Graduation Gifts: Five Creative Ways to Give Money

Whether they've just finished high school or earned a college degree, most new grads appreciate graduation gifts of cash. And giving money is a great way to say, "Do something nice for yourself, you've earned it." But giving money can also say "I put very little effort into choosing this gift."

Avoid looking like you took the easy way out and give your cash graduation gifts a little pizazz. Here are our five favorite ways to get creative when giving money.

Money Flower Bouquet: She will probably get flowers on graduation day anyway, right? Replace the blooms with some green she can really use. Here you will find detailed instructions on creating a lovely flower bouquet perfect for giving as graduation gifts or for any other special occasion.

Cash "Checkbook": Give your graduation gift in $1 denominations, bound together like a checkbook. Simply take your stack of dollar bills to the local office supply store and ask them to glue-bind the top edges with a cardboard backing. Once completed, slide the "checkbook" into a cover and include a check register showing the starting balance.

Money Origami: Practice the ancient Japanese art of paper folding with some crisp bills for a totally unique presentation of your cash graduation gifts. You can buy a book with detailed instructions or search online to find free money origami instructions.

Money Soap: Soap making has become a popular hobby and you can pick up a kit at just about any craft supply store. Simply follow the instructions for making a batch of transparent glycerin soap, but place a folded bill into the mold before pouring.

Balloon Pop: Decorate for the graduation party with money balloons. Before inflating, stuff a bill or two into colorful balloons and hang them around the party room. To help the grad get to those graduation gifts out, wrap up a pretty package containing a straight pin for popping.