77+ Simple & Fun DIY Money Gifts for Graduates

DIY Money Gifts for Graduates are a creative and thoughtful way to celebrate their achievements while providing them with something practical for their future. Instead of just handing over cash, DIY Money Gifts for Graduates can be presented in fun and personalized ways, such as in a decorative jar, a money tree, or a customized envelope with a heartfelt note. DIY money gifts can be tailored to suit the graduate’s personality and preferences, making them both meaningful and useful for their next chapter. Whether it’s for further studies, travel, or starting a new job, a DIY money gift shows you care while being both functional and unique.

Money Balloon

Money balloons are a fun and visually appealing way to present a cash gift. You can include a creative twist by hiding cash inside balloons and giving the graduate a challenge to pop them for the money.

 

Materials Needed:

• Balloons
• Cash (folded)
• Small rubber bands
• Clear tape

Steps:

1. Begin by carefully folding the cash into a small size, so it fits inside the balloon.
2. Inflate the balloon and tie it securely.
3. Tape the folded cash to the inside of the balloon or place it directly inside before inflating.
4. Inflate the balloon and tie it off.
5. You can add a message or a tag with instructions for popping the balloon to get the gift.

Money Lei

A money lei is a festive and stylish way to give a cash gift, often used in Hawaii for graduations. It’s both symbolic and practical, and the graduate can wear it during the ceremony.

Materials Needed:

• Cash (new bills preferred)
• Ribbon or string
• Scissors
• Glue or double-sided tape

Steps:

1. Fold each bill accordion-style to give it texture.
2. Lay the ribbon or string out, cutting it to the desired length for the lei.
3. Attach the bills using glue or double-sided tape to the string at evenly spaced intervals.
4. Once all the money is attached, tie the ends of the string together to form a circular lei.
5. Optionally, add decorative flowers or beads to complete the look.

Money Cake

A money cake can serve as both a decorative centerpiece and a creative way to present cash. The cake layers are made with rolled-up bills, and the graduate has to “unwrap” them as they celebrate.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard cake base
• Cash (rolled into tight cylinders)
• Tape or glue
• Decorative items (ribbons, fake flowers, etc.)

Steps:

1. Cut the cardboard into circular shapes for each layer of the cake.
2. Tape or glue rolled-up bills to form a cake layer, stacking them on top of each other.
3. Once each layer is complete, stack the layers and secure them together with glue or tape.
4. Decorate the cake with ribbons, flowers, and any other fun embellishments.
5. Write a note or card and attach it to the top of the cake.

Money Puzzle

A money puzzle is a fun, interactive way to give a cash gift. The graduate has to solve a puzzle to uncover their reward, which can add an element of excitement and challenge.

Materials Needed:

• Puzzle board or card
• Cash (can be folded or rolled)
• Glue
• Markers or pens for creating the puzzle

Steps:

1. Prepare the puzzle board by cutting it into several pieces.
2. Attach small rolled-up bills or folded cash to each puzzle piece with glue.
3. Write a note or message on the back of each piece as part of the puzzle’s challenge.
4. Assemble the pieces and present it to the graduate, asking them to solve the puzzle.
5. When completed, the puzzle reveals the hidden money.

Money Origami

Money origami is a creative way to transform cash into beautiful, meaningful shapes. From flowers to shirts, these money creations are a great way to present a gift that feels both personal and artistic.

Materials Needed:

• Cash
• Scissors (optional for cutting)
• Instructions for folding

Steps:

1. Start with a bill (new or folded cash works best).
2. Follow specific origami instructions to fold the cash into a shape, such as a crane, shirt, or flower.
3. You can create a small bouquet of money origami flowers or other items to give as a gift.
4. Arrange your creations into a small bouquet or pile and wrap them in tissue paper or a decorative box.

Money Scratch-Off Card

A money scratch-off card is a fun and engaging way to present a cash gift. It’s like a mini lottery where the graduate can scratch off sections to reveal the amount of money they’ve won.

Materials Needed:

• Scratch-off stickers
• Card or thick paper
• Cash (to tuck inside the card)
• Markers and glue

Steps:

1. Design and create a card using thick paper or cardstock.
2. Write a personal message on the inside and attach cash in the form of folded bills.
3. Over the cash, place the scratch-off stickers in strategic locations.
4. Cover the stickers with silver scratch-off paint or a mixture of dish soap and paint.
5. Present the card, and let the graduate scratch off to reveal their money.

