A money lei is the graduation gift that works as a present and a photo prop at the same time. Someone drapes it over a grad, everyone cheers, and the cash is basically a built-in necklace. Pair it with the perfect graduation songs for an unforgettable celebration.
This guide covers how to make a money lei from start to finish: supplies, folding styles, how many bills to use, gifting etiquette and how to get great photos. Whether you’re a parent, a relative or a friend making one for a Class of 2027 senior, you’ll have it done in an evening.
Quick answer: To make a money lei, fold each bill into a small fan, bow or flower, thread them onto a sturdy cord or ribbon with a needle, and tie the ends. A basic lei takes 20 to 40 bills, a fuller one can use 50 or more, and most people use $1 and $5 bills with a bigger bill or gift card as the centerpiece.
What Is a Money Lei (and Why Grads Love It)?
A money lei is a necklace made from folded bills, inspired by the Hawaiian tradition of giving a flower lei to mark a big moment. Graduation is exactly that kind of moment.
Grads love them for three reasons:
- It looks great in photos, especially with a cap and gown.
- It turns a plain cash gift into something you can actually wear.
- It’s handmade, so it feels personal instead of last-minute.
Money leis show up at the ceremony, at the party and during photos afterward. They’re one of the most popular graduation gift ideas for a reason.
Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need a craft store haul. Most of this is already in a junk drawer or costs a few dollars.
| Supply | What it’s for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crisp bills | The lei itself | Fresh bills fold sharper; ask your bank for new ones |
| Ribbon, cord or fishing line | The strand | About 36 to 40 inches; sturdy but flexible |
| Large-eye needle | Threading through folded bills | A tapestry needle works well |
| Floral wire or pipe cleaners | Securing flower-style folds | Optional but helpful |
| Curling ribbon or tulle | Fill between bills | Makes the lei look fuller |
| Clear tape or double-sided tape | Holding folds in place | Use sparingly |
| Candy, gift card or charm | A centerpiece or add-on | Optional; keep it lightweight |
Choose a ribbon color that matches the school colors and you’re already ahead of the game. Satin ribbon drapes nicely and holds a knot without slipping.
The best money lei is the one that survives the hug line.
Money Lei Folding Styles
Pick one style and repeat it, or mix two for a more interesting look. Here are the most popular options, from easiest to fanciest.
Fan Fold (Easiest)
This is the best beginner style. Fold the bill accordion-style in narrow pleats, pinch it in the middle and thread it onto the cord.
- Takes about a minute per bill once you get the rhythm.
- Looks like a ruffled ribbon along the strand.
- Works well with $1 bills for a full, fluffy look.
Bow Tie
Fold the bill in half, then pinch the center and wrap it with a small piece of wire or ribbon. Slide it onto the strand sideways so the bow faces out.
- Clean, classic and easy to keep uniform.
- Great for alternating with fans.
Rose or Flower
Roll a bill loosely into a cone, then secure the base with wire. Fold the corners outward to make petals.
- Takes more patience but looks the most like a real lei.
- Use a few flowers as accents instead of the whole strand.
Ribbon-Rolled Bills
Roll each bill into a tight cylinder, then slip it onto the cord like a bead.
- Fastest method for a big batch.
- Alternate with ribbon or tulle so it doesn’t look flat.
How to Make a Money Lei, Step by Step
Here’s the basic process for a fan-fold lei, which you can adapt to any style.
- Cut your cord to about 36 to 40 inches so it slides easily over a cap and gown.
- Fold your bills into fans, bows or your chosen style. Make a pile before you start threading.
- Thread your needle and tie a knot or bead at one end so nothing slides off.
- Pierce each bill through the center and slide it down the cord. Space them evenly.
- Add fill like tulle, curling ribbon or a candy piece between every few bills.
- Check the fullness. Spread the bills so they overlap slightly and cover the cord.
- Tie off the ends with a secure double knot and trim any extra cord.
- Add a finishing touch, like a bow at the knot or a gift card tucked in the middle.
Pro tip: Practice your fold on a piece of printer paper cut to bill size first. Once your folds look even, switch to real bills and you won’t waste any crisp ones.
