Giving cash this Christmas? We still think money gifts are better than a gift card. Instead of just sticking the bills in a card, how about festively folding them into a Christmas money tree shape?
With this simple technique, you’ll have the whole project done in less than five minutes. Here’s how to make a money tree for the holidays this year.
Start this easy money origami DIY with a bill of your choosing. A dollar bill works great, but for a better effect and bigger smiles, go for the twenty or fifty dollar bill.
Don’t worry, folding a dollar bill is completely legal!
Bonus: You could also hang these tiny little cash trees as ornaments on your tree, or use them as fun stocking stuffers, alongside chocolate coins, for kids and teenagers.
How to Fold a Christmas Money Tree
Folding money into shapes is easy and fun! Make this Christmas Money Tree with just a dollar bill and a few quick folds.
Materials
- Dollar bills
- Bone folder (optional, but nice to have)
Instructions
- Start by folding the bill in half lengthwise. Make sure your folds are crisp and clean. Use a bone folder to crease the folds perfectly.
- Next, unfold the first step and fold in half the short way.
- Fold the top layer down about two-thirds of the way.
- Fold the corners down as shown in the photo above. The space between the folded corners should be about 3/4 of an inch wide.
- Fold the bottom left over, unfolding the corner you just made. Flatten the corner and then repeat the step for the right side.
- You should have two flattened corners, and a 'tree trunk' beginning to take shape.
- Fold down the top corners to the center as shown.
- Fold the top corners down one more time. Flip the tree over, and you're done!
Now that you know how to make your own money tree, you have a fun way to give cash gifts for any occasion throughout the year. Have fun making your Christmas money trees!
Looking for more holiday DIY projects and ideas?
This post was originally written by JoAnn Moser in 2008. She also came up with the folding technique. Updated with new photos and video in December, 2016.
I was looking for a cute and clever way to gift money to my 5 nieces and nephews this Christmas. This is perfect! Thank you so much! 🙂
My mom’s health is failing and wanted to give this for Christmas.. I know she will treasure it.