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Graduations are emotional rollercoasters. Let’s admit it: Seeing someone transition from one chapter of their life to another is hard to explain.
During these times, we wish nothing but the best for our loved ones. We want to make the transition a little easier so they can be on their merry way to start their new journey. What better way to do that than by giving them something practical and useful, right? Maybe something like… money.
But who really wants to hand over just a billfold full of cash? That’s why I’ve listed these fun and creative DIY graduation money gift ideas.
Whether it’s DIY money trees, money gift boxes, or more unique ideas like challenging money puzzle boxes, there’s something in this list that will be suitable for everyone!
However, my readers and I absolutely love #1 and #2 because they are the most meaningful and impactful compared to the rest on this list!
Trending Graduation Money Gifts for 2024
Before reading on, I think you should totally check out the perfect pair of fabulous money gift ideas especially made for the Class of 2024.
Fill rolls of bills into this Graduation Mason Jar (2024 edition) from Amazon which comes with a soft cap lid and yellow ribbons.
Along with that, don’t forget to pair the mason jar money gift idea with this one-of-a-kind 2024 edition teddy plush from Amazon (custom-made with their name and school name). Just these two paired alone will make the most practical and memorable gift for this year’s 2024 graduates!
Oh, trust me on this one—because that’s exactly how most graduates want to receive their money gifts today, especially when they felt they “bear-ly” made it, but did it anyway! By the way, add that pun and they’ll love your gift even more! 😉
The Best and Most Unique Graduation Gift Idea
Personally, when giving gifts, I want to be creative enough to the point that my gift becomes influential in someone’s life. That’s how I know I’m giving the best gift ever.
To prove my point, let me share with you a personal story.
Before I graduated, I was presented with three graduation gift options by my boyfriend, and now husband. Those options were: A) a luxurious handbag, B) $1,000 in cash, or C) enrollment in the CFA exam.
If you know me, you can already guess which one I chose. Yes, it was the CFA exam.
Yeah, I could use a luxurious handbag for the years to come, and I can definitely be creative with how I use the cash, but I put things into perspective.
The CFA exam costs more than $1,000, but it wasn’t about the monetary value for me. I was thinking about the potential it has to improve my future. It wasn’t just a simple money gift for me because I saw it as an investment.
Well, I was right! Once I cleared the first exam, I started receiving more offers and callbacks from HR departments. That led me to eventually land my dream job, and honestly, anyone who gets their dream job becomes more motivated.
Plus, that investment wasn’t just a jumpstart to my career because it also opened up a lot of opportunities down the line.
That’s a clear example of a creative money gift that has a lasting impact. It really changed my life!
You don’t have to give money as it is. You can be creative with it, in a way that really shows its potential in the future. If you’re creative enough, a money graduation gift can be the gift that keeps on giving.
20+ Creative Money Gift Ideas for Graduation
While giving money in a creative and meaningful manner is my personal favorite approach to graduation gifts, it’s important to note that there’s still room for purchasing material goods that hold sentimental value.
For example, if you’re seeking more innovative ways to give money for graduation, consider the idea of presenting a piggy bank especially designed for young adults, filled to the brim with emergency cash. This not only provides a practical tool but also instills a sense of financial security.
Another fantastic option is to unleash your creativity by crafting a personalized do-it-yourself (DIY) gift, accompanied by a carefully chosen gift card, resulting in a truly unique and thoughtful present.
I mean, who doesn’t like free gift cards from the most practical places like Starbucks or Amazon?
You can also learn how I earn free gift cards from Starbucks and Amazon – this is clever because you can take the money you save from Starbucks and Amazon and put it towards a graduation gift for that special someone.
Whether you’re looking for something fun and unique, or something more traditional, I’ve got the best ideas for you. So read on for some great cash ideas that will help you show your graduate how proud you are!
We’ve also got the best money gift ideas for all occasions in this separate post – from birthdays and weddings to more general occasions including graduations, we’ve got them all listed out for you.
PIN THIS: I’ll be updating this post often, so make sure to click this image here and save it to your “Graduation Ideas” Pinterest board.
1. The gift of an investment in his/her future
You don’t have to directly give money to someone to make your gift impactful.
As I mentioned above, that incredible graduation gift my husband sent me helped me land my first dream job. It was life-changing — an investment in my future.
