Creative DIY Graduation Gifts: 5 Unique Ways to Give Cash

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Idea 1: Graduation Cap Card
3. Idea 2: Laundry Quarters Roll
4. Idea 3: Wearable Graduation Cap
5. Idea 4: Cash Medallion
6. Idea 5: Punny Cash Card
7. Conclusion

Introduction

Congratulations to all the graduates out there! Graduation season is here, and it's time to celebrate the achievements of our loved ones. While giving cash as a gift is always appreciated, it can sometimes feel impersonal. In this article, we will explore five creative ideas to give a graduate money as a gift, without simply handing them a wad of cash. These DIY projects are fun, thoughtful, and easy to make. So let's dive in and discover unique ways to make a graduate's day even more special!

Idea 1: Graduation Cap Card

🎓 Creating a Memorable Graduation Cap Card

One of the most common symbols of graduation is the iconic graduation cap. With some black paper, a few craft supplies, and a bill of your chosen denomination, you can create a personalized graduation cap card that the recipient will treasure.

To make this adorable card, follow these steps:

1. Cut the black paper into a plus shape, with a four-inch square in the center and two-inch tabs on each side.
2. Round the corners of the paper using a corner punch or scissors (optional).
3. Fold all the tabs into the center and ensure the creases are sharp.
4. Attach a button to the center using a hot glue gun.
5. Glue a paper circle on top of the button to complete the graduation cap appearance.
6. Create a tassel using embroidery thread and attach it to the cap.
7. Fold a bill into a heart shape and tape it inside the card.
8. Use a metallic marker to write a heartfelt message to the graduate.

This graduation cap card is not only a creative way to give cash but also a beautiful keepsake that showcases your thoughtfulness.

Pros: Personalized touch, doubles as a keepsake item.

Cons: Requires some crafting materials.

Idea 2: Laundry Quarters Roll

🧺 Adding a Fun Twist to the Gift: Laundry Quarters Roll

For college students heading off to campus, laundry is a necessary chore. Help make their laundry days a little easier by gifting them a roll of quarters disguised as a graduation-themed surprise.

To create a laundry quarters roll, follow these steps:

1. Cut a strip of cardstock slightly wider than the roll of quarters.
2. Write a message inside the cardstock and tape one end to the roll of quarters.
3. Roll the cardstock tightly around the stack of quarters and tape down the other end.
4. Tie a red ribbon around the center to resemble a tiny diploma.

This clever gift combines practicality with a touch of graduation-themed fun. It's a practical and thoughtful way to support a graduate as they embark on their college journey.

Pros: Practical gift, adds a touch of whimsy.

Cons: Requires access to quarters.

Idea 3: Wearable Graduation Cap

🎓 Making a Wearable Graduation Cap

If you're looking for a unique gift that the graduate can actually wear, consider making a larger graduation cap using black cardboard and cash. This project requires a few additional supplies but is worth the effort for the impressive end result.

Follow these steps to create a wearable graduation cap:

1. Use black cardboard and arrange bills to cover the entire surface.
2. Tape the bills down securely.
3. Cut out an eight by eight-inch square of black cardstock and trace the design of the graduation cap onto it.
4. Tape the cardstock design on top of the cardboard, ensuring the money is visible through the cutout.
5. Attach a tassel, button, and metallic string to complete the cap's appearance.
6. Fold additional bills lengthwise and create a circular shape, attaching it to the bottom of the cap.

This wearable graduation cap is not only a unique gift but also a memorable keepsake that the graduate can proudly wear.

Pros: Impressive gift, doubles as a keepsake.

Cons: Requires additional supplies and effort.

Idea 4: Cash Medallion

🏅 Creating an Over-the-Top Cash Medallion

If you're looking to go all out and create an extravagant gift, a cash medallion is the way to go. Crafted from gold paper and multiple bills, this medallion is a show-stopping gift that will impress any graduate.

To create a cash medallion, follow these steps:

1. Fold five bills accordion-style and tape them together.
2. Shape the taped bills into a circle, securing them with duct tape to create the medallion.
3. Fold a bill to form a square and create a circle shape.
4. Fold and shape four additional bills to resemble ribbons.
5. Tape the gold circle and money circle to the medallion.
6. Add gold paper embellishments and ribbon shapes on top of the ribbons.
7. Flip the medallion over and tape all the components in place.

This cash medallion is a breathtaking gift that will leave a lasting impression on the graduate. It can be worn or displayed as a reminder of their achievements.

Pros: Stunning gift, perfect for special occasions.

Cons: Requires precision and additional supplies.

Idea 5: Punny Cash Card

💵 Making a Quick and Punny Cash Card

If you're short on time but still want to add a personal touch to your cash gift, a simple and punny cash card is the way to go. With just a few basic supplies and a couple of bills, you can create a card that is both humorous and thoughtful.

To make a punny cash card, follow these steps:

1. Fold the sides of a bill to create a rectangle around the face of the president.
2. Tape the folded bills onto a blank card.
3. Cut and attach black paper parallelograms to resemble graduation caps.
4. Use markers to draw tassels coming off each graduation cap.
5. Add punny phrases and speech bubbles to the card.

This quick and easy cash card is a great option if you're short on time but still want to add a personal touch. It will bring a smile to the graduate's face and show them how much thought you put into their gift.

Pros: Quick and easy, customizable with punny phrases.

Cons: Requires some crafting materials.

Conclusion

Graduation is a momentous occasion that deserves to be celebrated in a special way. By incorporating these creative ideas into your gift-giving, you can make the experience even more memorable for the graduate. Whether it's a personalized graduation cap card, a practical laundry quarters roll, a wearable graduation cap, an over-the-top cash medallion, or a punny cash card, these DIY projects will add a unique touch to your cash gifts. Get creative, have fun, and celebrate the achievements of the graduates in your life!

Highlights

• Five creative ideas to give a graduate money as a gift, without simply handing them cash
• Graduation cap card: a personalized keepsake that showcases your thoughtfulness
• Laundry quarters roll: a practical gift disguised as a graduation-themed surprise
• Wearable graduation cap: a unique gift that the graduate can proudly wear
• Cash medallion: an extravagant gift that leaves a lasting impression
• Punny cash card: a quick and humorous way to add a personal touch to your cash gift

FAQ

Q: Are these DIY projects suitable for all graduates? A: Yes, these DIY projects can be customized to suit graduates of all ages and educational levels.

Q: Can I include a personal message with the cash gift? A: Absolutely! Each DIY project provides opportunities to write heartfelt messages to the recipient.

Q: Are these DIY projects time-consuming? A: While some projects require more time and effort than others, all of them are designed to be relatively easy to make.

Q: Do I need special crafting skills to complete these projects? A: No, these projects can be completed by individuals with varying levels of crafting experience. The instructions are simple and easy to follow.