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How to Fold a Christmas Money Tree

by on Dec 14, 2022

Giving cash this Christmas? We still think money gifts are better than a gift card. Instead of just sticking the bills in a card, how about festively folding them into a Christmas money tree shape?

With this simple technique, you’ll have the whole project done in less than five minutes. Here’s how to make a money tree for the holidays this year.

Start this easy money origami DIY with a bill of your choosing. A dollar bill works great, but for a better effect and bigger smiles, go for the twenty or fifty dollar bill.

Don’t worry, folding a dollar bill is completely legal!

Bonus: You could also hang these tiny little cash trees as ornaments on your tree, or use them as fun stocking stuffers, alongside chocolate coins, for kids and teenagers.

Yield: 1 money tree

How to Fold a Christmas Money Tree

Tiny village of christmas dollar trees.

Folding money into shapes is easy and fun! Make this Christmas Money Tree with just a dollar bill and a few quick folds.

Active Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Difficulty Easy

Instructions

    1. Start by folding the bill in half lengthwise. Make sure your folds are crisp and clean. Use a bone folder to crease the folds perfectly. How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: fold in half
    2. Next, unfold the first step and fold in half the short way. How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 2
    3. Fold the top layer down about two-thirds of the way. How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 3
    4. Fold the corners down as shown in the photo above. The space between the folded corners should be about 3/4 of an inch wide. How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 4
    5. Fold the bottom left over, unfolding the corner you just made. Flatten the corner and then repeat the step for the right side.  How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 5
    6. You should have two flattened corners, and a 'tree trunk' beginning to take shape. How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 6
    7. Fold down the top corners to the center as shown.  How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 7
    8. Fold the top corners down one more time. Flip the tree over, and you're done! How to fold your cash to look like Christmas trees: Step 8

Now that you know how to make your own money tree, you have a fun way to give cash gifts for any occasion throughout the year. Have fun making your Christmas money trees! 

Cash forest - the perfect holiday gift!
How to fold your dollar bills into cute little Christmas trees!

This post was originally written by JoAnn Moser in 2008. She also came up with the folding technique. Updated with new photos and video in December, 2016. 

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2 Comments

  1. I was looking for a cute and clever way to gift money to my 5 nieces and nephews this Christmas. This is perfect! Thank you so much! 🙂

  2. My mom’s health is failing and wanted to give this for Christmas.. I know she will treasure it.

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