Giving Cash as a Gift Leaves Most of Us Torn
On the one hand, it is often the more sensible gift, the one that can bring the recipient the most joy; on the other hand, it is "just money" and it simply doesn't feel right to give it as a gift. If we're honest, the thought of giving a cash gift makes us feel pretty unimaginative, maybe even a little unloving.
After all, we so badly want to give something that comes from the heart. We want to see the joy in the recipient's eyes when they unwrap a lovingly handmade gift tailored just for them. A fitting gift of course also shows that we take an interest in the other person, notice their interests, hobbies, wishes and dreams, and pick something to match. Giving also gives us a warm, loving feeling, and so does seeing that the recipient is truly happy.
Can a cash gift do that too?
What if, for example, the birthday girl or boy already has everything but has long dreamed of a trip to faraway countries? Wouldn't it make more sense then to give cash and bring that big dream a little closer to reality?
That way small and big wishes can come true faster, or at all, and everyone is happy, except for the giver, who still has a bit of a queasy feeling at the thought of an impersonal "money handover."
So what should you do?
A cash gift really doesn't have to be impersonal.
Today there are wonderful ways to give your cash gift the right frame, and in this case that can even be taken literally.
In a nice, deep picture frame, for example, you can make a collage of pictures for a long-distance trip, glue a suitcase made of folded bills on top, and your very personal gift is ready.
You can also turn other occasions into something wonderfully creative in a frame like this. Stretching a clothesline of twine from one side of the frame to the other, attaching the bills to it with mini clothespins (available in the craft aisle) and adding a personal greeting would be just one variation. There are so many wonderful and creative possibilities. Whether it's a money tree or a sand toy prettily decorated with bills for a beach vacation, the sky is the limit.
If your imagination ever comes up completely empty, you'll find thousands of pretty ideas on the internet.
Have fun browsing and crafting.
Cash gifts can be such a creative, fun and exciting gift idea that makes everyone happy.