This post: 25 Creative Ways to Give Money this Christmas / Post Updated: September 2024
So many teenagers ask for money for the holidays! But, let’s be honest, there’s nothing festive or fun about handing over a boring check or envelope filled with a few bucks.
Why not step up your money gift-giving game this year by diving into some of these fun and clever ideas – 25 holiday money gift-giving ideas in all!
From festive and fun to a little hokie and ho ho ho holiday, if you’re planning on giving money to your favorite teen this year (or anyone else, for that matter), you’re bound to find some serious inspiration here with our 25 creative DIY ways to give money this Christmas.
25 Creative Ways to Give Money This Christmas
#1 DIY Money Trees
Don’t let this picture scare you… these adorable Christmas trees are actually super easy to recreate and it’s so festive and fun!
Check out the how-to at Curbly HERE!
#2 Ho Ho Ho Christmas Dough
Who wouldn’t love to find a few bucks in their stocking this Christmas? This idea is so simple, yet so festive. You can find small stockings at the Dollar Store, Walmart, or Target.
Image: Pinterest
#3 Merry Kiss-Mas Jar
Rather than handing someone on your gift list an envelope with a check or a few dollars, why not tuck a few bucks in a mason jar filled with kisses? It’s easy, inexpensive and festive! Image compliments of The Tiny Blue House.
#4 Money Wreath
Giving money as a holiday gift never looked so fun or festive! Purchase an inexpensive styrofoam wreath (you can find them at any craft store), creatively wrap money around the wreath and add a few holiday bells or ornaments – it’s that easy!
Image Source: Unknown
#5 DIY Money Ornament
Giving cash just got easier with this easy DIY Christmas ornament. Just tuck a little cash in a clear ornament and add a pretty Christmas bow. It’s that easy!
Check out the how-to at Country Chic Cottage HERE!
#6 Money Christmas Tree Lot
Well, of all the creative ways to give money this Christmas, this one tops the list! A few simple supplies including styrofoam, sticks, wired beads (for the holiday lights), and, of course, money in the shape of Christmas trees, are all that’s needed to create this amazing and super creative money Christmas tree lot. Image: Pinterest.
Here’s another creative way to fold money like a Christmas tree!
#7 Christmas Candy Coins
All those quarters you’ve collected throughout the year can finally be put to great use this holiday. Simply roll the quarters and wrap them in festive paper for a “Christmas candy” look any anyone would love.
#8 “Money” Fries
For anyone (think teenagers) who just can’t live without their salty fries, this is one “take out” gift they’ll love to receive. Roll up as many “fries” as you like, tuck a few rolls of coins in the bag, and add a shiny ornament to make it festive.
Image: Pinterest
#9 Gingerbread Holiday Dough
How cute is this simple Gingerbread Holiday Dough idea? Wrap up some cash individually and add a cute holiday message for a money gift idea that’s both adorable and creative.
Image: Pinterest
#10 Candy Wrapped Money
Who could possibly resist money AND candy all wrapped in one! You seriously can’t go wrong with this fun combo.
Image: Pinterest
#11 Money Topiary
This adorable topiary tree couldn’t be any cuter. So much more festive than handing them an envelope with cash.
Check out the how-to at Sugar Bee Crafts HERE!
#12 Money Shirt
Instead of giving a boring shirt this Christmas, give them a shirt made out of money. Easy enough to replicate too!
#13 Homemade Cash Gift Card
What better way to show your favorite someone how much you care than making them a homemade card adorned with a little cash in the shape of a Christmas tree? Clever, fun and budget-friendly (you can use any denomination of money).
Image: Paige’s Party Ideas
#14 Clever Money Notepad
This clever hack might take a bit more time, but the end result is so cool! Any teen would love a money notepad!
For the how-to check out What Mommy Does HERE!
#15 Pizza Dough
Anyone who loves pizza (think teenagers) is going to love this creative Pizza “Dough” gift! Imagine the look on their face when they open the box.
Credit: Paige’s Party Ideas
#16 Christmas Money Bouquet
Of all the DIY ways to give money this Christmas, this Christmas Money Bouquet is surely the most elaborate and fun. Don’t get intimidated, though, only a handful of supplies are needed to pull this adorable money gift together. F
Check out the how-to at Fun Squared HERE!
#17 Money Chocolate Box
They’ll think they’re getting an ordinary box of chocolate… until they open it!
Credit: Mommy Savers
#18 Cash in a Bottle
How could you ever go wrong with a fun money gift-giving idea like this? Create a simple Merry Christmas banner on Canva to adhere to the bottle and add an adorable gift tag! Image: It’s Written on the Wall/Etsy
#19 Play “Dough” Money
Give them something they’ll love… a little extra “dough” for spending! Image compliments of What Mommy Does.
#20 Christmas Money Star
Anyone would love this pretty Christmas Money Star. The good news is, they’re easy and fun to make!
Check out the how-to at Homemade Gifts Made Easy HERE!
Credit: T. In The Burg
#21 Money in a Pez
What makes this money gift so much fun is the element of surprise! They’ll think they’re getting Pez candy… until they open it! (Simply remove the Pez candy and slide a few dollars in the candy dispenser instead!)
Credit: Mom of 6
#22 Swimming in Dough
When they open this box, they’ll think they’re getting a bunch of sugary goodness… until they glance up and read the label on the inside of the lid- and wonder where the “dough” is.
Credit: Mom of 6
#23 Cash-in-a-Box
Roll up bills and bill-sized notes into a roll. On the last note, make a “pull here” tab. Put the roll of bills and notes in a tissue box wrapped in holiday paper (any small box will work), cut a slit cut in it and have the “pull here” tab sticking out.
Credit: Mommy Savers
#24 DIY Wrapping Paper Money or Gift Card Holder
Here’s a fun double-sided money or gift card holder that’s easy to make out of wrapping paper.
For the how-to, visit Kristina Werner HERE.
#25 Santa Belt Coke Bottle
We absolutely LOVE this idea! Buy their favorite soda bottles and attach a small burlap bag. Fill the bag with money, coins, or a gift card. SUCH a cute and festive idea that won’t break the bank!
Credit: The Cards We Drew
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