Christmas is such a joyful season, but it can also be hard work racking your brain for ideas on what to give and how to give it. And if you didn’t know, money is one of the most requested gifts, according to Statista in 2024, and not much has changed in a year. With prices rising, everyone could use a little extra cash these days.
With the Christmas season right around the corner, Remitly wants to help you make the most of your money, whether you’re saving it or giving it as a present. Our latest guide walks you through some fun and creative ways to give during the most wonderful time of the year.
Fun ways to give cash
When it comes to the holiday season, Christmas always feels far away until you only have one weekend left to buy and wrap all your gifts. Putting money in a cute card is easy enough and allows you to check one more thing off your list—but it can also be a bit impersonal for the recipient.
The fun of receiving gifts isn’t just the thought behind the gift itself, but the joy that comes with unwrapping and revealing the clothes, toys, and, of course, the money!
Children love fun gifts to unwrap, but so do adults who have worked hard all year and could use the extra cash and a fun pick-me-up when they least expect it.
Puzzles, games, even balloons—there’s something for everyone when it comes to gift ideas for giving cash.
Unlock the fun: the money maze puzzle
One of the most entertaining ways to wrap up money is using a money maze puzzle box. It’s usually a transparent cube or envelope, but it can come in many shapes and colors. Solving the puzzle is the only way for the recipient to get the money, so sit back and enjoy as they try to unlock the prize.
How a money maze cube works:
- Insert folded bill(s) or even a gift card into the cube.
- The recipient must tilt the box, guiding the tiny ball through the maze in order to unlock and access the prize.
- Once solved, the box pops open, releasing the well-earned cash!
Why it’s perfect for the game and puzzle lovers in your life
Money mazes are a great way to give money because they turn a simple gift into an interactive experience—no more cards that are opened and put aside within a minute!
So, who is the money maze for? This particular puzzle is great for teenagers and adults who love a good challenge, especially when they’re least expecting one. And since money maze boxes aren’t all that expensive, it’s an affordable way to give money that’s a bit more exciting for everyone.
Tip: Add some extra money (and fun) to the gift if the recipient can figure the puzzle out in a set amount of time.
A sweet surprise: a box of “dough”nuts
Everyone loves a sweet treat, and everyone loves money. So when you put the two together, you not only have a clever pun, but a fun and budget-friendly gift.
How to create a doughnut box of cash:
- You can ask for an empty box at your local bakery or buy one online, specifically made for this type of gift.
- Roll up bills or even crumple them a bit to look like a donut hole and place them in little cupcake or muffin wrappers. Place paper on top to help conceal and secure.
- Add a fun, handwritten note: Here’s a little extra dough for you this Christmas!
Why it’s a sweet idea
The recipient might momentarily be upset that there are no chocolate donuts to go with their coffee, but they’ll definitely recover. This gift is not just a sweet idea—if you really wanted to go the extra mile, you might even include real chocolate doughnuts and place the money in the center.
Tip: The recipient doesn’t have a sweet tooth? You can also fill an empty or fake pizza box, shaping the money into a pizza for a cheesy twist.
Hidden treasure: the secret stash book
For the bookworm in your life, what’s a better way to gift a little money than hiding it inside their favorite book or a beautifully hollowed-out book box that can be repurposed later?
The concept
Take a hollowed-out decorative book box and place the money inside. The recipient might think this cute decorative piece for their bookshelves is the end of the gift—until they open it and find a lovely surprise!
Money to buy more books for a book lover is never unwelcome.
Another idea is to place the money in the recipient’s favorite book or a book you’ve thrifted. You can always say a particular line caught your eye, leading the recipient to the exact page where the money is hidden.
Why book lovers will adore it
A gift within a gift is not the only draw to this idea for how to gift money—it’s the personal touch that really hits home. They not only get some cash that will be greatly appreciated, but the book or box is also a great gift for someone who loves books and has a bookshelf to fill.
It’s clever, practical, and unexpected—making for the perfect gift.
The best part of this gift is how many places you can seek it out. Barnes & Noble, your local bookstore, or a thrift store are all places where you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Short on cash yourself? DIY this gift using a box and some colorful markers, or use a book you already have in your house.
Tip: Want to make the gift even more fun? Choose a book that hints at the real present, like Money for Nothing by P.G. Wodehouse or Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
A pop of fun: Christmas money balloons
Little kids love balloons, and nothing says special occasion like a balloon left by Santa himself. An even better reason to give a money balloon: kids can play with the balloon first, and you can let them pop it later in the day as an extra surprise—just when they think all the gifts have been unwrapped.
