How to Fold Money for a Money Tree

Make a decision about the amount you wish to give as a gift.

Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and graduations are a perfect time to give money as a gift. Many invitations are including the words "money tree" for gift options. Folding paper money for a money tree takes the worry and time out of the equation when finding the right gift. Money is a universal gift that allows the recipient to spend the cash on what they need most. So give the gift of folded money to place on the money tree when you arrive to the party. Follow the simple step-by-step guidelines, then perch the money on the tree like a pro.

Things You'll Need

• 40 new one-dollar bills
• 1 box of small rubber bands
• 1 8.5-by-11 envelope

Instructions

How to Fanfold a Dollar Bill

1. Decide on the denomination and amount of bills that will be given to the recipient. Go to the bank and ask for new bills, they fold easier and hold a fold better than worn bills. There are many ways to fold a dollar bill and attach each one to a money tree with paperclips, rubber bands or string. The easiest way to fold a new dollar bill is to fan-fold the bill just like a fan.

2. 

   Place a dollar bill on a flat surface. Starting at the edge, make a 1/2-inch fold running the full length of the bill. Turn the bill over and make another 1/2-inch fold along the length of the bill. Repeat this folding process until the dollar bill is approximately 1/2-inch wide and 6-inches long. Run your thumb along the surface and press to flatten the folds.

3. Place a small rubber band around the middle of the bill to hold the shape of the "fan" folds. Place each bill into an 8.5-by-11 inch envelope to take to the party. Remove the bills from the envelope, one-by-one and place the bills on the money tree with the rubber band.

Tips & Warnings

• The fan fold of a dollar bill is only one of many folds or origami art that can make your bill stand out at a party. If you leave the rubber band in the middle of your fan-folded bill, fluff out the folds on each side of the bill to make a bow tie effect.

References

• Origami Resource Center: Money Origami
• Current Catalog: Money Tree Money-Folding Design Kit

Resources

• Amazon: Money Folding: Making Banknotes into Gifts You Can Spend