Giving money as a gift doesn’t have to be boring—especially around Christmas! If you’re looking for a fun, festive way to gift cash this holiday season, then you’ll love this Christmas Money Candy Cane Gift idea. It’s the perfect blend of craftiness and generosity! I stumbled across this idea last year when I was out of wrapping paper and wanted to turn a few rolled bills into something way more festive—and wow, it was a hit! Let’s make your cash gift the most memorable present under the tree this year!
Materials You’ll Need for a Christmas Money Candy Cane Gift
Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever searched for cheap Christmas presents that still feel thoughtful, you know how tricky that combo can be. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this little DIY project. The first time I made a Christmas Money Candy Cane Gift, I scrambled around the house looking for craft supplies at the last minute—big mistake. I ran out of double-sided tape halfway through. Lesson learned: gather your stuff first!
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so you’re not running to the store mid-glue gun meltdown:
🎄 Essential Craft Supplies
- Plastic Candy Cane Tubes: You can find these at Dollar Tree or craft stores. Make sure they’re hollow and clean inside.
- Cash or Rolled Bills: I usually use $1s or $5s, rolled tight so they slide in easily.
- Washi Tape or Holiday Scrapbook Paper: Adds that festive pop! Go for red plaid, metallic gold, or candy stripe.
- Clear Tape or Double-Sided Tape: This is your best friend. It keeps everything tidy and in place.
- Red Candy Cane Hook Tops: Some tubes come with them, or you can buy separate hooks if needed.
🎁 For That ‘Wow’ Factor
- Plaid Christmas Ribbon: A holiday classic. I love tying a big bow right at the neck of the candy cane.
- Mini Wooden Gift Tags: I write little jokes or “From Santa” messages. Adds charm to your DIY money gift.
- 3D Stickers & Embellishments: Think mini trees, glitter stars, snowflakes. It’s like putting earrings on your gift—totally optional, but it levels things up.
🔧 Optional but Fun Extras
- Twine & Mini Bells: The sound of a jingle when someone picks up your gift? Chef’s kiss.
- Hot Glue Gun: Trust me, tape doesn’t always hold everything down. Hot glue fixes that.
- Mini Pine Sprigs or Confetti: These aren’t necessary, but I love the natural texture they add.
Honestly, the best part about this list? Most of it can be reused for other DIY Christmas gift ideas or crafts. And if you’re doing a holiday crafting day with friends or family, it helps to prep everything ahead so you can dive right in.
Next time I’ll walk you through how to actually assemble the thing without losing your cool—or your dollar bills. 😅
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Candy Cane Money Gift
Alright, friend—grab your craft caddy and a cup of cocoa, ’cause we’re about to turn those plain ol’ dollar bills into a jaw-dropping DIY money gift that’ll make even Grandma say, “Well isn’t that clever!” I’ve done this a few times now, and I promise: it’s easier than it looks, even if you’re not the craftiest elf in the shed.
🧼 Step 1: Clean Your Candy Cane Tubes
Start by opening up those plastic candy cane tubes and giving them a good wipe-down. Seriously, don’t skip this. The last thing you want is dusty dollar bills. I learned that the hard way when my nephew pulled out a lint-covered $10. Not cute.
💵 Step 2: Roll the Cash Tight
Take your dollar bills—$1s, $5s, even $20s if you’re feeling generous—and roll them tight. Like, pencil-thin. I usually use a pen to help keep them straight. The tighter the roll, the easier they’ll slide into the tube. If they’re too loose, you’ll be poking at them with a toothpick, trust me.
🎨 Step 3: Wrap with Festive Flair
This is where the magic happens. Use holiday washi tape or cut strips of wrapping paper to wrap around each bill. It’s not just cute—it hides the denomination for a surprise reveal. I’ve even stamped tiny snowflakes on the tape for that extra sparkle.
📥 Step 4: Insert the Money
Gently slide the rolled cash into the tube. Sometimes I use a wooden skewer to guide it in without crumpling it. If your candy cane doesn’t open all the way, you can wrap the money around the outside instead. That’s how I did it the first year—looked just as good!
🔄 Step 5: Reattach the Hook Top
Snap or twist the red hook back onto the top of the cane. This part feels like sealing the deal. Once that hook is on, it really starts to look like something you’d buy at a holiday market.
🎀 Step 6: Add a Ribbon Bow
Now for the finishing touch: grab your plaid Christmas ribbon, tie a cute little bow around the neck of the cane, and trim the ends diagonally. Boom—instant holiday vibes. I’ve even tucked a sprig of faux pine into the knot. Pinterest-worthy, I swear.
✍️ Step 7: Add a Gift Tag
Attach a mini wooden or cardstock tag. Personalize it with a festive sticker, or write something cheesy like “Snow Much Love” or “Holiday Dough.” I used a glitter star one year, and my aunt legit hung it on her tree afterward.
✨ Step 8: Embellish Like a Pro (Optional)
If you’re feeling extra, tie on a mini bell, glue on a 3D tree, or sprinkle some confetti inside before closing the tube. Just don’t overdo it—unless chaos is your brand, then hey, go wild.
That’s it! You’ve just made a Christmas gift idea that’s thoughtful, festive, and secretly practical. Next up, let’s make it sparkle even more with decorating tips that’ll take it over the top.
Decorating Tips to Make It Pop
Okay, so your candy cane cash gift is technically done—but let’s be real, we’re not here for “technically.” We’re here for “omg, where did you get that?!” vibes. These decorating tips are what turn your DIY Christmas money gift into a total scene-stealer. I used to skip this part when I was short on time. Big mistake. A bow and a sticker go a long way, y’all.