How to make a money balloon:
- Roll up the money you are giving and place it into the balloon.
- Add some paper confetti to make it feel extra special.
- Inflate the balloon with air or helium, or have the balloon prepared at a store that performs this service.
- Present the balloon with a note (depending on age) saying: Pop for a prize!
Why balloons work so well
Money balloons are really great for all ages. Kids will love them, but they can also bring extra cheer and some much-needed support to the older people in your life—maybe a sibling who thought the gifts ended after socks and a new water bottle.
Of course, any gift from the heart is lovely, but the extra cheer a balloon can bring, especially one filled with cash, can definitely add to the joy of the day’s celebrations.
Tip: If the balloon is for a child, make sure to clean up and throw out any small parts after the balloon’s been popped, so it doesn’t end up where it’s not supposed to.
Break glass for cash: the emergency fund frame
For some of us, it might feel difficult or awkward when it comes to giving money, but making it a fun endeavor can make it more enjoyable. If your loved one has fallen on hard times or needs some extra padding in their bank account, consider dressing up the money in a fun activity.
The “in case of an emergency” frame is just the type of gift that relieves some of the discomfort around the topic of money.
The DIY approach:
- Take a simple shadow box or frame and place the bill(s) inside.
- Add a label or sticker that says “Emergency Fund” or “In case of an emergency, break glass!”
- The recipient can either break the glass there and then, or save it for a rainy day.
Why it’s a hit
Money might seem like the easy way out when it comes to gift-giving, but it’s often what most people hope for.
While trinkets and sweaters are great, some seasons are harder than others, and being able to help out a loved one financially is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
And the good part about this gift is that it works with any budget! Whether it’s $20 for your kid or a few hundred for your sibling, it’s a practical way to give that’s also thoughtful and most importantly, helpful.
Tip: Don’t want to buy a new frame just to break it? Use one you already have in the house that you’re not too attached to.
Dry your eyes: the tissue box cash pull
Coal in the stocking? That’s certainly upsetting—maybe a box of tissues will help!
The great thing about giving money as a gift is all the creative ways you can do so. No one really expects to pull money out of a cake, much less a tissue box.
How to fill a tissue box with money:
- Place bills in clear money cellophane bags (sometimes called cake money bags), and connect them together with tape.
- Put the bills into the tissue box so that they can be easily pulled out.
- Connect the first bill to a tissue so that when the recipient pulls the tissue out, they receive a lovely surprise.
A great gift for the prankster in your life
If your recipient loves a good joke, this could be the perfect way to bring a smile to their face while also giving them a gift that will help them through the Christmas season.
You can easily prepare your money gift by handing over the box of tissues and telling them that maybe Santa will bring them something better next year.
When they pull out the tissue, it will be followed by all the money you’ve stashed inside, which will no doubt take them by surprise.
Tip: Turning everyday items into unexpected gifts is easy and thoughtful all at once, so if you’re struggling for ideas, just take a look around your house; you’ll be surprised at how many hiding spots for money you can come up with.
The gift that keeps on giving
Money can go a long way. It’s not a small gesture: for those who need extra support, money can help see them through a tough time, and the impact of such a precious gift can be long-lasting.
There are tons of creative ways to give money that aren’t just a card in an envelope. Giving cash for Christmas can be a memorable experience. Think of the person you are giving money to and what they like… Are they book lovers, puzzle solvers, or do they love a good joke?
Money can be a sensitive subject, but dressing it up as a fun gift for kids and adults can be just the way to show how much you care.
Want more resources on giving money? Check out our Money Transfers section on the blog and learn about remittances and sending money to loved ones when they need it most.
FAQ
What are some creative ways to give cash for Christmas?
Hiding money in puzzles, books, or even a tissue box are some creative ways to bypass the card and make your gift a bit more fun at Christmas.
Are money balloons safe for children?
Money balloons are safe for children so long as adults are there to supervise, and the balloon is cleaned up after it’s been popped.
Are money maze puzzles a good gift for young kids?
Money mazes can be for all ages, but are probably best for teenagers and adults whose problem-solving skills are more advanced.
Is it expensive to give cash in more creative ways other than a card?
It doesn’t have to be. Many gifts can be made from items you already have at home or getting items second-hand for little money.