...Graduations...anniversaries...baby showers...birthdays... sometimes, there's no better gift than money.  Unfortunately, money also seems like a rather cold, impersonal gift.  But not anymore!  Consider some of these clever ways to package that money gift:

1) The "shirt off my back"

Here's a cute gag gift idea! Fold the currency of your choice to look like a small shirt, then tuck in an envelope with a gift card that says "I'm giving you the shirt off my back!" For directions on folding an origami shirt, visit Donovan's Rubber Stamping Resource Page. 

2) Revolving globe containers

No, you don't have to be an origami artist, or even a crafter, to give money creatively!  Sometimes an unexpected container is all you need.  For example, this 4" Plastic globe bank could be filled with the coins of your choice, whether that be dimes or dollars! Your gift card could include a message like "You've got the whole world in your hands!" Purchase these globe containers from the Oriental Trading Company.    (Item # IN-26/1214). 

3) Baby bottle gift

New parents quickly discover that diapers and formula are expensive! They would certainly appreciate a gift of money, especially when you have presented it in a whimsically decorated baby bottle.  Buy a plain bottle and decorate it with non-toxic paint pens, including the baby's name and birth date.  Then fill it up with dollar coins or slightly crumpled currency. 

4) Shark canteen

Here's a whimsical way to give money to the new college graduate heading into the business world to "swim with the sharks!"  Fill this 16-oz. plastic shark canteen with the currency of your choice.  It's available for only $1.50 from the Oriental Trading Company.  

5) Milk money

Wash and dry an empty milk carton (the small, snack size ones work great if your budget is tight). Then fill it with quarters or the coins of your choice.  Seal it with a bit of glue and include a gift tag that says "Here's a little milk money for you."

6) A "scents" of money

Here's a great bridal shower or housewarming gift!  Purchase a spice rack and fill each of its spice containers with a rolled up bill in the currency of your choice. We especially love the streamlined design of the Select-A-Spice Auto Measure Carousel from The Container Store.     Item #429090, cost: $29.99

7) Frame it

A double duty gift that almost anyone would love! Find a nice looking frame and frame the currency of your choice in it. Another idea:  purchase a plain silver frame from Things Remembered and have them engrave it with the message "Your first million" for the college graduate with high aspirations. 

8) Sandy sentiments

Use paper money in place of shred inside a toy sand bucket. (No, don't shred the money!  Just crumple it a little bit!) Fill the bucket with beach toys and include a gift card that says "For your day in the sun." For the new graduate heading into the business world, you could include a note that says "May money stick to you like sand after a day at the beach!"  Sand bucket and six beach toys are available from the Oriental Trading Company for $2.49.

9) In an inflated balloon

Go to your local party store and find a mylar or latex balloon that matches the holiday or occasion, such as a balloon printed with a cake for a birthday or a balloon that says "congratulations" for a promotion. Blow up a balloon  Roll up the currency of your choice and stick it through the balloon's opening before tying shut. Be sure that the recipient knows the balloon is filled with his or her gift! 

10) In a pair of sunglasses

Here's another neat idea for a graduation gift!  Fold two bills (in the denomination of your choice) into squares that will fit over the lenses on a pair of new sunglasses.  Tape them in place on the inside of the lenses. Tie on a gift card that says "Your future is so bright that you've got to wear shades."