Looking for a fun way to gift graduation money?
Graduation is a significant milestone, and finding the perfect gift can sometimes be a challenge. Most graduates want money but gifting money doesn’t have to be boring and impersonal. If you want a cute way to gift graduation money, consider this idea. It looks like a simple jar of candy but there is a hidden stash of cash inside.
Supplies for This Graduation Money Gift
Here is everything I used for this creative way to gift graduation money (click links in bold to shop)
- Clear decorative jar: I love the design on the jars I used and love that something extra that it adds to the aesthetic. You can alternatively use one you have on hand. Pick a jar with a wide mouth for easy access. Mason jars work well for this project.
- Candy: I chose Rolos because I’m all about aesthetics. I love the gold color! You could alternatively add M&M’s in school colors or the graduate’s favorite candy.
- Cardboard tube from paper towel roll
- Cash, check or printable gift card
- Cardstock or scrapbook paper for the graduation cap topper. You can use black, white, or the graduates school colors.
- Paper for free printable Happy Graduation message for inside the jar
- Gold cord: Use this to create the graduation cap tassel, and to tie the roll of money and message inside the jar. You could alternatively use embroidery floss in school colors.
- Scissors, double-sided tape, tape and/or glue: For cutting and sticking various components together.
- Decorative items: Consider adding graduation themed stickers or other embellishments to personalize the jar.
- Free printable Happy Graduation message for inside the bottle:
Steps to Create Your Graduation Money in a Candy Jar Gift
Prepare the Jar:
- Place paper towel roll in the jar to measure and cut it to the correct height.
- Carefully add your candy of choice around the paper towel roll, keeping the roll in the center of the jar.
- Print out the optional Happy Graduation message sheet. Add a personal message.
- Roll your cash, check or printed gift card like a diploma. Secure it with the gold cord or ribbon and attach it horizontally to the message sheet using double sided tape or removable adhesive of choice.
- Roll the Happy Graduation message sheet like a diploma and secure it with the gold cord or ribbon.
- Place the message and money inside the paper towel roll tube.
- Place the lid on the top of the candy and money jar.
Make the Graduation Cap Topper:
- Print out the optional graduation cap printable onto cardstock. You can cut it out and use it as is or use it as a template for your graduation cap. Obviously if you’re using black cardstock you won’t be able to see the print.
- If you don’t want to use the template, simply cut out a square piece of cardstock paper for the “cap” and a smaller piece for the “mortarboard.” My cap was approximately 5”x5” and mortarboard was approximately 1.5”x11”
- Create a tassel by wrapping the gold cord around a small piece of cardboard. Slide a piece of cord underneath the wrapped cord and tie it.
- Carefully remove the wrapped cord from the cardboard.
- Tie a string near the top of the wrapped cord
- Cut the ends of the cord completing your tassel.
- Attach the tassel to the center of the cap. You could do this by putting a small hole in the top of the cap, running the string through it and adding the string in a large enough, not that it won’t pop back through the hole. Alternatively, you can glue the end to the center of the cap and cover it with a small circle of card stock, a pearl sticker or similar round embellishment.
Attach the Cap to the Candy Money Jar
- Wrap the mortarboard paper around the lid of the jar and secure with tape or other adhesive.
- Attach the cap to the top and your money gift in a jar is complete. At this point if you want to add other graduation stickers or embellishments the world is your oyster.
Important Note:
Obviously you want to make sure the recipient didn’t simply receive a jar of candy. Ensure they look inside to find the hidden money!
Happy Graduation Gifting!
This jar serves as more than just a vessel for candy and money; it makes the experience of receiving a monetary gift much more exciting and memorable. The graduate gets to enjoy their favorite candies while also appreciating the cash as a thoughtful contribution toward their future endeavors, whether it’s college expenses, travel, or starting a new job.
Gifting money doesn’t have to be boring. By presenting it in a creatively adorned candy jar styled with a graduation cap, you add an element of fun and personalization to your gift. This approach not only showcases your thoughtfulness but also enhances the joy of the recipient on their special day. This unique graduation gift is sure to be remembered long after the candies are gone!
