Give a Money Gift in a Picture Frame

Its May and that means it’s wedding and graduation season. Have you been torn when you want to give a gift but can’t decide whether to give cash or a gift alone. Sometimes handing an envelope doesn’t seem like enough or a cute little gift doesn’t feel like its enough.

I like the idea of giving something a bit more memorable. If your budget is tight giving a picture frame with a photo of a special memory together is a nice idea. But if you can, cash is always appreciated.

Years ago, we would travel abroad to see my in-laws and while there, we would visit with family friends. There was the sweetest little old couple-they were so warm and lovely-they knew my hubby and his family his entire life. They aren’t alive now but not forgotten. During the visit, the dear old gentleman would corner my hubby and slip him some cash and say “take your girl out for an ice cream”. I can’t remember how much he gave but it was probably enough for 10 ice cream dates.

Meanwhile, his wife, would shuffle over to catch me and slip me some “lemonade money”. I don’t know if they realized they were both giving us cash gifts at the same time or not. Recently a young couple we are good friends with-were about to leave on a trip to Israel and we gave them a gift of shekels. It wasn’t very much but they were really touched not just for the extra spending money but also that we took the time to exchange the money into the right currency.

Of course, the card read….”take your girl out for an ice cream”.

For these two metal frames I purchased 3 1/2 x 5 from Michaels. Home decorating stores have beautiful pearl frames if you want it to be really elegant. Just open the back and put the cash in so it fills the entire area. You will need to fold it over a bit. If you get a 4 x 6 frame you won’t need to fold the money.

I like this frame for a graduation gift for a guy or someone who is just starting out in their own place.

This photo frame would be great for baby shower gift or a wedding present. Its just a $2 wooden frame with flowers hot glued onto it. I’ll show you how I did that later.

Have you gotten a surprise cash gift of generosity from someone you didn’t expect it?

Gift cards are increasingly popular. How about a home depot gift card for someone who has just purchased their first home…or pizza gift cards for moving day. Two gift cards fit perfectly into the 3 1/2 x 5 frames!

Whatever you choose to do to show someone you care… demonstrate the generosity you’ve been shown and teach the next generation to be thoughtful and big hearted givers too.