Creative Graduation Money Gift Ideas {That Are Cheaper + More Fun Than a Card}

When graduation season rolls around, it seems like everyone is looking for money graduation gift ideas—and for good reason.

Graduation money is one of the most appreciated gifts a high school or college graduate can receive.

But if you’re like me, you want to do something a little more thoughtful than just slipping cash into a card.

That’s why I love this creative, fun, and surprisingly affordable idea: DIY money gift ideas for graduation made using push pop containers.

It’s one of my favorite graduation present ideas, and I’ve been doing it for years!

Not only is it a simple DIY graduation gift, but it’s also something I can throw together in minutes.

And the best part?

When you break down the cost, it’s usually less than the price of a card—making it one of the best inexpensive graduation gifts you can give.

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DIY graduation gift with push pop containers, $100 rolled into a diploma, and black confetti stuffed into the push pop for a fun and festive grad money gift idea.

The Supplies You’ll Need for Your DIY Graduation Gifts

All of my supplies are from Amazon—simple and accessible!

I buy in bulk and store them with my wrapping supplies so I’m always ready for senior graduation party season.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Push pop containers (also called cake pop shooters)
Graduation-themed stickers
Washi tape
Biodegradable Confetti
Cash or a check
A small note to roll up with the money

You can also get creative with your supplies—tailor the colors to the graduate’s school or keep it simple with black, gold, and white for a classic look.

I’ve done both!

I started out using school colors, but now I just keep a neutral set of materials on hand so I’m never scrambling.

DIY graduation money gift supplies including push pop containers, graduation-themed stickers, washi tape, confetti, cash, and a rolled note on a chalkboard background.

How To Make These Creative Graduation Gifts

This idea is fun, easy, and doesn’t require a crafty bone in your body.

Here’s how I put these graduation money gifts together step by step:

Decorate the outside of the push pop container – I use graduation-themed stickers to give it a celebratory look. These stickers work for boy graduation gifts and girls alike.
Roll up the cash or check – I like to wrap it with a simple note. You can write a heartfelt message, just include your name, or write something clever like “Pop! You did it!” or “Wishing you a poppin’ graduation!”. No matter what you decide, it’s nice for the graduate to know who it’s from.
Add the confetti – I use black most often, but any color will work. Like I mentioned before you can cater it to the graduates high school colors or the colors of their upcoming college. Fill the container about halfway.
Hide the money inside – Place it in the middle of the confetti so it’s a surprise when they open it.
Add more confetti – Fill the rest of the push pop container with confetti until it reaches the top and the money is safely tucked inside.
Seal the container with washi tape – It keeps everything contained until it’s ready to be opened.
Deliver or display – I usually just set it on the gift or card table. It’s eye-catching and easy to spot!

This is one of those easy graduation gifts that delivers on fun and function.

Graduation-themed sticker sheets and empty push pop containers ready for a DIY money gift idea.

Placing cash and biodegradable confetti inside a push pop container for high school graduation gift ideas Diy.

Using washi tape to seal a push pop container filled with money and confetti to finish off the inexpensive graduation gifts Diy.

Why I Skip the Card (And You Might Want to, Too)

I used to add a card, but now the push pop gift replaces it entirely.

The rolled-up note inside makes it personal, and by skipping the card, I’m able to give a few extra dollars to the graduate.

Win-win!

Plus, when I give a check, I appreciate knowing they received it once it’s cashed—which gives me peace of mind that it didn’t get tossed with wrapping paper or confetti.

(You know how chaotic graduation party planning can be!)

Two completed easy graduation gifts, one push pop with green washi tape and the word 'GRAD,' and the other push pop with orange washi tape and a graduation hat sticker. Both set on a chalkboard background.

A Graduation Gift That Works for Everyone

This idea works for high school graduation gift ideas just as well as it does for college grads.

Whether you’re shopping for a friend’s daughter, your nephew, or your child’s group of classmates, this idea works for everyone.

You can keep the supplies gender-neutral, or customize them based on who you’re gifting to.

That’s what makes this one of my favorite grad money gift ideas year after year.

And even though I use these for graduation, this method works for other celebrations, too.

Want to gift money for a birthday?

Skip the graduation stickers, and it’s still fun and festive.

Kids and adults from age 1 to 99 would love it.

Graduation cash gift ideas with push pop containers decorated with graduation stickers, filled with confetti, a rolled-up $100 bill and sealed with colorful washi tape.

Final Thoughts on These Graduation Money Gift Ideas

If you’re looking for money ideas for graduation, this push pop gift is such a clever way to do it.

It’s personal, easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring a smile.

It checks all the boxes:

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Graduation gift money ideas
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Inexpensive graduation gifts

There’s really no wrong way to do it.

And once you have your supplies ready, it takes less than five minutes to assemble.

Keep some on hand during the busy season of senior graduation parties, and you’ll never be scrambling last minute.

Grad money gift ideas using push pops with confetti and rolled $100 bills as creative and easy graduation gifts for high school or college graduates.

FAQ: Graduation Push Pop Money Gift

Do you include a card with this gift?

Nope! I skip the card entirely. The rolled note inside the push pop serves as both the message and the identifier. It’s a budget-friendly switch and one less thing to buy or forget.

How much money should I include?

Whatever amount you feel comfortable giving! There’s no rule here. The beauty of this gift is that it makes even a modest amount feel thoughtful and celebratory.

Do you use cash or checks?

I personally prefer checks because then I know when they’ve been received. It’s also a bit more secure than cash floating around in a container full of confetti.

Do you personalize each one?

Yes! I always include a short note, sometimes heartfelt, sometimes simple. But you can also just write your name if you’re in a hurry.

Do you ever include anything besides money and confetti?

I don’t. The push pop containers aren’t very large, and keeping it simple helps hide the money inside. Candy, charms, or stickers inside could bulk it up and ruin the surprise.

Can this work for birthdays or other events?

Absolutely. Just skip the graduation-themed stickers and use something more general. It’s one of those money gift ideas that works year-round.

Do you use school colors?

At first, I did. Now, I buy bulk supplies in neutral graduation colors (black, white, gold) and use them for everyone. It simplifies things—and makes assembly even faster.

Magic is in the details,