Creative ways to give money for Christmas
Turn the money into something to open, find or keep. For under 8s, hide it in a game or a treasure hunt. For older kids, tie it to a goal. If you want it to last, start their savings instead of handing over cash.
Pick in 10 seconds
| Idea | Best age | Your time | Wow |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pull-out money box | 4–10 | 10 min | ★★★ |
| 2. Money balloon | 3–8 | 5 min | ★★ |
| 3. Treasure hunt | 4–10 | 30 min | ★★★ |
| 4. 12 days of money envelopes | 6–14 | 20 min | ★★ |
| 5. Money tree | all | 30 min | ★★ |
| 6. Puzzle box | 8–14 | 5 min | ★★ |
| 7. "For your…" goal note | 8–16 | 5 min | ★★ |
| 8. Letter to open at 18 | all | 20 min | ★★★ |
| 9. A savings jar you fill together | 4–10 | 10 min | ★★ |
| 10. Start their savings | all | 5 min | ★★★ |
Fun ways to give money at Christmas (ages 3–10)
1. The pull-out money box
Roll bills, tape them end to end and feed them through a tissue box. They keep pulling.
- You need: an empty tissue box, tape, small bills · Time: 10 min
- The catch: use fives and ones so the line is long.
2. The money balloon
Roll bills and slip them into a balloon before you blow it up. They pop it to get the money.
- You need: clear balloons, bills, a pin · Time: 5 min
- The catch: under-3s and balloons don't mix.
3. The treasure hunt
Five clues around the house, with the money at the last stop. Pictures for clues if they can't read yet.
- You need: 5 paper clues, a box · Time: 30 min
- The catch: write the route down so you remember it.
Creative ways to wrap money for Christmas
4. 12 days of money envelopes
Twelve small envelopes, one a day from Christmas Day. Each has a little cash and a note: "for ice cream", "for a book".
- You need: 12 envelopes, a pen · Time: 20 min
- The catch: they spend it as they go, and that's the point.
5. The money tree
Fold bills into bows and clip them to a small potted branch.
- You need: a branch or mini tree, clips, ribbon · Time: 30 min
- The catch: it's for the photo; the money comes off the same day.
6. The puzzle box
Put the money in a puzzle box they have to solve to open.
- You need: a puzzle box (about US$10–20 in stores) · Time: 5 min
- The catch: test that you can open it first.
Money gift ideas for older kids (8–16)
7. The "for your…" goal note
Give the money with a note naming what it's for: "for your first bike", "toward the guitar". Money with a goal gets saved.
- You need: a card · Time: 5 min
- The catch: ask their parent what the goal is first.
8. A letter to open at 18
Write what you hope for them, seal it with a bill inside, and write "open at 18" on the front.
- You need: paper, an envelope, one bill · Time: 20 min
- The catch: give it to their parent to keep safe.
Gifts of money that last
9. A savings jar you fill together
Give a clear jar with the first coins inside, and add to it every visit.
- You need: a jar, a label · Time: 10 min
- The catch: it only grows when you're there.
10. Start their savings
Cash gets spent by New Year. A Proof starts the child's own savings vault with US$10, and comes as a printed book with their drawing and your photo inside. Their parent accepts it with a QR code; you can give again for every tooth or birthday.
- Cost: US$59 once, shipping included · Time: 5 min
- Christmas: order by Dec 15 (US) or Dec 10 (Canada)
Questions people ask
Is it OK to give money for Christmas?
Yes. Any idea above turns it into a present to open.
How much should I give?
Whatever fits your budget. The way you give it matters more than the amount.
How do I give money to a child too young to spend it?
Hand it to their parent with a note, or start their savings (idea 10) so it's there when they're older.
How do I give money to a grandchild who lives far away?
Mail an envelope from idea 4 or 8, or send a Proof straight to their home.