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There are many ways to give money as a gift, including digital transfers through peer-to-peer apps, creative cash displays, and personalized gift cards. Money gifts can be fun, secure, and tailored to each occasion.
Gifting money is a popular and convenient way to celebrate special occasions or show love to friends and family. With digital tools and creative ideas, it’s never been easier to make a money gift feel personal while prioritizing safety.
In this guide, explore 30 clever ways to give money as a gift and send funds securely while maintaining meaning and style.
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From wondering how to send money as a gift so it’s not boring or impersonal to the surprise and creativity of a well-thought-out gift, these fun cash ideas are great for recipients of any age.
Just because money doesn’t grow on trees doesn't mean it can’t be gifted on them. This type of money gift turns a small plant or decorative tree into a gift display by clipping folded bills to branches using ribbons or mini clothespins.
Often, money trees will symbolize growth and prosperity, and they can make great conversation pieces for parties or celebrations.
For a gift that’s fun to earn, hide cash or a check inside a puzzle box or brain teaser. The recipient has to solve it to unlock the cash, offering a rewarding experience for anyone who enjoys a playful challenge.
Add some unexpected fun and a delightful surprise to a money gift by hiding rolled bills in a tissue box or gift bag with a tab that says “pull here.” As the recipient tugs, the cash keeps coming, which helps make this small gift feel more exciting.
Combine the charm of fresh flowers with the flexibility of cash to create a cash bouquet. To build it, arrange folded bills like petals and mix in real or artificial blooms. This playful yet beautiful gift works well for birthdays, graduations, or anniversaries.
Add some intrigue to a cash gift by turning it into a game. Hide bills or clues around the house or event space, turning the act of receiving into an interactive experience.
A little creativity can turn a simple money gift into a memorable moment. These clever ways to give money as a gift elevate gifts with unexpected formats, making the presentation just as meaningful as the amount.
Fold bills into fun shapes like hearts, stars, or animals to create a gift that feels more like art. To present this gift, consider:
This adds a handmade, thoughtful touch to any cash gift.
Consider weaving or clipping rolled bills into an intricate festive garland or a simple circular wreath. These are great for holidays, graduations, or milestone birthdays, doubling as decorations and presents.
Make a money gift extra sweet by wrapping up bills in empty candy wrappers or placing coins in a candy jar or gumball machine. This surprise is fun for kids or teens and allows gifters to combine a treat with a practical gift.
For those who appreciate the unconventional, these unique ways to gift money offer surprise, flair, and interesting conversation starters.
A traditional gift at many graduations and big celebrations, a money lei is made by stringing bills and ribbons into a necklace. It’s festive, wearable, and easy to personalize with school colors, messages, or small keepsakes.
Roll up bills to look like pizza slices and arrange them in a real pizza box, complete with tissue “cheese” and coin “pepperoni.” This quirky, photo-worthy option adds humor and surprise to any money gift.
Freeze cash in a block of ice and let the recipient break it out (or wait for it to thaw). This is sometimes considered a gag gift and is usually best suited for casual get-togethers.
Create a glass or shadow box labeled “In case of emergency” and fill the container with rolled bills or a visible amount of cash. Whether the intent is serious or playful, an emergency money box is a fun way to give funds that feels purposeful and eye-catching.
These birthday money gift ideas include modern options and craft ideas that still feel personal.
Gift cards are a popular option for birthdays because they’re easy to send, quick to redeem, and can feel personal when chosen thoughtfully. Whether sending a physical or virtual gift card, gifters can let the recipient choose what they want while still offering a sense of occasion.
For gifters purchasing gift cards, consider:
By using trustworthy sites like PayPal to buy gift cards online, senders can help receivers celebrate in style.
A money pool, or collection pot, can be a good way for multiple friends or family members to give a gift together. By pooling money with friends and family ahead of time, no one has to front the cash (or chase down gifters who didn't pay on time). Some money pooling apps, like PayPal, even let users without accounts contribute as guests.
Almost every birthday needs a birthday cake, and there’s little better than one filled with cash. Stack rolled or folded bills into the shape of a tiered cake, decorating it with ribbon, coins, or faux frosting. This birthday-ready gift can be the centerpiece for low-key gatherings and over-the-top celebrations.
Swap out the candy for cash in a piñata and let the recipient break it open to claim their gift. It’s unexpected, playful, and works well for all ages. For a twist, mix in small toys or treats, too.