Money Tree

A money tree is a charming and symbolic gift, representing prosperity and success. By attaching money to a small tree or plant, you offer both a visual and practical gift.

Materials Needed:

• Small potted plant (real or artificial)
• Cash
• Ribbon
• Paper clips or small hooks

Steps:

1. Select a small potted plant or tree that fits the theme of the gift.
2. Carefully fold or roll the cash into small bundles.
3. Attach the cash to the branches of the plant using small paper clips, hooks, or ribbon.
4. Decorate the tree with additional ribbons or faux flowers for a more festive look.
5. Present the money tree as a symbol of growth and success.

Money Jar

A money jar is a simple, yet thoughtful way to present cash. You can customize the jar with the graduate’s name or graduation year to make it even more personal.

Materials Needed:

• Jar or mason jar
• Cash (folded or rolled)
• Ribbon or decorative stickers

Steps:

1. Choose a jar with a lid or top that fits the amount of cash.
2. Roll or fold the bills and place them inside the jar.
3. You can add some colorful tissue paper at the bottom for decoration.
4. Decorate the jar with ribbon or stickers, personalizing it with the graduate’s name or the year of graduation.
5. Seal the jar and present it as a gift.

Money Envelope

A classic and simple money gift idea, the money envelope allows for a thoughtful presentation while being very customizable to fit any theme or style.

Materials Needed:

• Envelope
• Cash
• Stickers, stamps, or pens for decoration

Steps:

1. Place the folded or rolled cash inside a decorative envelope.
2. Write a personal message on the outside or inside of the envelope.
3. You can decorate the envelope with stickers, stamps, or other creative additions to make it unique.
4. Seal the envelope and hand it to the graduate with a smile.

Money Bookmark

A money bookmark is an ideal gift for graduates who love to read. It combines the practicality of a bookmark with the surprise of cash hidden inside.

Materials Needed:

• Ribbon or sturdy paper
• Cash
• Scissors
• Glue or tape

Steps:

1. Cut the ribbon or paper into the desired size for the bookmark.
2. Fold the bill to fit the size of the bookmark.
3. Attach the folded bill to the back of the bookmark using glue or tape.
4. Decorate the bookmark with inspirational quotes or messages for the graduate.
5. Present the bookmark as a small but meaningful gift.

Money Envelope Purse

A stylish money envelope purse combines fashion with function, making it a memorable and unique gift for a graduate. It’s practical and can hold cash or even credit cards.

Materials Needed:

• Envelope-style purse or clutch
• Cash
• Decorative embellishments (beads, sequins, etc.)

Steps:

1. Choose an envelope-style purse or clutch.
2. Fold the cash neatly and place it inside the purse.
3. You can add decorative embellishments to personalize the gift, such as beads or sequins.
4. Seal the purse and present it as a stylish way to carry money.

Money Bowl

A money bowl is a creative and beautiful way to give a cash gift. It can be decorated and displayed as part of the graduation celebration.

Materials Needed:

• Small bowl or dish
• Cash (rolled or folded)
• Decorative materials (tissue paper, fake flowers, etc.)

Steps:

1. Select a small decorative bowl or dish.
2. Roll or fold the cash neatly.
3. Arrange the money in the bowl, layering it like a bouquet.
4. Add tissue paper, fake flowers, or other decorative materials to fill in the gaps.
5. Present the money bowl as a unique gift.

Money Wristband

A money wristband is a functional gift that combines fashion and finance. It’s both trendy and practical, and it can be worn as a reminder of the special occasion.

Materials Needed:

• Stretch cord or elastic
• Cash
• Small beads or charms

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of stretch cord to fit around the graduate’s wrist.
2. Fold the bills to fit and sew them into the wristband using the elastic cord.
3. Add decorative beads or charms between the bills for a personalized touch.
4. Secure the wristband and present it as a wearable money gift.

Money Flower Bouquet

A money flower bouquet is a beautiful way to give cash while making it look like a flower arrangement. Each “flower” is a rolled-up bill, making the gift both creative and thoughtful.

