Gifting money? Ditch the card for something more fun

October 25, 2021
A paper origami swan made out of cash
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Cash is a great go-to gift for the holidays. It’s rarely returned, and it allows the receiver to buy something they really want — especially if what the recipient really needs is to pay a bill or make a dent in a debt. What’s more, cash doesn’t expire, saves everyone time, and quite frankly, people just love receiving it. Often, though, the giver feels a bit sheepish about gifting money, as if it’s unimaginative or even lacks effort. Another lament is that the person receiving the cash won’t have anything to open. We can help with that! Your friends at UBT have come up with some fun and imaginative ways to give the gift of green, making receiving it so much more special than opening a cash envelope. Use one of our ideas, or come up with your own; often, all it takes is for someone to get the ball rolling before the ideas start to fly. Happy giving!

Offer a sampler

Using a repurposed candy box and papers (or a box and papers from the craft store), assemble an assortment of cash that equals your giving threshold: a gold dollar or two, a half dollar and any other coins you want to include, a two-dollar bill or two, a five, a ten, and some ones, all folded to show the denomination (or not) and tucked in the wrappers. Larger denominations can be rolled and tucked in like the coveted toffee piece in an assortment. If necessary, a bit of double-sided tape or some foam stickies can keep the liners in the box as well as the coins and bills in place. Add a piece of parchment or tissue before closing the lid and your sweetly surprising gift is finished.

Send them on a (scavenger) hunt

This merry method of giving will have the recipient getting a bit of a workout — and having some fun to boot. You’ll simply place bills in cash or regular envelopes (or tape dollar coins to pieces of paper) and include a little poem or other clever clue with each, directing the searcher to the next spot. There are no doubt some fun downloadable clues out there, but we’re sure you can come up with clever hints on your own. Whether your hiding places are merry spots like under the tree, in a poinsettia, or with the elf on a shelf or the search is decidedly un-holiday themed, we know the searcher will be delighted.

Give a treasure trove

Fill a pirate’s chest from the dollar store (or a cool handmade or vintage wooden chest) with gold dollar coins and maybe a few stacks of bills for some fun holiday bounty. You could tuck some play coins, chocolate coins, and faux jewels into the cache, along with a note about the giftee being such a treasure or so valuable to you — worth their weight in gold, even.

Go for big impact

Looking for a more elegant approach? What about a beautiful square gift box — maybe splurge for a fancier one, as it’s all about the presentation — filled with bills of the denomination of your choice, each one tightly rolled and tied with curling or metallic ribbon, nestled atop cellophane shreds? The recipient will think of you with each bill they unroll. And this approach may encourage saving, as it’ll be too pretty to spend!

Follow a theme

It’s always fun when you can tie the cash gift to a friend or family member’s wish list item, especially when it’s something they’ve ben dreaming of. A cardboard or craft paper purse can hold the cash to put toward a designer handbag, or a shoebox makes a great presentation for shoe money (if you can get your hands on a box that’s the same brand as the coveted pair, even better), or a cute crock can hold culinary currency to be spent on that air fryer your home chef has been dreaming of.

Do some fancy folding

If you’re dexterous and want to try your hand at origami, the sky’s the limit. From hearts and Christmas trees to tiny little shirts, the instructions are out there, and the results are cute as can be. We recommend the Spruce Crafts for instructions. We also found some pretty impressive wreaths, jingle bells, and money trees at Not Quite an Adult — check out their other ideas as long as you’re there.

However you give cash this year, it’s sure to be well received. Once you have a plan in place, check in with your nearest UBT location to be sure they’ll have it ready for you. No need to ask for crisp, new bills, though — the kind that’s been in circulation awhile is much better for folding or rolling. Be sure to share a picture of your creations with us on Instagram @unionbankandtrust.

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  • Financial Literacy

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