Giving money for special occasions is always appreciated, but why not elevate your gift with dollar bill origami? Instead of simply tucking cash into a card, transform it into art for a more personal, meaningful touch. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care, making even a modest gift feel special.
While these projects are categorized by celebrations, they’re versatile for any occasion! A graduation crown, for example, can be perfect for a birthday. Get creative and think beyond the categories—money origami adds charm to any milestone! Here are some of the best designs for some of life’s special moments.
Graduation Money Origami
Graduation is a popular time for cash gifts, so it’s perfect for dollar bill origami projects. With some bills, colored paper, ribbon, tape, and scissors, you can craft a unique gift your grad will love. Plus, they can still spend the money since the creases won’t damage the bills–just unfold carefully!
- Easy Money Lei at Classy Cheapskate. Add your grad’s school colors by weaving colored paper between the bills using the same pattern. A perfect $1 bill origami project—it can really add up!
- Graduation Gown/Clothing at NProkuda Origami
- Cap and Diploma at jbbeetancourtmo
- Grad crown at Fold ‘n Crease
- 4 folds to make 10 crown designs at renaissance_mom (Ada Schmelling)
- BONUS! A Dollar Bill Origami Book Set at Mariano Zavala Origami, designed by Glenn Sapaden. For grads heading to college or the book lovers in your life, create a single booklet or complete an entire dollar bill encyclopedia set—with a shelf!
Birthday Dollar Bill Origami
Elevate your birthday gift by adding these stunning origami pieces to your DIY birthday cards, pairing them with a non-monetary gift, or presenting them as a stand-alone surprise. It’s sure to impress!
- Money Birthday Cake and Candle at NProkuda Origami
- 3D Money “Cake/Pie” at Folding with Yvonne just add your choice of mini birthday decor
- Gift Box made of bills at NProkuda Origami just add a ribbon!
- “Matchbox” style container at Origami Tree: The box slides together like a matchbox, and you can stuff it with candy or mini goodies
Love & Marriage Money Origami
How special would it be to propose with a handmade ring box, or gift a money flower bouquet to the happy couple? It’s the perfect chance to elevate from $1 to $20 bill origami—or even to $100 depending on the project. Here are some money origami ideas for proposals and weddings.
- Money Origami Rings
1. $1 Bill Origami Ring with a square center “stone” at Art of Fold
2. Origami Heart Ring design by Jodi Fukumoto, at Mariano Zavala Origami - Ring Box Money Origami design by Teruyo Koyano, at Mariano Zavala Origami, opens like a traditional ring box—perfect for holding your money origami ring!
- Dollar Bill Flowers and Bouquets
1. 3D Money Origami Flower at Fold n Crease
2. 11 flower folds for bouquets or leis by renaissance_mom (Ada Schmelling)
3. Money Bouquet, 4 floral styles at KK House
Money Origami for Any Occasion
Here’s more popular dollar bill origami projects, easy to do and can be used for any occasion. Mix and match the shapes and creations for your celebration, it’s up to you!
- Celebration Bottle origami at Obsession1203
- Dollar Boat at 3 minute origami
- Heart-Shaped Dollar Bill at Bee And Blooms
- A fancier heart with an 8-pointed star at jbbetancourtmo
- Money Butterfly Craft_Origami_Diy Channel
- The classic Money Shirt origami at Folding with Yvonne
- 6-bill Money Cube at Maria Shark
- Star Dollar at Prokuda Origami
- $ Dollar Sign $ at Fold ‘n Crease
- Lucky Diamond Capsule at valentinabalance
Tips for Dollar Bill Origami Folding
- Use new, crisp bills for the cleanest folds and the sturdiest models, and have a few extra bills on hand.
- Want to practice first, or create without using real money? Print realistic-looking play money for your origami!
- Some projects like the graduation lei are easy to do solo, but they’re even more fun as a group activity with friends and family especially during celebrations.
- Some models may take a few tries to perfect. Don’t get discouraged! For complex folds, watch the full tutorial first to understand the process.
Folding Money into Memories
Dollar bill origami makes cash gifts more fun and memorable than just handing over money. Whether it’s a simple fold or stepping it up with a $100 bill origami, it turns your gift into a work of art! For additional Money Origami projects, check out my other posts at Origami Roses, Cat Origami, and Origami Boxes.