Cash is always an excellent gift for teens and young adults, as it provides the opportunity to learn how to best put their money to use.
Whether you’re looking for a creative way to gift cash for a birthday or graduation, learning how to make a money lei is an excellent option.
How Much Money Do You Need for a Money Lei?
There are no rules when it comes to how much money youl should include when making a money lei.
I take a few things into consideratin when selecting an amount.
First, I take into account how close I am to the individual. I’d naturally give more to those whose lives I’m actively involved in.
Second, I factor in the specific event. For example, I would give much more for a graduation than a birthday present.
Third, I review my finances for the month to determine how much I have to put toward the gift. Never feel bad if you just don’t have the money to give.
I have put together a $100 money lei, as well as a $25 lei. Since I use $1 bills and place them around flowers, even a $20 lei looks full, and I’m sure the recipient will appreciate anything you can give.
How Do You Make a Simple Money Lei: List of Supplies
I prefer to keep things simple, although you can certainly put together more elaborate money leis. Here is a list of supplies to gather when learning how to make a money lei:
- Curling ribbon (yarn, twine, and string also work)
- $1 bills (however many you want to gift)
- Scissors
- Flower lei (I picked up one at the dollar store)
How Long Should the String be for a Money Lei?
I prefer to create instructions for how to make an easy money graduation lei using a lei that is already done for me; however, you can create your own lei from scratch.
To assemble you’re own lei, I recommend cutting a string that is about 100 inches in length.
Consider Also: Investing for Kids: Help Your Kids Start Investing Early
How Do You Fold Money for a Lei?
There are several different folding techniques that one can use to make flower money lei.
View the method I use below in the “Instructions to Make a Money Lei” section. I have included pictures so you can follow along step-by-step.
The most popular methods include folding the money like an accordion, butterfly, or bow.
Instructions to Make a Money Lei
Making a money lei is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Follow these steps and you’ll have the lei complete in no time at all.
Step 1: Fold the top 1/3 of your $1 bill. The picture below illustrates what your bill should look like.
Step 2: Fold the bottom 1/3 of the $1 bill. It should look like an accordian. See the image below.
Step 3: Tie a short piece of curling ribbon around the center of the $1 bill.
Step 4: Tie the $1 bill to the lei. You can either trim off the excess ribbon ends or curl the ends with a pair of scissors.
Step 5: Repeat tying dollar bills to the lei until you’ve fill it with your desired amount. I like to alternate the bills and flowers, but you can place a bill every two or three flowers if you wish. I also prefer to leave the back neck area alone, but I have friends that place the bills all the way around the lei, so whichever you decide to do is totally fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make a Money Lei With Beads
Another option is to string beads through some twine to make a necklace. Then add the $1 bills in between the beads. Here’s an example of one that’s available on Etsy:
How to Make a Money Lei With Flowers
Another option is to tie money and flowers to a ribbon lei. I love this colorful option that’s available on Etsy.
How to Make a Money Lei Necklace
I love how this Etsy money lei necklace makes the decorative dollar bills the feature, and then adds a few accents to add color.
How to Make Butterfly Money Lei
Why not jazz up your money lei with a few origami butterflies? That’s what this Etsy seller is offering.
How to Make a Money Lei With Ribbon
Many crafters prefer to make money leis using ribbon instead of twine or string. This Etsy seller uses a shiny satin ribbon that is quite attractive.
How to Make a Chain Money Lei
I found this tutorial on YouTube that demonstrates how to make a money chain lei. I thought it was quite unique and worth sharing.
In Conclusion: How to Make a Money Lei
Money leis are a fun way to gift cold hard cash. There are many ways to go about creating one. You can make them yourself from scratch or start with a constructed floral lei and simply add the dollar bills.
You can also purchase the leis crafted by specialists using the recipients favorite colors or the colors of the school that the teen is graduating from.
Have you ever gifted a money lei? If so, let us know in the comments below.