How to Make the Perfect Gift - A Money Tree
The money tree gift can meet a variety of giving needs --- from a small personal gift plant to a whopping great tree from a group of people. Once you have decided who is giving the gift and how much each person is contributing, it is time to let the creative juices flow and make this gift special and unique in its presentation. From the decorative pot to the personal message, this simple homemade gift can be a stunning winner.
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Things You'll Need
- plant, small tree, or bunch of twigs
- pot
- florist foam or tissue paper
- copper coins
- color markers and spray paint
- photo of recipient (optional)
- yarn, decorative ribbon and bows
- cellophane (optional)
- paper bills
Instructions
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Clean the gift pot, so that you can fill it with either 1) branches that you can stick into a florist foam block; or 2) scrunched up tissue paper placed around an artificial plant, which is covered with copper coins that appear level to the top of the pot. Decorate the pot before you fill it. If the pot is made of porous clay, you can use color markers to write the recipient's name or the names of the givers directly on the pot. If you wish to paint the pot, use spray paint because it gives an even tone and texture. When the paint is dry, apply a layer of chalkboard paint around the pot; you can use chalk to address the recipient. This works well if you are giving the gift to a teacher. If many people are giving the gift, you can glue a group photo on the pot. If children are giving the gift to a class teacher, ask them to write their names with a simple "thank you" on squares of paper. Roll up each piece of paper and place each piece of paper into the base of the pot as an alternative filling.
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Tie together with yarn a small bunch of twigs that you can spread out once they are stuck into the florist foam. Using a real plant means, of course, that the recipient will have an extra gift once the recipient has removed the money, but using a plant may limit how much you can decorate the pot. For winter gifts, you can spray paint the twigs in festive colors that coordinate well with the pot. You can decorate each branch with a ribbon or bow to make it look like a flowering plant. Cover the entire gift with a sheet of cellophane wrapping. Gather the cellophane at the top and tie it with decorative ribbon.
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Roll up the paper bills, tie them in the middle with ribbon, and attach the paper bills to each branch. Bills can also be made into "fans." Start as if you are rolling up the bill at one end, but flatten out and fold over a small rectangular section alternately folded one way, then the other. Tie the bill in the middle with ribbon, as described, and open up each fan end to give the appearance of a flower. Spread out the bills to make it look like a blooming plant. Use paper flower origami and be as artistic as you desire. Make flowers out of the dollar bills and attach them to the plant with tiny glue dots.
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Tips & Warnings
Buying a real plant in a decorative pot and tying personalized gift cards with bills in small denominations or one big one at the base of the plant is a quick way to make a money tree that requires minimal effort but is still unique and personal.
If you use glue to stick money to your tree, be sure to use an easily removable adhesive like glue dots. Do not apply too much glue to paper bills. The recipient must be able to remove the paper bills.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images
