Ideas for Giving Money as a Christmas Gift

There are lots of fun and unique ways you can give money as a gift for Christmas. Probably the best way to give money to adults is just to send it in a card as cash or a check, but some adults and most children probably wouldn't mind a more surprising or fun way to receive a money gift. Here are a few ways you can give cash for Christmas.

Wallet or Purse

Buy a wallet or purse that reflects the taste of the recipient, and hide the money inside. This is a good idea to use for teenagers and preteens. For younger kids, a coin purse filled with different types of coins can be put in their stocking.

Crayon Box

This idea is good for children aged three to about 8 years old. Empty a smaller sized crayon box, and insert five to ten rolled up one dollar bills in place of the crayons. You might want to put a small piece of tape to keep the bills rolled up. The crayon box can the be put in the child's stocking.

Origami

Create origami shapes out of crisp bills of whatever denomination is appropriate or within your budget. The origami bills can be used as tree ornaments, poking out of the top of a stocking, or taped to a present. Instructions can easily be found in books or online.

Wrapping Paper and Bows

You can create wrapping paper by taping together one dollar bills into a sheet, or directly around a present. You can also fold bills into bows to tape onto gifts.

Tree, Ornament, or Wreath

All types of money trees, tree ornaments, and money wreath ideas can be found in books and online. These are not new ideas, but they can be fun to make, and are usually appreciated by the recipient, young or adult.

Special Denominations and Coins

Foreign bills are a fun idea, especially for younger children. For example, you could put a couple of Japanese bills as a bookmark in a book about Japan, if the child has been showing a recent interest in that culture. You can also use rarer US denominations, such as twoo dollar bills or silver dollars as a stocking stuffer. For smaller kids, a partially filled piggy bank or coin sorter is a fun idea.