Picking out holiday and birthday gifts for kids is always fun. You can still head to the toy store or dare we say, purchase clothing. When kids become teenagers, though, that definitely changes. Teens pretty much despise most presents parents pick out for them. Those birthday and holiday gifts typically go unused, taking up space in the back of the closet.
Ages 13 through 18 are often earmarked for gift cards. Teens enjoy getting gift cards because then they can pick out what they want. There’s also another gift teenagers love to get. Cash. Yep, cash is still king. Think back to when you were a teenager. You needed money for movies, fast food your parents didn’t want you to eat, and then there’s gas once you started driving. The problem with giving cash as a gift is that it feels thoughtless to the gift giver. Sure, the teens are happy, but you feel like you took the easy way out and stuffed cash into an envelope.
Well, if you’re searching for creative ways to give money to a teenager that doesn’t look like you forgot to buy a real gift, we’ve got some cool ideas.
Fun methods to give teens the gift they really want
It can be tough to pick out a gift for a birthday or a holiday for teens. When you ask teens for suggestions, the answer is often money. Parents, relatives, and friends don’t necessarily want to give teens cash because it feels wrong somehow. Sure, it’s what they asked for, but giving cash as a gift seems too simple. So, instead of putting money in an envelope or inside a card, try one of these creative ways to give money to a teen.
Wrap in up
If your teen has a birthday or there’s a gift-exchanging holiday coming up and cash is on the wish list, do what you would do with any gift. Place it in a box and wrap it up. First place the money in a small box and wrap it in appropriate paper for the special day. Then, put the money box inside a slightly bigger box and wrap that. Put the bigger box inside a larger box, and well, you get the idea. How far you want to take this is entirely up to you.
Create a cash scavenger hunt
If putting money in an envelope is a cop-out, how about filling several ones? Decide on the amount of money you are going to gift your teen. Then, divide it up into different envelopes. Instead of just giving the cash envelopes to your teen, devise a scavenger hunt with clues. The reward for solving each clue is a gift envelope with money.
Cash cow
As parents we sometimes feel like a cash cow. So, how about giving your teen an actual cash cow for their birthday or a special holiday? Take a stuffed cow and make a hole along the seam. Then, stuff the desired gift amount inside. Leave out one bill and tie it around the stuffed cow’s neck with a bow. Give it as-is or wrap it.
It’s raining money
Who wouldn’t want it to rain cash for Christmas or on a birthday? Now, that’s an awesome gift. While you can’t make it rain money, you can make it seem so. Take an umbrella and attach cash to the spokes using clothespins or curling ribbon and scotch tape. Put the umbrella in a box with a note that says, “Open me.” Then, wrap it in paper, signifying the event. Your teen will most certainly be confused when they open the gift to find an umbrella inside. The confusion will change to joy when the umbrella is opened to reveal a shower of bills.
Money bouquet
If you’re crafty, a super creative way to give teens cash as a gift is to make a bouquet out of cash. It’s not as hard as you think. You will need barbecue sticks, scotch tape, ribbon, scissors, floral foam, and of course, bills. Roanmazing has a YouTube tutorial that will take you through the step-by-step process of making a money bouquet.
Money cake
Another fun way to deliver cash for a special event is to make a money cake. Jennifer Maker has a YouTube video that can help you craft a money cake for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or any gift-giving occasion.
Money basket
If your teen has a special birthday coming up and only wants money from family members, think about a money basket. Put out the word to family members and collect the monetary amounts beforehand. Then, buy a basket and fill it with some of your teen’s favorite snacks. In between the snacks, hide the cash. Your teen will find the hidden bills among the sweets.
Wallet
Once your teen is driving, it’s certainly time for a wallet. Teens need a safe place to keep their driver’s license. Instead of just wrapping up a wallet, though, fill it with some birthday or holiday cash. Then, when your teen opens the wallet, there’s an extra surprise.
Money tree
For teens who love plants, how about giving them an actual money tree? A money tree or a Pachira aquatica is a houseplant. Give the money tree a cash flow by hanging bills from the branches using ribbons or by placing them along the rim of the pot, after watering it, of course.
Money balloons
Have a bit of fun with your teen by putting bills inside of balloons before blowing them up. Your teen will need to pop the balloons in order to get the cash.
Set up a bank account for your teen
It may not be as fun as popping cash balloons and money “raining,” but a great way to give your teens the gift of cash while also teaching them financial responsibility is to set up a savings account. You will have to set up the account, but when your teen turns 18, you can transfer control. The family and relatives can make deposits into the account for birthdays and special holidays. This may be somewhat anticlimactic, but it is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when teens head off to college or move out on their.
Giving money as a gift shouldn’t feel like a cop-out. If teens are asking for money for an upcoming birthday or holiday, don’t waste your money buying something they won’t use or appreciate. Instead, try one of these creative ways to give money to a teenager. Making a money umbrella or cake shows thought while still giving teens the gift they asked for. Remember, cash is a gift that won’t end up stuffed in the back of the closet or collecting dust under the bed.
