Graduation Gift DIY: Easy and Cool Money Lei
Want a fun graduation gift idea that looks fancy (but is EASY to make)?
This creative DIY money lei is the easiest we’ve seen anywhere! Make this for the special graduates in your life! Simply fold paper bills into simple accordion style “flowers” and tie them to an inexpensive beaded party necklace. Customize using school colors, and the denomination of bills is up to you!
No fancy origami paper folding here!
There are so many different ways to make money leis, and some of them are pretty time-consuming and complicated. I promise this version is a simple, FUN and a very doable DIY project you’ll enjoy! You can make a few paper “flowers” made out of colored construction paper like I did or just use additional bills.
Easy and Cool Money Lei
Supplies Needed:
- paper money (about 10-12 bills)
- dollar bill sized colored construction paper in school colors if desired (optional)
- beaded necklace
- small rubber bands (small hair bands work great!)
- ribbon, string, or curling ribbon like I used
- glue dots or double sided tape
Directions:
1.) Fold a bill accordion-style back and forth, about 1/2 an inch wide.
2.) Fold bill in half, first in one direction, then in the other direction.
3.) Secure a small rubber band around the center.
4.) Place glue dots or double-sided tape on the sides and secure both ends together to form a circle or “flower”.
Hip Tip: Glue dots are small circles of removable adhesive commonly used in papercrafts. They are nice to use in this craft so that the recipient doesn’t rip their money taking lei apart. You can, however, use removable tape if desired.
5.) Thread a piece of ribbon through the middle of “flower” and tie to the necklace.
6.) Continue tying “flowers” all-around necklace as desired.
Note: For construction paper flowers, just fold using the same directions as above.
What a fun and unique way to gift money!
If you want to do a little something special for a graduation gift other than a check or gift card, this is a neat idea. I love that this project isn’t super complicated and can be customized by using school colors. It’s such a great alternative to expensive flower leis. I would have loved this at my graduation!
Nice !!!!!
Thanks!
Omg love love love!!!! So cute!!!! Awesome idea
Thanks so much Stacy!
Agree! Very cute way to greet the graduate at a grad party!
Wow! Love it I think weâll try it for a craft at our job picnic
When I was young we use to have these for the Bride & Groom & I thought they were pretty cheesy but now when I see these for Graduation, they look cool đ
Oh fun!
Do u think HS guys will like these too? Just curious? You know sone are too cool. đ
I think a guy would love it if you used $20’s instead of $1’s đ
HS guys will definitely like this. I have 3 boys – 2 in high school. They love food and money (which they can use to buy more food).
Ha! That’s a great response. đ
I’d think so! I clicked on this because my son will graduate next spring. Money is always a great gift!
What a cute idea!!!
Thanks Laurie!
I love this idea, especially if you use the school colors. If the graduate wears the necklace for his/her party and is photographed, this fun gift will live on way after the cash is spent.
Super cute idea! Would be fun to do with kiddos without the money!
Oh fun!
At my daughters high school officials banned money leis. We were told itâs not fair to someone students that canât afford them.
Wow that’s a neat idea! Thanks for the tip!!
You’re welcome Deb! <3
This is such as awesome idea!! I”m going to do this for my son, he’s graduating HS in a couple weeks. I’m going to go with some suggestions others had on using school colors and using $20’s!
I love this idea and Iâve always wanted to learn how to make one. You make it look so easy!
Oh perfect! Thanks for stopping by đ
This is so cool ! Thank you so much
Thanks Nanci!
Cute idea! I’m going to do this!!
Thanks for stopping by Lisa!
I may do a version of this for my daughterâs 10th birthday but I think Iâll put the âflowersâ on sticks and put them in a vase to make her a money bouquet :). Thanks for the inspiration! I love that your recipes and DIYs are things that I actually could/would do. I get a bit frustrated with bloggers who say âLook at this awesome widget I made for just $2!â Then the details reveal that it took 8 hours plus 3 days of drying time, an art degree, a pricey Circuit machine, a pricey power tool and $100 worth of âleftoverâ wood, fabric, etc.
LOL thats so true! Yes our projects have to be reasonable on time/effort for us to want to share. Thanks for the comment that made my day. I love your money bouquet idea!!
I did this for my niece’s graduation and I used a cute necklace she wanted for the base of the lei: two gifts in one.
OH LOVE IT! Thatâs a neat idea – thanks for sharing đ
Candy necklaces are also a big hit and really simple. Use a length of plastic wrap, put fun size candy bar inside and tie with ribbon. Just google candy lei or look on Pinterest. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want. My son ate half of his in the car after the graduation ceremony :0