To complement a traditionally wrapped present, create a bow of cash (or skip the physical box and make the bow the entire gift). This cash gift adds visual flair and gives a nod to classic gift wrapping with a modern, valuable twist.
Tuck rolled bills into latex balloons filled with helium for a floating surprise. Whether tied to a card or filling a room, this idea adds drama and delight to a birthday delivery. Consider using this gift delivery system to create a fun game with darts or simply hand the birthday person a bouquet of floating bills.
Pick out a stylish, fun, or unique wallet or bag and add a little “starter money” tucked inside. This gift is both practical and personal, especially for someone starting a new job, graduating, or entering a new phase of life.
The thoughtful delivery behind these meaningful ways to gift money offers an additional layer for celebration. The key is to focus on personalization, purpose, and giving with intention.
Donating to a charity on someone’s behalf can be a powerful and heartfelt gift, especially if it reflects their values or causes they support. Whether it’s a global nonprofit or a local organization, this type of gift shows care in a lasting way.
It's possible to send a charitable gift by donating with PayPal. Popular nonprofits and charities are easy to find, plus PayPal’s security methods can help gifters identify and avoid charity scams.
A handwritten card with a personal note and enclosed cash, check, or gift card can feel more meaningful than even the most elaborate packaging. It’s a simple gesture that leaves plenty of room for personal touches.
A custom piggy bank filled with starter cash can be symbolic and motivating for either a younger recipient or someone working toward a goal. To make it feel more personal, consider adding their name, writing a personalized message, or sticking to a theme.
Help someone achieve a dream by contributing directly to a savings goal. This can include goals or events like:
This type of money gift is a great way to show support while giving the recipient the freedom to plan or choose their adventure.
Whether the recipient is just starting out or has been around the investing block, gifting a contribution toward a stock, fund, or retirement account can be a long-term show of support. It’s not flashy, but it reflects real confidence in their future.
Establishing a trust for a child, grandchild, or dependent is a deeply thoughtful, long-term gesture. People often use trusts for larger amounts and commonly gift them at major milestones like weddings and graduations, or for estate planning.
Plus, because most trusts are not immediately accessible, they emphasize security and responsibility.
Sometimes, the best gift is the simple one. These practical money gift ideas focus on secure, efficient delivery for all types of celebrations and milestones.
An ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer moves money directly from one bank account to another, making it a straightforward way to give a cash gift. People often use ACH transfers to send slightly larger financial sums for things like rent and tuition.
These domestic transfers are handled by banking institutions in the U.S., making them more secure and trackable. However, they may also take several days to process and require sensitive information, like routing and account numbers.
Similar to ACH transfers, wire transfers move funds between bank accounts, but often with a fee. Between bank and wire transfers, wires are often more ideal for sending large sums of money to individuals, but often internationally for remittances or when time is of the essence.
P2P payments allow people to send money directly to each other through apps, sometimes not even requiring a phone number or email. Many P2P apps (often acting as international money transfer apps) offer:
While this gifting method is typically fast, secure, and great for last-minute gifting, check for restrictions when sending money internationally.
By using a digital wallet, gifters can send money to recipients quickly while protecting their personal and financial information.
PayPal's digital wallet allows users to link and add payment methods to a PayPal account. This enables people to use these methods and their PayPal balance to send money as a gift online between friends and family. Plus, with payment encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA), PayPal protects financial information.
While traditional, writing a check is still a reliable way to give money, especially for recipients who prefer traditional banking. They're easy to personalize with a note or card and can be used for any occasion.
Whether digitally or in person, sending money as a gift should be done with care. Choosing a secure payment method and exploring effective fraud prevention methods can help protect the sender and recipient and ensure the gift arrives safely.
Here are a few key safety tips to keep in mind:
Sending money through PayPal is fast, secure, and simple, whether a person is gifting for a birthday, holiday, or special milestone. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
There are plenty of clever and creative ways to give money as a gift, from folded bouquets to instant transfers. Whether sharing a gift near or far, P2P apps can also offer features like purchase protection and multiple ways to pay, making it simple to give thoughtfully and safely.
From fun surprises to meaningful milestones, send money with PayPal and make gifting easy, secure, and personal.
It's your do-it-all digital wallet. Load up on cash back offers before you shop. Track your packages. And manage it all on the go.