Materials Needed:

• Cash
• Floral wire
• Ribbon or fabric
• Greenery (optional)

Steps:

1. Roll each bill into a small flower shape.
2. Attach each rolled-up bill to a piece of floral wire.
3. Arrange the “flowers” into a bouquet, securing them with ribbon or fabric.
4. Optionally, add greenery to enhance the bouquet.
5. Present the bouquet as a stunning, money-filled arrangement.

Money Cupcake

Money cupcakes are a fun way to present cash in a creative and sweet form. You can use these as a gift or even a party favor for the graduation celebration.

Materials Needed:

• Cupcake liners
• Cash
• Decorative toppers
• Scissors

Steps:

1. Prepare a cupcake liner by placing a folded or rolled bill inside.
2. Use decorative toppers like mini flowers, candy, or figurines to cover the bills.
3. Serve these cupcakes at the party or give them as individual gifts.
4. The graduate can unwrap each cupcake to discover the cash inside.

Money Origami Graduation Cap

Turn cash into a miniature graduation cap to make your gift graduation-themed and creative.

Materials Needed

• Dollar bill
• Black cardstock
• Glue
• Scissors

Steps

1. Fold the dollar bill into a square by bringing one corner diagonally to meet the opposite edge. Trim off the excess.
2. Create a smaller square by folding the bill diagonally again.
3. Use the black cardstock to cut a small square for the cap top and a thin strip for the tassel.
4. Glue the folded dollar bill onto the cardstock square as the cap’s base.
5. Attach the tassel with glue to the center of the cap.

Money Heart Cake

A money cake is a creative way to combine celebration and a financial gift. This layered “cake” made of rolled dollar bills is sure to impress.

Materials Needed

• Dollar bills
• Cake boards (in three different sizes)
• Double-sided tape
• Ribbon
• Cake topper (optional)

Steps

1. Roll each dollar bill tightly and secure with a small piece of tape.
2. Place double-sided tape along the edge of the smallest cake board and attach the rolled bills vertically.
3. Repeat the process for the medium and large cake boards to create three layers.
4. Stack the layers, securing them with tape if needed.
5. Wrap each layer with ribbon to hide the tape and add a decorative touch.
6. Add a cake topper to complete the look.

Money Wreath

Create a decorative wreath made entirely of cash for a unique and eye-catching gift.

Materials Needed

• Foam wreath base
• Dollar bills
• Straight pins or hot glue
• Decorative ribbon or bow

Steps

1. Fold each dollar bill accordion-style and secure the center with a pin or glue.
2. Attach the folded bills around the foam base, overlapping slightly for a full appearance.
3. Continue until the entire wreath is covered.
4. Add a ribbon or bow for decoration.

Balloon Money Surprise

Hide money inside balloons for a playful and exciting gift experience.

Materials Needed

• Balloons (clear or colorful)
• Dollar bills
• Helium tank (optional)
• Confetti or small notes

Steps

1. Roll each dollar bill and secure it with a rubber band.
2. Insert the rolled bill and confetti into the balloon.
3. Inflate the balloon with air or helium.
4. Tie the balloons to a weight or create a balloon bouquet.

Money in a Jar

A jar filled with cash is simple yet customizable, making it a versatile graduation gift.

Materials Needed

• Clear jar
• Dollar bills
• Ribbon
• Tag or card

Steps

1. Roll each dollar bill tightly and secure with tape or a rubber band.
2. Place the rolled bills into the jar, filling it completely.
3. Add a ribbon around the jar’s neck and attach a tag with a message.

Money Pizza

Make a “pizza” out of money for a humorous and delicious-looking gift.

Materials Needed

• Pizza box
• Dollar bills
• Red and yellow construction paper
• Glue or double-sided tape

Steps

1. Lay the dollar bills flat to create the “crust” in a circular pattern.
2. Cut out circles from red construction paper to resemble pepperoni.
3. Add shredded strips of yellow paper for “cheese.”
4. Arrange everything inside the pizza box and close it.

Money Balloon Bouquet

A bouquet of balloons filled with cash adds an element of surprise and fun to your gift.

Materials Needed

• Balloons
• Dollar bills
• Ribbon
• Helium tank

Steps

1. Roll and secure the dollar bills with small rubber bands.
2. Insert the rolled bills into the balloons before inflating them.
3. Inflate the balloons with helium and tie them with ribbon.
4. Arrange the balloons into a bouquet and present them to the graduate.