How Much Money to Use
There’s no required amount. Pick a budget first, then build the lei around it. These are typical estimates only.
| Lei size | Approx. bills | Typical total (estimate) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 15 to 20 $1 bills | $15 to $20 | Friends, classmates, coworkers |
| Medium | 25 to 40 mixed $1 and $5 | $50 to $100 | Cousins, neighbors, family friends |
| Large | 40 to 60 mixed bills | $100 to $200 | Grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents |
Mixing denominations is smart. Use $1 bills for bulk and fullness, and add a few $5 or $10 bills as accents so the total climbs without more folding.
If you’re not sure what’s appropriate for your relationship to the grad, check our guide on how much money to give for graduation for current ranges.
Fold it like you mean it, give it like it’s nothing.
Gifting Etiquette
A money lei is a lighthearted gift, but a few simple manners keep it smooth.
When and How to Give It
- Hand it over in person when you can. Placing it over the grad’s head is half the fun.
- Ask first at the ceremony. Many schools don’t allow items worn over the gown on stage, so give it afterward.
- Bring a card with a short note so the grad knows who it’s from.
- Keep it modest in size. Several huge leis can weigh a grad down and block a face in photos.
For Parents and Hosts
If you’re hosting a party, set up a spot to hang or display leis so they don’t get crushed. A hook by the door or a mannequin torso works well. You might also consider pairing the lei presentation with a special graduation cake as a centerpiece.
Tell the grad ahead of time that leis may show up. Then they can plan to take photos with a few, coordinate their graduation outfit, and count the money later.
For Relatives Giving as a Group
Pooling together is totally fine. One big lei from the whole family can look better than six thin ones, and it saves the grad from wearing a stack of necklaces.
If your family wants to match for the party, you can also get a quote on custom family shirts printed in bulk, so everyone looks coordinated in the photos.
Photo Tips for Money Lei Pictures
A lei makes a great prop, but a few tricks make the pictures better.
- Shoot in natural light. Outdoors in shade or near a big window shows off the folds without harsh glare.
- Fluff it first. Spread the bills so they look full before the camera comes out.
- Layer two or three leis in different lengths for a fun “stacked” look.
- Get a close-up of the folds with the cap and tassel in the background.
- Capture the moment of someone placing it over the grad’s head, not just the final pose.
- Keep the cap and gown clean. Take off the lei before a big hug line so nothing tears.
For more ways to make the day look amazing, browse our senior pictures ideas and our graduation cap ideas to match your lei with the full outfit.
Lei Alternatives and Add-Ons
Not everyone wants a necklace of cash. Here are some good options.
- A ribbon lei made from the school colors, with a card tucked in.
- A candy lei with wrapped treats and a few bills tied in.
- A gift card lei with small-value cards fanned out like petals.
- A traditional flower lei for the ceremony, plus cash in a card.
You can also tuck a note into a lei or pair it with a small keepsake. If you’re planning the whole day, our Graduation Ideas guide covers everything from ceremony to party.
Custom group orders
Grad party banners, yard signs and family shirts
Custom graduation yard signs, party banners and matching family tees, printed for your date. Tell us what you need and get a free, no-obligation quote.
Key takeaways
- A money lei is made by folding bills and threading them onto a sturdy cord or ribbon.
- Fan folds and bow ties are the easiest styles; flowers look fancier but take longer.
- Most leis use 20 to 60 bills; mix $1s for fullness with a few larger bills.
- Give it after the ceremony unless your school confirms leis are allowed on stage.
- Fluff the bills and use natural light for the best photos.
Frequently asked questions
How many bills do I need for a money lei?
A basic lei uses 20 to 40 bills, and a full one can use 50 or more. The number depends on how tightly you space the folds and how much fill you add.
Is it okay to make a money lei with only $1 bills?
Yes. Ones are the most common choice because they make the lei look full without costing much. You can add a few higher bills as accents.
Can a grad wear a money lei at the ceremony?
It depends on the school. Many ceremonies have rules about what can be worn over the gown, so it’s safest to give the lei right afterward.
How do I keep the bills from falling off the cord?
Tie a knot or add a bead at the end before threading, and double-knot the finish. Spacing the bills snugly keeps them in place.
Can I make a money lei ahead of time?
Yes. Make it a few days early and store it flat or hung on a hook so the folds stay crisp. Keep it away from moisture so the bills don’t wrinkle.
