This post: 25 Insanely Clever Ways to Give Cash as a Graduation Gift / Post Updated 2/2025
With graduation season upon us, it’s easy to get a little overwhelmed – what to get all the graduates in your life!
When my daughter graduated from high school, I was invited to a ton of graduation parties. I wanted to take the time to honor each grad’s hard-earned success and accomplishments, but I was also stumped on how to make each gift special. So, I gave them what most grads (secretly) want – MONEY! I didn’t give a ton of cash… I just presented it in a fun and unique way!
Rather than handing them a boring envelope with a little cash in it, I stepped up my money gift-giving game and I made my gift look special!
There are so many fun and creative ideas to give money! Here are 25 super clever ways to give cash as a graduation gift!
25 Insanely Clever Ways to Give Cash as a Graduation Gift
Fun & Budget-Friendly Graduation Gift
Who says you have to break the bank when you’re buying grad gifts? This idea is fun, festive, and budget-friendly! Pick up these adorable cups at the Dollar Store, Walmart, or Target and fill them with college-themed colored filler (and a bit of cash) for a gift any grad would appreciate!
Image: Mandy Living Life
You Can’t Live on Pizza, So Here’s Some Dough
We all know how much teenagers love pizza! Why not give them what they want… pizza? Only this pizza is filled with the kind of dough they actually want and need in college.
Image: Paige’s Party Ideas
Grad Money Cake
Think this looks too complicated? Think again! Simply stack layers of styrofoam with rolled money and secure with big rubber bands or string and then adorn with ribbon, signs, and a homemade grad cap. When it comes to clever ways to give cash as a graduation gift, this one takes the cake… literally!
Image: i.pinimg.com
In Case of Emergency Break Glass
This is such a fun and easy way to give cash as a grad gift. Simply purchase an inexpensive frame, create a fun “In an Emergency Break the Glass” sign on Canva (it’s totally FREE to use), and tape any denomination of cash to the sign. It’s that easy!
Image: Happy Home Fairy
Graduation Cap Mason Jar
Who knew something as simple as a mason jar could look so adorable as a graduation gift? It’s a simple idea that makes a big impression!
Find the step-by-step instructions at Valevent Gal HERE
Money Rosette
Top your gift off with a money rosette that’s sure to wow any grad. And, don’t be fooled by how amazing it looks. It’s actually simple to make!
Find step-by-step instructions at Just Something Made HERE
Congrats Grad Gift Card Frame
Well, it might not exactly be cash, but it’s the next best thing. Gift cards! What graduate wouldn’t love gift cards to all their favorite places to eat and shop?
Find step-by-step instructions at Fun Squared HERE
Image: Fun Squared
Money Candy Bouquet
Candy money along with straight-up cash makes this candy bouquet anything but boring! Just imagine the look on your favorite grad’s face when you present them with this!
Find instructions at Tip Junkie HERE
You Will Change the World
It’s what every grad wants to hear – that they will change the world! This budget-friendly idea couldn’t be any cuter! Simply fill a cute jar with loose change, add a cute tag like this one and a ribbon and you’re set!
Image: Making Memories with Your Kids
Money “Congrats Grad” Wreath
All we can say is WOW! And, the best part about this clever idea is that it isn’t difficult and it makes an amazing impression. Choose your grad’s college colors to make it personal and special.
Find step-by-step instructions at Crazy Little Projects HERE
Money Graduation Cap + Tassel
Turn your money gift into a graduation cap and tassel with easy instructions that anyone can do!
Find step-by-step instructions at Sugar and Charm HERE
Here’s to Your Bright Future
Step away from boring cash gifts and do something different like this cash-in-a-lightbulb gift. It’s a fun and clever way to let your favorite grad know that their future is bright!
Image: Source Unknown
Money in a Bottle
As far as clever ways to give cash as a graduation gift, it doesn’t get a whole lot easier than this! Simply fill a soda bottle with cash, add a fun label, tassel, and ribbon and this gift will be a total stand-out on the gift table.
Image: Nancy’s Craft Spot
” Life is Like a Box of Chocolates” Money Surprise
Imagine the surprise when they open their box of chocolates! It’s such an easy and creative idea to replicate!
Image Source: Unknown
DIY Money Graduation Cap
Give your graduate a gift they’ll never forget. This DIY money graduation cap is actually pretty easy to make and your graduate will wear it proudly… before they spend the money, that is.
Find step-by-step instructions at Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss HERE
Rolled Cash in a Grad Cap Box
If you’re looking for a simple, classy, no-fuss grad gift, this might be it. Any graduate would love this gift and it’s easy enough to make a whole bunch if you’re celebrating several grads in your life.
Image: Bunches and Bits
Money Shirt
A simple piece of square cardboard can be transformed into a cool money shirt your favorite grad will never forget. Add a couple of dimes or quarters for the buttons and wrap it up – clever and fun!
Image: Pinterest Upload
Fancy Grad Money Cake
This fancy money cake screams “Let’s Celebrate!” And, the best part is, it’s not difficult to make yourself.
Find step-by-step instructions at Penny Pinchin’ Mom HERE
Graduation Cap Bottle Gift
You really can’t go wrong with a simple, yet celebratory grad gift like this graduation cap bottle gift. It’s so festive and depending on the bottle size used you can fill it with as much (or as little) cash as you like!
Find step-by-step instructions at Crafty Morning HERE
Money Balloons
If you’re looking for an ultra-creative way to give the graduates in your life money, tuck some cash in a balloon along with some confetti to make it fun and they’ll forever remember your special gift.
Find step-by-step instructions at Sugar and Charm HERE
Cash Graduation Cap
If you’re throwing your grad a party this year, make them this easy cash graduation cap to wear on their celebration day! Not only is it fun, but it will also be the talk of the party.
Find step-by-step instructions at Pickles and Ice Cream HERE
Gift Card Bouquet
Just a few supplies are needed to pull together this fun idea – a flower pot spray painted in any color, styrofoam to put in the flower pot, wooden picks (to glue the gift cards to), filler, and graduate stick decorations. It’s easy and any grad would flip over this gift!
Image: Cheap Crafting
Graduation Bottles with Candy & Cash
Get a little silly with this candy & cash bottle set! Plus, you can download FREE printables to make this gift a total breeze to make in minutes.
Find the how-to and free printables at Busy Mom Helper HERE
Your Hard Work Has Paid Off
When the budget is tight, opt for something simple and cute like this small, clear bucket filled to the brim with rolled cash. Add a fun label like this one and you’ll put a huge smile on your grad’s face without breaking the bank.
Image: Eighteen 25
Creative Money Lei
Want to really WOW your graduate? Why not make them an amazing and creative money lei? It’s easy to do, too! Check out the video below for step-by-step instructions!
Looking for more graduation-inspired posts? Check these out!
25 Best Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound High Schoolers
25 All-Time Best Books for High School Graduates
33 Genius Graduation Party Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love
36 BEST Graduation Party Desserts