You don’t have to buy something as costly as a CFA exam. It can be an online course, a pass to a seminar, or stocks from a company! As long as it has long-term benefits, it will be an amazing gift.
2. The gift of starting a profitable blog
You know, since my blog is all about personal finance and discovering ways to make extra money, I absolutely love brainstorming unique and special money gift ideas for graduation.
Let me tell you another personal story that really shows the power of starting a profitable blog as a graduation gift.
So, on my blog called FinSavvy Panda, I managed to earn a six-figure income per year through blogging.
On top of that, I also make money through Pinterest, and it’s a hit with 100,000+ of my monthly readers!
You can see a few screenshots of my past earnings as examples – the first one shows how much I’ve been earning per day ($500 daily on average, which is over $15,000 per month) and the second image shows how much I earned in a month with my other blog:
When I saw how incredible it was, I decided to give that same opportunity to my husband as a gift.
I covered the hosting expenses for him as my gift (it’s really cheap by the way, like under $36 for the whole year, and you can check out my post on how to start a money-making blog for details), and it turned out to be a game-changer for him.
He was able to graduate from (or should I say quit his) 9-5 job and embrace a more fulfilling and flexible career path! It sounds crazy but this is something we wished someone would’ve told us before we got into the 9-5 world!
I’m telling you, it’s absolutely mind-blowing how a simple gift like starting a blog can completely transform someone’s life. And I share this story with you because I want you to know that it’s totally doable.
Whether you want to start your own blog or provide the necessary resources and education for the graduate to start theirs, I’ve got a post that explains how to start a blog on a budget – even if you’re not a tech whiz or a professional writer. Trust me, you don’t need all that to make a blog profitable!
Since the recipient is graduating from college, one profitable idea is to start a blog focusing on college lifestyle and recommendations for their fellow students. From dorm room ideas to fashion for college students, they can share just about anything about the college life.
And hey, you can also find out how blogs make money behind the scenes and explore other profitable niches to suggest to the recipient. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to start your own blog too!
Just like the previous graduation idea I mentioned, starting a profitable blog truly is a gift that keeps on giving that is unlike the rest on this list.
FREE 7 Day Course on How To Start a Profitable Blog: Over the years of becoming a full-time blogger, many readers asked me to create a free 7-day course here to show them how they can start a profitable blog too. You can enroll to learn how you can start your blog all the way to getting traffic and earning your first income online. I show you how I earned my first $120,000 annual income within my 18th of blogging – all within a low and reasonable budget!
3. DIY Money Tree For Graduation
Image by: Pinterest
Wishing someone growth and abundance on their graduation is a great way to show them that you want them to succeed.
There’s no other way to communicate that than by giving someone a DIY money tree gift. Money trees are thought to summon good luck and good fortune!
You can design a unique money tree using a Mason jar and include your choice of either faux or live succulents. Begin by filling the jar halfway with soil, then carefully place the succulents inside.
Next, you can mix the soil with paper bills, coins, or personalized items that you know the graduate will cherish. This will surely add a playful touch to your gift. To make it even better, place a crown arrangement with a decorative bird to make it pop!
MORE MONEY TREE GIFT IDEAS: Money trees are quite the popular gift for graduation because they are said to attract good feng shui and manifest money.
You can browse through these best money tree gift ideas. From real plants to crafty money bouquets, you’re sure to find a money tree idea that will fit your graduate’s personality.
4. Graduation Piggy Bank Gift Idea
Take the theme to the next level with this graduation piggy bank!
This is honestly one of my favorite money gift ideas for graduation because it’s so adorable and humorous! It’s simple, but it really gets the message across that you want the graduate to save for his future.
Talk about investing in a cap for success, right?
MORE PIGGY BANK GIFT IDEAS: If you’re excited to fill up a piggy bank for that special person on graduation day, then check out these cool adult piggy banks that will help them save for a brighter future.
5. Money Clip Holder for the Graduating Man
A money clip holder is a sleek, convenient way for men to store their cash, so it’s sure to be appreciated. You can add some flair by attaching a fun note or card that complements the gift.
Shop for a high-quality money clip holder and attach some graduation money inside for him.
There are tons of options when it comes to money clip holders like these special ones here, from minimalist designs to more flashy styles in all sorts of colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your recipient’s personality.
6. Hello Kitty Graduation Card With Money Inside
Hello Kitty or Cat Lover anyone?
