25 blog were nice enough to share a printable template along with this tutoriall.

Money Tree

I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love to get a money tree as a gift. Diane from Oui Personalize explains how you can turn an ordinary twig, some clothespins, and a few other supplies into a unique tree. I love how she spray painted all of it white. Learn how to make this money tree by reading Diane’s tutorial.

Book of Money

These cute little books can be created for just about any occasion. All you need is some paper, string, and ribbon. They are too cute! Learn how to make this money book by reading Martha Stewart’s tutorial.

Dollars and Bow Image credit: garsya / 123RF Stock Photo

Disclosure: As noted above, this post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for details.