20 Fun Ways To Gift Money & Gift Cards To Friends And Family (2024)

FAQs

What is a clever way to give money as a gift? ›

Get out a piece of paper and start writing out ideas for your gift. Think about what your friend likes in terms of hobbies and interests. Narrow the list down to what sort of books, movies, or music they like. Consider what type of gift you want you buy for your friend: a funny gift, a sentimental gift, etc.

A great gift card presentation idea is to pair the card with a small, inexpensive, but related gift item. This can be a foodie gift card attached to a new piece of kitchenware for the budding gourmet, or a coffee shop gift card attractively presented inside a mug or travel cup.

A check or money order provides a secure way to give money. Your gift can be tracked and voided if lost or stolen, which offers an added layer of safety. Another benefit is the convenience. You can write a check from your bank account and money orders are widely available at banks, retail stores and more.

Send a check or use an app, such as Venmo. If you're sending money electronically, it's great to note in the card the method by which you've sent money: “Check your Venmo for the gift that accompanies this card UNLESS YOU HATE MONEY,” or similar phrasing of your choice.

Annual gift tax exclusion

The gift tax limit is $17,000 in 2023 and $18,000 in 2024. Note that this annual exclusion is per gift recipient. So you could give away the limit to several different people in a single year and still not have to file a gift tax return and possibly pay the gift tax.

The 5 gift rule simplifies gift-giving by emphasising five distinct categories: something they want, need, wear, read, and do. It encourages thoughtful, purposeful gift selection based on the recipient's desires, practical needs, style, interests, and experiences, making the process more meaningful and enjoyable.

What is a thoughtful gift? ›

The most thoughtful gifts are ones that have, well, thought behind them. Thoughts about what brings joy to the recipient, what they want, need, and what they didn't know they couldn't live without until it arrived at their doorstep.

Send money in the form of a prepaid debit card or a gift card to keep your identity hidden. Use a separate email and pseudonym when creating accounts on online payment apps, such as Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle to send money anonymously.

The Classic: "This is a little something to help you with [insert goal/occasion here]." Simple, sweet, and to the point. The Funny: "Here's some funding for your future escapades. Just promise not to spend it all on [insert recipient's guilty pleasure here]."

Cut a small slit (as wide as the money) on the box or use an old tissue box which has a hole in already. Cut out a piece of paper and write pull on it (or you could write Merry Christmas or Happy Birthday). Place money roll into the box and thread through the first note and tape that to the 'pull' piece of paper.