I know I am and I would have loved this simple graduation money gift idea!
If you’re looking for a Hello Kitty gift for the female adult, then there’s no other perfect way to say “Congratulations” without having to go all out than with this cute and adorable Hello Kitty graduation card.
We can say it’s the most practical and easiest way to gift cash on Graduation Day!
7. Graduation Pizza Money Gift Card Holder
Image by: Tatertots and Jello
From the transition into adulthood to the start of a new job, life can get expensive for graduates.
But a little help from Papa John’s and gift cards (and some pizza cash) from your favorite local pizza spot is a simple way to help ease the transition by offering them something they might enjoy on those long days and nights of studying.
This gift is perfect for graduates with a good sense of humor since you can customize it to fit their personalities and interests.
8. Graduation Gift Card Holder With Hat
Image by: Merriment Design
Maybe pizza isn’t their thing, but your graduate would still appreciate a little help with their expenses.
If that’s the case, you can easily make your own DIY graduation money gift card holder present with a gift card and cash. See how easily you can slip in that Starbucks gift card?
This gift card holder is flexible and can be customized to suit his or her desire, whether they love Starbucks, Amazon, or even Harry Potter.
9. Starbucks Graduation Cups
Image by: Etsy on Pinterest
For many graduates, coffee is life. It might be what got them through such a tough chapter in their life, after all!
So if you want the perfect graduation gift for the Starbucks-lover graduate, don’t look any further.
These Starbucks cups from Etsy are customizable, so you can turn them into cute graduation-themed cups, complete with the graduate’s name and date of graduation.
To make things money-themed, though, be sure to slip in a Starbucks gift card along with a reasonable amount of cash inside.
10. DIY Money Jar With Graduation Cap
Image by: No Biggie
If you enjoy creating DIY projects to give, then this DIY graduation money jar will be the showstopper when it comes to graduating season.
The best thing about mason jars is their simplicity, and you don’t have to go out of your way to make this little bad boy.
Just fill them with a mountain of bills and coins, and attach a graduation cap with some invisible tape.
Look at that — an amazing gift to help someone discourage some bad money habits at an early age. Guess who’ll be thanking you in their 20s?
11. Graduation Cash Cap Box
A graduation cash cap box that’s made from recycled material and some leftover scrap can show how creative you are!
Imagine a graduation cap that’s not just for show—it’s a cash box! This is the best graduation gift for those who’ve mastered the art of “making it rain” in exams. Be creative on how you gift it way—perhaps stuff it with bills or even memorable coins for that person who loves to collect unique one-of-a-kind currency. I’m certain that the new graduate’s smile will widen as they lift that cap. It’s practical, cheeky, and says, “Congrats! Now go spend wisely.”
This cash-stuffed cap not only celebrates their success from hard nights of cramming and studying, but it also helps them prepare for their next adventure, whether it’s college, a gap year, or searching for a new job.
12. DIY Graduation Money Cake
Image by: Pinterest
Who wants to count calories when you can count money?
This DIY graduation cash cake is the perfect humorous way to say “congratulations” to your graduate. Simply roll your dollar bills in a circular shape and build a money cake topped with a graduation hat and note. With this, all you have to do is be creative with the ways to use your graduation money.
13. Your Future Is Looking Bright Jar
Image by: Fun Squared
I get it, talking about money usually has all the fun of a dentist’s waiting room. But hey, your graduation gift doesn’t need to be as serious as a board meeting to make a difference.
This chuckle-inducing and future-inspiring piggy bank (or should I call it a “Bright Future” jar) is filled with dreams, aspirations, and maybe the occasional pizza fund.
Watch your graduate drop in their nickels and dimes, along with their hopes of someday owning something fancier than a second-hand couch.
Don’t forget to tell them that it’s never too early to plan for the future – or to start saving for that dream yacht… or at least, a dreamy pair of shoes!
14. Hidden Surprise Cash Inside M&M Mason Jar
Image by: Angie Holden
Does your graduate love M&Ms as much as I do?
Then this hidden cash M&M jar is perfect for them! Flood the jar with the person’s favorite candy and hide some money in the center of the mason jar.
Lastly, add a note that says “Surprise! You deserve a sweet treat!”
