How to Give Money as a Gift

Money can be the perfect solution for those hard-to-shop-for types. Here's how to make the gift a bit more personal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gift Ribbons
• Baby Bottles
• Electronic Greeting Cards
• Gift Cards
• Money Cards
• Gift Bags
• Gift Certificates
• Travelers' Checks
• Envelopes

1. Put money or a check in an envelope, or stash it in a money card or greeting card.

2. Make a money tree with the cash made to look like blossoms, if you plan to give money as part of a group. Highlight the really big donors.

3. Alternatively, present the group gift in a card with the names and addresses of all givers, so each can get a thank-you card.

4. Include a typewritten note giving the receiver instructions on how to use, access or continue the gift if it is in the form of stocks, bonds, saving bonds, savings account, trusts or investments.

5. Add a personal touch to the gift with a suggestion about how the recipient might spend the money: "Hope your trip is endlessly wonderful," or "Old car. New tires."

6. Give travelers' checks for someone about to embark on a trip, $50 in a baby bottle for an expectant couple, a bill inside a schoolbook for a recent graduate or cash in a piece of tulle and white ribbon for a bride.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also buy foreign currency to give to someone embarking on a trip.
• Start a savings account for your favorite niece or nephew.
• Ask the bank for new bills.
• Money can seem like an impersonal gift. If you're shopping for your significant other, your mother's 60th birthday, or your best friend's wedding shower, try to put more time and thought into your present.
• Never send cash through the mail.

[countitalljoy]

on 4/28/2009 excellent reminders and ideas on giving money as a gift. 5

[TheAgent]

on 12/19/2008 Great article, you can't go wrong giving money.

[iamageniuster]

on 12/18/2008 Very neat article. Thanks for sharing.

[writer7]

on 12/12/2008 These are good tips.

[AlohaVikki]

on 12/12/2008 These ideas remind me of a clear puzzle I saw in a magazine that you can put money in the middle of and the person has to solve the puzzle before they can get to it. That could be a fun way to give money too.