When it comes to graduation gifts money is what most people end up giving, but a check in a card isn’t really fun and exciting. A money pizza on the other hand is a lot of fun. Wondering how to make a money pizza? It really is quite easy.
How to Make a Money Pizza
There are so many things that graduates need as they head off to college. Instead of the typical check we used to give gift cards. Gas cards were something that we gave a lot.
We prefer giving an actual gift though, but it’s hard to know what each graduate needs. Then someone told my mom about how they made a money pizza as a gift. Ever since it has been what graduates get from us.
A money pizza is such a perfect gift because it is a gift. One that you even took time to create for the graduate. At the same time you’re still giving the graduate money that they need.
Supplies Needed for a Money Pizza Box
- A large pizza box – You can reuse a pizza box that you have gotten pizza in as long as the box is still clean. You might want to get a new pizza box though. It never hurts to ask for one at your local pizza place (works best if you’re picking a pizza up at the same time). They might want to know why you want it, but most places will happily give you one. You can always help sway them by letting them know it’s free publicity because a lot of people are going to see that box!
- Thin piece of cardboard to make into the “pizza.” You want this piece to be about as large as the width and length of the pizza box.
- Red paper – You can use construction paper or tissue paper.
- Money (bills and coins)- Go to the bank and take out the amount of money that you want to give the graduate. The amount of bills you need depends on the size that you make your money pizza. You most likely will need 15 to 20 rolled up bills, but you don’t need to give all large bills. You can have a mix of say 20s, 10s, and 5s. Don’t forget to add the amount that the coins add up to as part of the gift amount.
- Shredded paper – I just took paper right from the paper shredder, but you could rip paper up too.
- Tape
How to Make a Money Pizza Gift
The first thing you need to do is cut out your thin piece of cardboard into a large circle. This is the base of your pizza. It does not need to be a perfect circle. Adding the bills will help give it a circular look. Finish by covering it with the red paper.

When putting the tape on the bills you want to use a smaller sized piece. You do want the piece to be big enough to hold, but if it’s too big the graduate will have to spend a lot of time taking the gift apart. You do not want the piece to be so big that one part of the piece of tape overlaps the other part.

Depending on the exact size of your pizza you may have some of the bills overlapping. You’ll just have to play with it to find out what your money pizza needs.
After you have the outside boarders of the pizza done use the extra bill rolls to create the “slices” of the pizza. Using 6 bills to make 6 slices usually works the best.

There is no specific way that you need to put the coins on. Just put some here and some there. I think it looks cool when you add all different types of coins, but you could do say all quarters if you want to.


Rachel @ Smart Mom Smart Ideas says
This has to be a favorite gift! A money pizza. I might make one of these for my son for his birthday.
Rachel @ Smart Mom Smart Ideas recently posted…How to Organize Your Apps in 3 Easy Steps
Marilyn says
This is a great idea! What kid doesn’t want money or pizza! Thank you so much for linking at #overthemoon! I look forward to seeing what you share every week. Please come back for #WonderfulWednesday. Don’t forget to comment your link #’s so I can be sure to visit. Pinned and shared.
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Such a cute idea! I love things like htis – some people it’s just easier to give the money, but hanging them a bill is so boring!
Laura at Mommy Maleta says
What a fun, unique idea! I will be featuring it tomorrow at the Thoughtful Spot. Thanks for linking up your creativity!
Brandi @ penguinsinpink.com says
What a great idea! Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned to the Bloggers Brags broad.
Brandi @ penguinsinpink.com recently posted…Tips for a Successful Road Trip
Mum of One says
So cute! Thanks for sharing with the #pinitparty. Great idea.
Mum of One recently posted…Monday Parenting Pin It Party #106
Claire says
This is a great idea 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays..
Claire recently posted…Creative Mondays: Up Cycled!
Laurie says
How fun and creative! I know many a graduate that would appreciate a gift like this! Thank you for sharing with us at the Brag About It Link Party! Hope to see you again next week!
~Laurie
Laurie recently posted…Brag About It Link Party!!
AnnMarie says
Great idea! Very unique and it would be the hit of the party! Pinned. Visiting from The Bouquet of Talent Party
Rhonda says
Isn’t this a cute idea?? Think that Ethan would like this? He would certainly like the $$ & what a cute way to give it to him!!
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
Such a cute and fun idea. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Lisa @ The Wellness Wife says
Love this idea! Creative way to give the gift of cold, hard, cash!
Lisa @ The Wellness Wife recently posted…A Mother Doesn’t Have to Give Birth
Melinda @Home.Made.Interest says
This is hilarious! I can just see the look on my nieces face when I give her a pizza for graduation.
Michelle L says
Ha haa, I adore this! Perfect for my money-and-pizza-loving nephew!
Michelle L recently posted…Dr. Seuss-Inspired Necklace
Ashley - Embracing Homemaking says
What a fun, unique idea!
Jenny @ MyLittleMe says
I love this idea!
Jenny @ MyLittleMe recently posted…Weekly Top Posts: 2013-05-12
Jenn- The Rebel Chick says
What a cute idea.
Jenn- The Rebel Chick recently posted…Prepare for Summer with a $100 Amazon Gift Card #Giveaway
Carrie says
This is so clever! I love it.
Carrie recently posted…This Mother’s Day, Give Yourself a Break
Maryann says
what a cute idea.
Maryann recently posted…Sweet Pepper Jelly Recipe
Dianna says
This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing. I, too, like to give money for a lot of occasions (you know you will be giving something the recipent can use) – but, I like to try to make it fun. I’ve never seen the pizza idea.
Dianna recently posted…Llamas and Alpacas and Guinea Pigs, Oh My!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
This is such a cute idea!
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
Sounds like my kind of pizza! 😉
HilLesha @To the Motherhood recently posted…How to Bring Certainty to the Uncertainty of Moving
Jennifer says
Super cute idea! You could really personalize that for each kid, too.
Jennifer recently posted…Happy Mother’s Day
Donna says
I love this idea!
April Golightly says
cute idea.
Sarah says
Great idea! My birthday is coming up…hint hint! LOL
Sarah recently posted…Guest Post: Being a New Mom With Cancer