Surprise Chocolate Box of Money Gift Box (Easy DIY Gift)

You want to give a thoughtful gift, but you know they could really use some extra cash? How do you gift money in a fun and creative way? This Money Gift Box Idea is a winner! With an empty candy box, some dollar bills and coins, and a few candy or baking papers, you’re set for giving monetary gifts that are a fun way to give a gift of cash.

Want to give a money gift but don’t want to be boring with gift cards? This easy DIY Money Gift Box is perfect! It’s a little bit of a gag gift, but a whole lot of usefulness. Who couldn’t use a few more bucks in their wallet.

This chocolate box of money is all thanks to my Aunt Cass. She was always super creative and liked to make much of special events. But she was also very practical. She didn’t give gifts that we couldn’t use. 

Back when we were paying off debt, she sent me a box of chocolate from her local sweets shop. Or at least, that’s what I thought it was. When I opened it, I found that she had transformed a simple chocolate box into a money gift box.

This is the perfect way for you to gift money this year instead of gift cards that inevitably are forgotten or wasted on junk just to spend them and be done. Just saying.

Why Make a Chocolate Money Box?

It’s fun! Your gift recipient will probably smile at the thought of chocolate, but once they open this gag gift, they’ll smile even wider seeing coins and bills in different currency. It’s so much better than writing a check or buying a gift card.

It’s a simple DIY. You only need a few supplies to pull this off. No crafty skills required.

The cost will always fit your budget. Since you can vary the denominations that you include in your chocolate money box gift, it can fit whatever budget you have for giving a gift. It makes one of the best frugal gifts.

It’s great a great bon voyage gift. Someone heading off on a trip overseas will love to receive some foreign currency, making this a great gift for missionaries, exchange students, parents going to adopt their international children, and other world travelers.

It’s great for kids. Kids can learn about denominations they’ve never seen before. My mom and Aunt Cass have given me two dollar bills every year for my entire life. And, yes, $2 bills are real US currency.

Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to make a chocolate money box gift:

a candy box or cookie tin – You can use whatever empty candy box or cookie tin you have around. It’s best to choose a brand that your gift recipient really likes. Remember that the bigger the box, the more money it will take to fill, so choose wisely… ie small.

Also keep in mind if your gift recipient has any food allergies. You’ll want to make sure that the money doesn’t carry cross contamination of allergens. — I’m a mom of a kid with food allergies, so I appreciate the care others take in this way.

paper baking liners – The mini muffin or candy size papers are ideal. They are most similar to what candy stores use. You can use brown traditional chocolate paper cups or fun colored ones to make the package more colorful.

money – Vary the denominations and include some unique coins and bills if you can. Aunt Cass cornered the market on $2 bills (yes, they are real!) so she often gave them as gifts. Dollar coins are another fun touch.

But you can use anything: pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollar coins and dollar bills, two dollar bills and as high up as you can afford. Inquire at the bank to see what fun selection you can come up with.

Obviously, you’ll want to use currency that the person can spend or likes to collect casually. For college students going abroad, including currency from their host country is super fun!

adhesive – You’ll also need glue, double-sided tape, or foam stickies to adhere the paper cups into the box and the money into the paper liners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Chocolate Money Gift Box:

1. Glue or tape the liner papers to the bottom box. 
2. Roll, fold, or stack the currency to vary its appearance. money in coins or paper denominations
3. Use stickies or tape to adhere the currency to the candy liner.
4. Close the box and wrap as a gift.

I see so much potential for a Chocolate Money Box gift like this. It’s creative and practical all at the same time!

More Great Gifts to Make

This post was originally published February 2, 2011. It has been updated for content and clarity. Read: this is the original that others on the internet have copied. 😉