
Turn Practical Gifts into Thoughtful Keepsakes: Money Gift Ideas for Grads
Graduation season is here, and when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a recent grad, my go-to is always money. Let’s be honest—life is expensive! Whether they’re heading off to college, starting a new job, or just figuring out what’s next, a little extra cash can make a world of difference. Plus, it gives them the freedom to treat themselves as they celebrate this huge milestone.
But let’s face it—just handing over a card with cash can feel a bit uninspired. I love to get creative when gifting money, whether it’s cash or a gift card, because I want it to feel thoughtful and celebratory—not like I took the easy way out. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for fun, unique ways to make money feel like an exciting gift.
If you’re like me and want to go beyond the basic envelope, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite creative ideas from fellow bloggers (including one of my own) to help you present money in a way that feels just as special as the occasion. Let’s make giving cash a bit more memorable!
26 Creative Graduation Money Gift Ideas
DIY Graduation Cap Gift Boxes (with Free Cricut Cut File)
Turn cash or gift cards into a fun, creative graduation gift by making a miniature graduation cap box using your Cricut. Perfect for a personalized touch!
How to Make a College Gift Card Photo Album
Combine Printables and gift cards in a creative photo album gift card survival Book to help your graduate get ready for college life!
DIY Graduation Money Holder with Cricut SVG Template
Craft a thoughtful and functional money holder with a Cricut SVG template that’s perfect for celebrating graduates.
Printable Graduation Card | Kristen Duke | Graduation Gift Card Holder
A clever folding card that resembles a graduation cap, adding a personalized and creative twist to your money gift.
Money Lei Tutorial with Ribbon Lei
Learn how to make a beautiful money lei with ribbon accents, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for graduates.
DIY Month Wreath
Craft a wreath entirely out of cash to celebrate your grad’s big accomplishment in a memorable and decorative way.
How To Make A Money Pizza – A Fun Way To Gift Money
Use $$Bills and Coins to make a fun Money Pizza.
Graduation Gift Card Holder Bookmark – Free Printable Template to DIY for 2024 Graduates
A dual-purpose gift that serves as both a bookmark and a stylish gift card holder, perfect for book-loving graduates.
This Picture Frame Money Gift Is Perfect for Grads (And Great for a LAST MINUTE Gift!)
Display cash in a clever way by using a picture frame, turning your monetary gift into a keepsake they can cherish.
Surprise Chocolate Box of Money Gift Box (Easy DIY Gift)
Swap chocolates for cash in a classic chocolate box, giving your grad a sweet and surprising twist on a traditional gift.
Fortune Cookie Cash Jar (with printables to make your own)
Fold bills into fortune cookies and fill a jar, delivering a quirky and delightful cash gift with a little bit of luck.
Creative Graduation Money Gift Idea for 2025: Big Tassels with Hidden Cash Inside
Transform cash into tassel shapes, creating a decorative and celebratory way to give money.
Graduation Gift Card & Money Holder SVG
A stylish holder made with an SVG template, designed specifically to hold both gift cards and cash.
Money Chain Gift for the Graduate
Connect dollar bills in a chain for a playful and surprising way to gift cash on graduation day.
DIY Money Rose
Create a rose entirely out of dollar bills, adding a beautiful floral touch to your cash gift.
Make Your Own Money Grad Badge (The Perfect Gift!)
Pin a badge made of cash to the graduate, giving them a wearable and unique way to celebrate.
Graduation Money Cake | Free Printables
Build a tiered cake made entirely of cash and ribbon, giving your graduate a memorable and generous gift.
Graduation Glass Bottle Gift (Diploma Money)
Roll cash into miniature diplomas and fill a jar, creating a themed and clever money gift.
DIY Surprise Money Confetti Poppers
Pack poppers with confetti and cash for a celebratory explosion that’s both fun and rewarding.
Money Balloon Gift
Fill balloons with cash and let the graduate pop them, adding excitement and surprise to their gift.
Graduation Money Card Gift Idea
Create a mini pizza box with cash and gift cards, making it both adorable and practical.
Emergency Cash Gift
A clever and functional gift that places cash behind breakable glass for emergencies.
Graduation Candy Gift - With a Hidden Cash Surprise (PERFECT for a Last Minute Gift)!
Hide cash among candies, creating a sweet surprise that blends treats with a cash gift.
Oragami Money Graduation Caps with Tassels
Fold bills into mini graduation caps with tassels, combining creativity with monetary generosity.
DIY Graduation Gifts: Bright Future Light Bulb Cash Holder
Present cash in a lightbulb-shaped holder, symbolizing bright futures and new ideas.
Money Lei
Mix cash with colorful paper flowers to create a lei that’s both festive and valuable.
There are so many creative and thoughtful ways to give money as a graduation gift, and the best part is that many of them are surprisingly simple to make! Putting in just a little extra effort can turn a practical gift into something truly memorable—showing your graduate just how proud you are of their accomplishment.
I’d love to hear from you! Which of the ideas is your favorite? Do you have another favorite way to gift money for graduation? Share your ideas in the comments—I’m always looking for new inspiration!
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