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FIND GIFTS:  for her  |  for him  |  for couples  |  for tots to teens  |  for business associates

We've got good news and bad news when it comes to gifts of cold hard cash. The bad news is that studies indicate giving money as a gift is more emotionally and socially complicated than it might appear. The good news—for those that prefer gifts of cash—is that monetary gifts are on the rise.

gift ideas  (excerpted from Present Perfect)  

Busy Americans are finding less and less time to shop for recipients whose wants have become more and more discriminating. Many relent with gifts of cash, assuming the recipients would prefer a gift of their own choosing. Critics of monetary gifts maintain money lacks intimacy and imagination, requiring the giver to devote little or no thought to what might please the recipient. Here are some ideas to consider.

• Make gifts of money seem incidental to your wish for the recipient to have something she would really like. To do so, tuck a thoughtful note and the cash, or check, into an accessory item. Your token gift serves as a thoughtful reminder that you contributed to a major gift or event and would make receiving cash less awkward for the recipient who is sensitive to cash gifts.
• For your young grandson saving for his first set of wheels, put the cash in a bike helmet or water bottle with the note, "I heard you were saving for a hot new trail bike." For your older granddaughter, attach your gift to a key ring with the note, "I hope this will help toward the purchase of your first car."
• For the couple planning and saving for a honeymoon or anniversary cruise, stash the cash in a piece of luggage or a basket of cruise supplies—sunscreen, visors, beach sandals, sunglasses, and travel guides—with a note that reads, "Here's to a well-deserved voyage."
• To expectant parents, a contribution toward major baby needs might be an appreciated gesture. Tuck your gift into a diaper bag or baby bottle with a note conveying your best wishes for the precious little one.
• Open a college savings account for your goddaughter to which you will make regular contributions. Present your gift with a small tree she can plant and a note that says, "Although money might not grow on trees, with proper attention, it does grow as trees. As this tree grows over the years, so will your college fund."

A variety of investment vehicles lend themselves to gift giving and can be tailored to the recipient's short-term, intermediate, and long-term financial needs. Givers can set up passbook savings accounts, certificates of deposit, or money-market deposit accounts in the name of a recipient, and can retain title to the investment if they are concerned about the recipient's ability to manage the money.

Stocks and mutual funds are good gifts for the more aggressive investor.

Cash contributions to a recipient's favorite charity are becoming popular gifts.

Savings bonds have long been gift favorites of grandparents, aunts, and uncles helping youngsters save for college.

Does someone on your gift list wish money grew on trees? Give a potted tree with coins and bills attached to the branches.

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with ideas for gifts of money and many other creative gifts. In addition, you get tips on gifting etiquette, shopping, wrapping, special presentations, and much, much more. To order the book, click here.

NEW!  To start shopping for gifts right now, click here.

What do you think about giving and receiving gifts of cash? Do you know of a clever way to present gifts of money? Share your ideas with us.