MONEY Lei - {{Candy & Cash}} fun creative gift idea - Graduation, Birthday

My son was invited to a birthday party last Friday and at this age (15 years old) it's not really presents any more but usually money or gift cards. Pretty much 12 years and up. :/ I love wrapping and gift cards are so boring.

ME: We should make a candy and money necklace!!!
SON: {{confused slash annoyed face}}
ME: What kid doesn't like CANDY & CASH!!???
SON: Just get a gift card
ME: Seriously, it's going to be awesome!
ME: You can have some of the candy.
SON: Sounds like a great idea.

:)

Money

Candy

Tulle or clear gift wrap

Ribbon

Double sided tape

We had Twix and M&M's. Halloween candy bought early knowing it won't even make it to October 1st. :/ At least it went to a project and I didn't eat it.

Torn between a few ideas but decided to use a roll of tulle someone gave me almost 4 years ago. Not only was I proving that being a pack rat pays off and finally using it, but I figured the tulle is stretchy enough that you could remove the candy to eat right away. 

Starting with the most important part of the gift, I had my son accordion fold the 20 $1 bills. 

Started with the candy at the edge of the tulle and rolled it twice. Then I used ribbon and tied one ribbon separating each piece of candy.

I used the same ribbon and tied a dollar between each candy.

I thought about making two together so it's a circle but it looks like a flower. I know he wouldn't mind a flower necklace but I like the fan look.

Used a red ribbon (to match the Twix logo) and tied a second dollar.

Used a tiny piece of double sided tape to stick the ends together.

Makes a little fan

 My son absolutely LOVED it. He said it was better than a gift card.

His friend thought it was pretty cool and that was before he noticed the money. LOL!

Thank you for stopping by!

SNEAKY, creative, & fun way to give MONEY! $$$ BEST gift ever! CASH - Fake out -IDEAS for Birthday, Graduation, Wedding, Christmas, Teacher Appreciation...ANYTHING!

Looks crazy, right!? Can of beans and rocks. Wow, grrrreat gift. 

BUT it's secretly filled with $$$$$$

Wooohooo! 

Giving cash doesn't have to be boring! Don't just write a check....(although I will definitely take a check any day!) 

This could be a fun idea for Christmas, graduation, teacher end of the year gift, birthday, ANYTHING! In fact, you are welcome to try this on me and I'll totally be fooled. Promise. :)

I purchased inexpensive cans (about money height) with a pop top and no markings or instructions on the top of the can. We all know how to pop open a can, plus it takes away from the gift. 

Only time I like the markings on the can is for APRIL FOOL'S DAY fake outs AND replaced lunch for a prank. Priceless!

Anyway, you also want a can that can be opened from the bottom. Here is a quick video to show you the difference in cans and the ones that work best.

VIDEO

Oooooh Ahhhhh.....money! Just money secretly hidden in a can would be awesome BUT we made them extra special. 

Each boy wrote out something special about their teacher for each letter of the alphabet on sticky notes. 

Gave each teacher $26 so total $52 for both.

They were so sweet. "S" is for Sad. I'm going to be sad you are not my teacher next year. {{sniffle}}

Used removable tape to attach each bill together.

This will make it so much easier to take apart....seriously, so easy. Other tape will tear the bills. 

Rolled

Now this is where the rocks come in. 

It's rock candy and since they look real I added a tag that said that.

FREE downloadable Rock Candy tag HERE

(then right click and save)

I cut out with a 1/2" lever punch

See!? If you pull the candy bag all the bills pull out so nicely.

Since the can is opened from the other side, I turn the roll upside down to insert.

For the bottom I added shredded packing paper like paper Easter grass or tissue paper. The reason you need the paper is when you re-seal the can with hot glue it doesn't get on the money. It just sticks to the paper. The glue doesn't have to be perfect because no one sees that side until it's already opened.

Measured and cut labels using the existing label I removed from the can. I'm SO smart. {{pat on the back}} Rare but sometimes I have my moments....sometimes. (just kidding)

Double sided tape and press around the can.

Add a couple ribbons AND.....

Ta-DA!!!! So super cute!

I received a sweet text from both teachers and one sent me this picture :) I was so excited the idea worked.

Thank you for stopping by!