New Short Takes: How to Give a Cash Gift
Miss T didn’t have any wants for her birthday, so we had to resort to cash. I don’t like to give a child cash as a present because it seems so impersonal. So, I was wondering how we could give a cash gift and still make it special and meaningful.
Introducing…Short Takes. After I post a story, I sometimes discover new ways to make a project better, or I come up with new usage ideas. So, occasionally, I’ll start posting Short Takes, little snippets of additional tips, insights, or project refinements, from past posts. More Short Takes to come!
Instead of handing it to her in an envelope, I put the money in a plastic egg left over from Easter and wrapped yards of crepe paper strips around it, with small, inexpensive gifts tucked in between the layers. I hit upon the idea of using the Easter egg for the cash, because I didn’t want the money to get lost in the wrapping–and possibly get thrown away.
Next I decorated the ball with a bit of lace, satin ribbon, and a sprig of artificial flowers. If you do a lot of craft work, it pays to buy the ribbon in bulk, in 100-yard spools, since you can use ribbon for a multitude of craft projects, as well as for gift wrapping. Ribbons are also great to have on hand for tying up cellophane bags of homemade treats.
To learn more about surprise balls and for more detailed instructions, check out my post, “How to Make Surprise Balls for any Occasion.” At the time I posted that story, I had thought of making surprise balls as small gifts or party favors. My new insight is to use them as a creative receptacle for giving cash!
Another Birthday Idea
I also did something different to celebrate Miss T’s birthday this year. Birthdays are normally a casual family affair, following the child’s own birthday party with friends.
Since she turned ten–quite the young lady–I set the table as I would for an adult dinner party, using china and stemware bought in Provence, silverware, cloth napkins, fresh roses from the garden, and candles.
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