🎀 Ribbon is Not Optional (Just Sayin’)
I’m a sucker for plaid Christmas ribbon—it’s nostalgic and screams holiday spirit. Use one with wired edges if you want it to hold shape better. I like to tie mine in a classic bow right under the cane’s hook. Then I trim the ends at an angle (scissors at a 45° tilt, if you’re fancy like that). Bonus tip: a little dab of hot glue under the knot keeps it from sliding.
✨ Add Dimension with Embellishments
Here’s where it gets fun. Dig through your stash of Christmas craft supplies—those 3D tree stickers, glitter stars, or even leftover holiday truck cutouts work perfectly. One time I hot glued a mini ornament onto the bow, and it looked like something straight off a store display. If you’re giving this to kids, go for cute cartoon stickers. Adults? Lean into rustic or minimal vibes.
🪵 Tag It Like You Mean It
A mini wooden gift tag adds rustic charm and gives you space to get punny. I’ve used “Cash You Later” and “Holiday Dough” more times than I care to admit. For extra flair, I’ll paint a tree on one side and write a personal note on the other. If you’re in a hurry, just slap on a sticker and boom—you’re done.
🔔 Twinkle with Tiny Extras
Got leftover twine? Tie a mini bell onto it and let it dangle from the bow. It adds just enough jingle to make folks smile. I’ve even tied on a pine sprig or glued on snowflake confetti. You don’t need much—just one or two touches can make it look way more expensive than it is. This trick’s saved me during last-minute gift panic more than once.
💡 Pro Tip: Match the Vibe
If your whole holiday theme is rustic farmhouse, use kraft paper tags and twine. More into glam? Break out the gold foil stickers and glitter tape. Coordinating your homemade Christmas gift with your tree or wrapping style makes it look extra polished—even if you whipped it up in 20 minutes flat.
Alright, now that your gift looks like it belongs in a Hallmark movie, let’s talk about who you can actually give it to—and for what occasions.
Gift Ideas & Occasions to Use This Craft
Here’s the thing: once you make your first Christmas Money Candy Cane Gift, it’s gonna be hard not to hand one out to every person you know. I’ve done these for teachers, my hairstylist, the mail carrier—you name it. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of cheap Christmas gift ideas. So let’s break down all the ways you can use this cute little creation.
🎅 Stocking Stuffers That Actually Surprise
Let’s face it, stocking stuffers can be kinda boring—chapstick, socks, maybe a candy cane (a real one). But when someone reaches in and pulls out a candy cane full of cash? Game-changer. One year I slipped a $10 bill into each of my kiddo’s candy canes, and their eyes lit up like they found gold.
🧑🏫 Teacher Gifts That Don’t Feel Like Afterthoughts
If you’ve ever scrambled to find a gift for a teacher the night before winter break, I see you. This is hands-down my go-to now. It looks handmade, thoughtful, and seasonal—without being another mug or hand lotion set. I usually write “Thanks for keeping us on the nice list!” on the tag. Boom, done.
🤫 Secret Santa That’s Actually Fun
Work gift exchanges can get… awkward. But this? Everyone loves cold hard cash, especially when it comes in a festive package. Set a $5 or $10 limit, roll it up, decorate the cane, and watch people trade like it’s the hottest item of the day. Bonus: it works if you don’t know the person super well.
🎁 Gifts for Teens (AKA the Hardest People to Shop For)
I swear, teens are allergic to traditional presents. But money? That’s always a win. Wrap a couple $5s in washi tape, stuff the candy cane, and you’ve got a DIY money gift that feels cooler than an envelope. I add a TikTok-themed sticker sometimes to make it feel more “them.”
🏠 Drop-Off Gifts for Neighbors or Delivery Drivers
I like to leave little treats for my Amazon driver and garbage crew during the holidays, and this gift is perfect. It’s compact, looks adorable in a little gift bag, and shows appreciation without overthinking it. I write a quick thank-you on the tag and tuck in a candy cane gift with a few bucks.
🎉 Party Favors, Anyone?
Hosting a holiday dinner or party? Pop one of these at each guest’s place setting for a surprise twist. People love opening them up and discovering a couple bucks inside—it’s like adult Christmas crackers, but way cuter.
Honestly, there’s no bad time to give one. The beauty of this craft is that it’s flexible, festive, and doesn’t break the bank. Whether you’re giving it to family or your favorite barista, it sends the message that you put time and heart into your gift—even if it only took 10 minutes.
And just like that—you’ve got yourself a Christmas Money Candy Cane Gift that’s not only adorable but also surprisingly practical. Whether you’re gifting $1 or $100, this little DIY brings a personal, thoughtful twist to giving cash. It’s festive, fun, and doesn’t feel like a lazy envelope handoff (we’ve all done that one, no judgment).
I’ve been making these for a few years now, and every single time, people react like I’ve reinvented the Christmas gift wheel. And the best part? They’re crazy easy to make in batches, especially if you’re doing a craft night with friends or prepping last-minute teacher gifts.
If this idea made you smile—or saved your holiday gifting sanity—do me a tiny favor?
📌 Share it on Pinterest!
That way, more folks can ditch boring gift cards and start handing out merry little candy canes filled with cheer (and cash). Plus, if you post a pic of your finished one, tag me—I’d love to see how yours turned out!
‘Til next time, happy crafting and Merry Christmas! 🎄💸