15. Easy DIY Graduation Jar With Cash
Project by: Craft Box Girls
Let’s admit it, “cash in a jar” or “pot of gold in a jar” gift ideas just never get old. Regardless of who you’re giving it to, it always works and is never tacky. Plus, the fact that it’s DIY shows that you put in the effort to make it!
Just fill the jar with their favorite snacks and small items, and tuck some bills inside. Put a graduation cap on the jar to top it off. You can be creative with all of these and put your personal touch to it, of course.
16. Emergency Cash Inside Picture Frame For Graduation Gift Idea
Image by: Etsy
Break in case of emergency!
Okay, it’s not a gag gift at all, but this picture frame puts more fun into gift-giving. Carefully place the fresh and crisp bill inside and attach it with some double-sided tape or Velcro for easy access.
What really makes this gift thoughtful is when you add a note that shows to the graduate that you’ll always be there for them. Write something along the lines of “If you ever need help, I’ll be there for you.”
It might not be the best financial safety net, but it’s still a safety net!
17. Play-Doh Cash Gift For Graduation
Everyone is desperate for more dough, including your grad!
If you’re looking for an easy and affordable DIY graduation gift with money, then this PlayDoh cash is a great option.
It’s quick and easy. All you need to do is roll a stack of bills inside an empty PlayDoh container and wrap it up with a funny or witty note. Maybe something along the lines of “need some Doh?” or “work hard, play hard”. Your graduate will appreciate the humor, as well as your thoughtfulness.
18. DIY Surprise Money Confetti Poppers
Image by: Studio DIY
Who needs regular confetti when you can pop your way to a financial celebration with these DIY Surprise Money Confetti Poppers?
Add a fun and festive vibe to your money graduation gift with this!
Fill the plastic popper with some cash and confetti along with a cute note. Your graduate will love this creative idea. It’s like a cash tornado! After all, who wouldn’t be thrilled to see money flying out, practically begging them to spend it on something they truly deserve after long years of hard work?
19. Money Inside A Chocolate Box
Image by: Thoughtful Gift Club
Again, we don’t want to add up sugar or calories, so we’re going to give a box of chocolate with some money inside, so they can add up some cash!
This is a great way to gift cash for graduations, birthdays, and other special occasions. Replace some of the chocolates in the box with coins and cute origami cash. Most importantly, don’t forget to keep his or her favorite type of chocolate in place. Your graduate will be sure to appreciate the thoughtful gesture and indulgent treat.
20. Money Rosette
Image by: Just Something I Made
Roses are red, violets are blue, but this Money Rosette shouts, “Kudos to you!”
Hunting for a graduation gift that screams unique? Well, here comes Money Rosette to the rescue. It looks like a simple gift box, but instead of boring chocolates, this graduation-themed gift blooms the graduate with some cash!
What I can say is this is quite an easy and low-maintenance project. All it requires is folding some bills along with your eye for creativity (without even trying) and voilà – you’ve got a standout present. Practical, yet with a flair of fun, it’s the perfect last-minute lifesaver for when you’ve nearly forgotten that big day!
21. McDonald’s Money French Fries Gift Idea
Image by: Pinterest
Did Ronald McDonald ever tell you to keep the change? Here’s your chance! This McDonald’s Money in a French Fries Box is humorous.
Go ahead and empty the French fry carton with some bills and top it off with a note that says something like “keep the change!” Your graduate will appreciate the quirky and fun gift, as well as your sense of humor!
22. DIY Cash In a Tin Can Gift
Image by: It’s Always Autumn
Who wants to break the bank when it comes to gifting that perfect graduation gift? Not me!
So, here’s what I like to do when it comes to creating one of my favorite budget-friendly graduation gift ideas…
Crafting that perfect DIY cash-in-a-tin can that shouts, “Grad, you’ve made it. Woo Hoo!” Yes, it’ll remind them that they’ve really made and they’ll feel good about themselves.
Not to mention, they’ll also jokingly say, “Yeah, show me the money!”
There’s no other perfect way to lead that new grad into their next big adventure along with telling them, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go…” Fan of Dr. Seuss, anyone?
Sometimes the simplest gestures are the ones that bring the biggest smiles. So, it’s time to ditch those knick-knacks and show them that happiness often comes in a can (that’s… ahem… filled with money of course)!
23. DIY Money Bouquet
Image by: Fun Squared
Ditch the cliché flowers for graduation. We get enough of that for Valentine’s Day, so the last thing anyone wants is flowers. So, try making this gorgeous DIY Money Bouquet instead – it gives loads of financial hugs with petals!
