14 of the Best Money Gift Ideas for Birthdays
Cash is a wonderful gift idea, especially if the recipient is saving for something exciting, or you want to give them the gift of choice. You don’t just have to hand over dollar bills in an envelope though — there are plenty of great money gift ideas for birthdays that are more creative.
Discover some of our favorite ways to give money as a gift in a fun and unique way. From a scavenger hunt to money origami, there’s a gift idea here for everyone.
14 Fun Money Gift Ideas for Birthdays
Looking for a DIY birthday gift that the recipient can get plenty of use out of? Explore some of the most creative ways to gift money to a loved one for their birthday.
1. Money Bouquet
For a special occasion like a milestone birthday, we love the idea of giving the recipient a bouquet of money. Not only does this represent a great gift, but it’s also visually striking. Follow this crafty tutorial to make your own bouquet in a simple way, then personalize with ribbon and other decorations.
2. Money Balloons
Introduce a fun interactive element to your birthday gift idea by filling balloons with biodegradable confetti and dollar bills. Place the balloons in a box or scatter them across the room, and invite the birthday guest of honor to pop them for a surprise.
3. Money Scavenger Hunt
Send the birthday guest on a scavenger hunt around the party venue to seek out clues that lead them towards a cash gift at the end. This works great for a birthday party where everyone can get involved and find some sweet treats like chocolate coins at the end.
4. Money Origami
Find a practical use for your origami skills or learn some new ones by transforming money into creative shapes. This cash gift idea is really creative and makes the gift look beautiful — especially if you pair it with other items inside a themed gift basket.
5. Money Gift Box
If you want to keep things simple with your birthday money gift, why not place the cash inside a gift box? There are lots of designs to choose from — from elegant gift boxes to contemporary designs, bright and colorful styles to metallic options.
6. Money in a Book
This is a perfect gift idea for a loved one that’s always reading. Buy them a new book and surprise them by tucking an envelope filled with dollar bills inside it, or use a book-themed box instead.
7. Box of Chocolates
For a unique way to present that cold hard cash to someone, why not style it like a box of chocolates? Grab an empty chocolate box and then fold the cash to fit inside the spaces, for a fun money gift idea for birthdays.
8. Mason Jar Gift
Mason jars filled with anything make a great gift for any occasion, but we especially like the idea of creating a jar of treats that includes money. This money gift idea for birthdays is ideal if you want to also give other small gifts too — add everything into a mason jar, tie it with ribbon, and add a personalized gift tag.
9. Money Tissue Box
Create your own money gift box by taking a tissue box and crafting it into a beautiful gift. Paint it, cover in fabric, or draw your own designs onto the box. Add some colorful ribbon, stickers, and other decorations. Place the money inside the box and encourage the birthday guest of honor to unwrap it!
10. Money Pizza Box
Present cash in a fun way with this money gift idea for birthdays. Act like you’re handing over a box of delicious pizza but — surprise — it’s actually filled with money! Make sure you have some real pizza too, but this is a creative way to give your cash gift.
11. Money Birthday Cake
If you’re looking for a food theme but pizza isn’t your thing, how about making a money cake? This unique gift takes inspiration from diaper cakes for baby showers, only instead of diapers it’s cold hard cash. Perfect for a big birthday gift from you or a group of loved ones!
12. Money Confetti Popper
For a creative money gift idea, we love the idea of filling reusable confetti poppers with not just eco-friendly confetti but rolled up dollar bills too. It’s a fun money gift idea for birthdays and special occasions of any kind — especially if you’re hosting a creative birthday party.
13. Physical Gift Card
Not every money gift idea for birthdays has to involve getting crafty. Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple! Write a heartfelt message inside a birthday card or gift card holder and include a gift card for the recipient’s favorite store. It’s a sweet and simple birthday present that works for everyone.
14. Online Gift Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Matching birthday card: Polaroid Celebration Card
Physical gift cards are a great idea, but you’re often limited by where you can spend them and you need to hand them over in person or pop them in the mail. With Greenvelope, you can send a beautiful birthday card and add a gift card to it. Wish your loved one a happy birthday wherever they are in the world with this thoughtful gift giving idea.
5 More Digital Birthday Cards to Pair with an Online Gift Card
Looking for a stunning digital card to add a gift card to? At Greenvelope we have a collection of adorable, funny, modern, and elegant template birthday cards for you to choose from. Every design can be customized, so you can add not just your own wording but play around with layout and colors too.
To help you find your perfect match, here’s a handful of our favorite electronic birthday card designs.
1. Simple Birthday Banner Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Choose this beautiful banner birthday card when you want a design that feels modern, sparkly, and joyful. Add the favorite photo of the birthday guest of honor or the two of you together for a personal touch.
2. Birthday Doodles Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Send your love to someone special on their birthday with this cake doodle birthday card. It’s available in lots of contemporary color options, or you can work with our design team to sprinkle in their favorite colors.
3. HBD Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Keep things simple with this bright and colorful HBD card. Behind the simple message on the front there’s plenty of space for even the longest of birthday messages, quotes, or poems.
4. Cheery Cocktails Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Say cheers to a close friend or family member with this retro inspired cocktail birthday card. We love the funky color options and stunning illustration on this.
5. It’s Your Birthday! Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Celebrate in style and wish your loved one well with this bold birthday card. Available in a range of bright color palettes, this design is sure to catch their attention.
Give the Gift of Choice
Instead of slipping some cash into a card this year, surprise your loved one with one of these creative ways to give money. Use this guide to find an idea that you love, then get crafty with a tutorial or come up with your own unique idea.
If your recipient is far away or would love an online gift card, send one of our customizable online birthday cards with a gift card attached. They can spend it in hundreds of online outlets in moments.
