How to Make a Money Chain Necklace Gift for Graduation, Birthdays, and Special Occasions

Looking for a creative way to give cash as a gift? This DIY money chain necklace is a fun and impressive gift idea that turns ordinary dollar bills into a giant chain-style necklace! Perfect for graduations, birthdays, sports banquets, holidays, and celebrations, this money gift idea is easy to make and always gets a big reaction.

Instead of placing cash in a plain envelope, create a wearable money chain that looks like oversized jewelry made entirely from folded bills. It’s a fun DIY money gift that’s both practical and memorable!

Why Money Chain Necklaces Are So Popular

Money chain necklaces have become a trendy and creative way to gift cash because they:

Look impressive
Are easy to customize
Work for all ages
Make cash gifts feel more personal
Are perfect for graduation parties and birthdays

Whether you use $1 bills or larger denominations, this DIY money necklace can be made to fit any budget.

Supplies Needed to Make a Money Chain Necklace

You only need a few simple supplies to create this fun money gift idea.

Supplies:

Dollar bills or paper money
Clear tape (I like magic tape by scotch! Easy to get off the dollar bills)

You can make the chain as long or short as you’d like depending on how much money you want to include.

How to Fold Money for a Money Chain Necklace

Step 1: Lay the Bill Flat

Start with a crisp dollar bill laid flat on a table.

Step 2: Fold the Bill Lengthwise

Fold the bill into thirds to create a narrow piece that resembles a chain link.

Step 3: Create a Loop

Take the folded strip and curve it into a loop shape.

Step 4: Tape the Ends Together

Place one end inside the other end and use a small piece of clear tape to secure the loop closed.

Now you have your first money chain link!

How to Connect the Money Chain Links

Step 5: Add Another Folded Bill

Before taping the second loop closed, slide it through the first money loop.

Step 6: Tape Closed

Secure the second loop with tape.

Step 7: Continue Building the Chain

Repeat the process until your necklace reaches your desired length.

The finished result looks like a chunky chain necklace made completely from folded money!

Add a Medallion

This part is optional- but I wanted to have a medallion that hangs from the chain! Luckily, they are pretty easy to create!

Supplies to make a Medallion

2 pieces of paper (whatever color you want)
Glue
Grad printable
Ziptie

Step 1: Fold

Just like we we used to make paper fans in school, Take your two pieces of paper and fold back and forth accordion style.

Step 2: Bend in half

Fold each accordion in half back and forth to create a bend in the center of both pieces of paper.

Step 3: Attach

Hot glue the two papers together. This will create the round shape. It’s quite large so you can trim off around to make it smaller.

Step 4: Embellish

I found these great tags at Hobby Lobby that were perfect for the middle of this medallion. I just hot glued it on! You can find or create any printables that match what this necklace is for!

Step 5: Attach

If you just tie the medallion to the necklace, it hangs facing down. I had to tape two pieces of the chain side by side and then ziptied it through both versus just one money chain.

Fun Ways to Customize Your DIY Money Necklace

Use School Colors

Add ribbon in school colors for graduation gifts.

Mix Bill Amounts

Combine different bill denominations for a layered look.

Add Candy or Notes

Tape small candies or encouraging notes between the links.

Make It Extra Long

Create oversized “rapper-style” chains for funny and dramatic gift presentations.

Perfect Occasions for a Money Chain Necklace

This easy DIY money gift idea is perfect for:

Graduation gifts
Birthday gifts
Christmas gifts
Sports team banquets
Dance competitions
Quinceañeras
Weddings
Baby showers
Teacher gifts

It’s especially popular for high school and college graduations because graduates love receiving cash gifts in a fun and unique way.

Tips for the Best Money Chain

Use Crisp Bills

Newer bills fold more easily and hold their shape better.

Keep Tape Small

Use tiny pieces of tape so they’re less noticeable.

A Fun and Creative DIY Money Gift Idea

If you want a unique way to give money for a special occasion, this DIY money chain necklace is such a fun and easy project. It turns a simple cash gift into something eye-catching, creative, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re celebrating a graduate, birthday, or milestone event, this folded money necklace is guaranteed to make your gift stand out from the rest!

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