There aren’t balloons here, but all ceremonies can welcome a pop of balloons. So, do what I would do. Go ahead and mix in some bills along with balloons and blooms. Lastly, don’t forgo a sweet note for a gift that says, “I’m proud of you… and here’s some cash!”
Fun to make, even better to give! Or, should I say fun to make, even better to sell? Yeah, you bet it’s one of the most popular and trending DIY crafts to make and sell!
24. Graduation Money Lei
Image by: Made With Happy
Graduates always want to wear something special along with their caps and gowns, so help them achieve that with this graduation money lei! They will surely feel extra special with it. It’s the best statement piece for the financially fabulous!
This will be a hit because graduation money leis and wreaths are such big things these days. It’s a fun way to gift money that will make your graduate’s piggy bank dance with delight.
25. College Survival Kit
Image by: Ginger Snap Crafts
Even the most well-prepared students may be surprised at what they have to go through in the next chapter of their lives. Let’s admit it, a lot of students have a difficult time adjusting to the changes.
But you can help them with this College Survival Kit! It’s filled with everything they need to survive the wild jungles of college (they really are wild), such as snacks, supplies, and of course, money!
This is probably the most thoughtful support you can give someone graduating.
26. Origami Money Graduation Hat With Tassels
Image by: Sugar and Charm
I love origami and so I thought why not make money origami graduation hats? And it doesn’t hurt that they make really cute accessories too!
This cute graduation gift is perfect for any graduate who needs money (but again, what new grad doesn’t need money?).
Find some bills lying around at home and create an origami graduation hat complete with tassels, just like the real thing. Not only will your graduate love the creative and thoughtful gift, but they’ll also appreciate all the time you spent making it just for them. Here’s to new beginnings!
27. Shirt Gift Idea
Image by: Reddit
Any college graduate will tell you that they’re excited to enter the working world, but I’m sure they’re full of nervous energy, too! The transition from lecture halls to office corridors isn’t easy, but you can guide them with this money shirt gift idea.
A white shirt is the ultimate symbol of going into the “real world”, as they say. But you can make a simple shirt more fun by putting money into it. This gift will make anyone feel more confident about the new chapter they’re entering.
FAQs About Money Gift Ideas For Graduation
Giving money may be a little sensitive to some, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make sure your gift is thoughtful, unique, and above all, thoughtful. Here are some common questions about money gifts for graduation answered:
1. How much money do you give for a graduation gift?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it will depend on your relationship with the graduate and what you’re comfortable giving. You can typically give anywhere from $10-$100 per person, though some may be willing to go even higher for grads that are especially close to them.
I personally give $100 to $300 along with a $50 gift card and some practical goodies to those that I have a close relationship with.
If I’m not close to them, I typically give $20-$50, along with some practical goodies like a gift card or gift certificate.
2. What is a good amount of money to give a high school graduate?
No one really dictates how much money you can give to a high school graduate. The amount will depend on a lot of factors, including how much you’re comfortable with and how close you are to the graduate. You can give an amount as high as $500 if you want to, but $20-$50 also isn’t bad. It’s the thought that counts, after all.
Typically, the amount of common graduation money gifts range from $20 to $100.
A piece of advice: If you’re not close with them, it may be best to give a more practical gift like a college survival kit or a gift card. They will still appreciate it as much as any other gift.
3. What is a creative way to give money as a gift?
It’s not easy to come up with creative graduation gifts with money because there are only so many ideas you can think of.
The easiest route you can take is to get creative with how you wrap the money. You can use origami, ribbons, or even something as simple as envelopes. Those who love DIY can even make custom money holders.
You can also let other items shine and just incorporate the money as an additional gift. Care packages or surprise mason jars filled with simple things inside are great ideas. With these, you get to use small items that they like, making the gift even more thoughtful and personal.
No matter what idea you go with, whether it’s extravagant or simple, it will all be appreciated because it’s the thought that counts!
Enjoyed this post? Don’t forget to pin it! Also, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest over here! 🙂
I personally love the idea of giving the gift of starting a profitable blog. Your story of how your husband’s gift transformed your career is truly inspiring. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and can open up new opportunities.
@Yugal – I am so glad you love the idea! 🙂