Graduation is a monumental moment in any young man’s life—whether it’s high school, college, or even kindergarten! While cards and traditional gifts are always appreciated, there’s something extra special (and Pinterest-worthy) about a money lei.
Money leis are the perfect blend of creativity, personalization, and practicality. Instead of just handing over an envelope of cash, you’re crafting a keepsake that shows effort and thoughtfulness. And let’s be real: most boys love money—but they’ll love it even more when it’s presented in a fun, wearable form that makes them feel like a king on their big day.
Below are 10 unique money leis for graduation for boys—each with a distinct style, easy crafting instructions, and ideas to personalize based on your graduate’s personality. Whether he’s sporty, stylish, funny, or sentimental, there’s a money lei here that will suit him perfectly.
1. 💵 Classic Origami Money Lei with School Colors
Why it’s great for boys: Clean, bold, and sophisticated—this lei is great for a guy who appreciates tradition with a twist.
What you’ll need:
- 20–30 crisp $1 or $5 bills
- Ribbon or yarn in school colors
- Clear tape or glue dots
- Pony beads (optional)
How to make it:
Fold each bill accordion-style, pinch the middle, and fan out the sides like a bow. Secure with ribbon. String these bow-tie shaped bills along a long ribbon, spacing them with pony beads or small bows in school colors.
Pinterest Tip: Display this lei draped over a shadow box with his graduation cap and diploma for a photo-worthy gift.
2. 🏀 Sports-Themed Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Perfect for the athlete or sports fan in your life.
What you’ll need:
- Dollar bills folded into circles or fans
- Mini foam sports balls (soccer, basketball, baseball)
- Thick black ribbon
- Sports-themed stickers or buttons
How to make it:
Create rosettes or pinwheels out of folded bills and hot glue them to a base ribbon. Interlace the money flowers with mini sports balls or themed buttons.
Personalization idea: Add small tags with motivational sports quotes like “Hustle and heart set us apart” or “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
3. 🎮 Gamer Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: For the proud gamer, this lei brings together the two things he loves: gaming and cash.
What you’ll need:
- Folded money bills
- Mini game controller keychains
- Green and black ribbon
- Gaming stickers (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation symbols)
How to make it:
Fold and layer money into triangles to resemble the D-pad on a controller. Tie these onto a cord along with game-themed trinkets and ribbon.
Pinterest Extra: Present it with a custom controller or a gift card to his favorite game store.
4. ✈️ Adventure Seeker Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Ideal for the graduate who’s about to travel, take a gap year, or head off to college far from home.
What you’ll need:
- Dollar bills folded into airplanes
- Travel stickers or pins
- Map-print ribbon or twine
- Compass charms or mini globes
How to make it:
Fold each bill into a small paper airplane and thread through twine. Add travel-themed charms between each bill.
Craft Tip: Use small paper tags with his dream destinations written on them like: “Tokyo,” “London,” or “NYC.”
5. 👔 Sharp-Dressed Man Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Perfect for the stylish graduate who’s ready to take on the world in a blazer and loafers.
What you’ll need:
- Dollar bills folded into mini shirts or ties
- Silk or satin ribbon in navy, gold, or black
- Gold beads or cufflink-style charms
How to make it:
Origami fold each bill into shirt or tie shapes, and attach them along the ribbon alternating with beads or classy mini buttons.
Pinterest Style Bonus: Coordinate with his graduation outfit so he can wear it as a statement accessory in photos!
6. 🏆 Trophy-Worthy Lei for the Overachiever
Why it’s great for boys: Celebrate a boy who crushed academics, sports, clubs, or all three!
What you’ll need:
- Star-shaped origami folded bills
- Gold and silver foil ribbon
- Mini trophy charms or graduation caps
- Custom “award” labels
How to make it:
Attach the stars along a metallic ribbon. Add printed “awards” like “Valedictorian,” “Most Likely to Succeed,” or “Future CEO.”
Tip: Use different denominations to create a tiered “gold medal” effect.
7. 🧢 Chill Dude Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Laid-back, cool, and not into too much fuss.
What you’ll need:
- Folded bills in a simple zigzag
- Neutral-toned cord or jute twine
- Wooden beads or cork pieces
- Chill messages like “Keep it Cool,” “Adulting Starts Now”
How to make it:
Keep it minimal—no extra frills. Fold bills casually, attach them with twine knots, and add some raw natural elements like wood.
Vibe: Earthy, organic, and Instagram-worthy in a casual way.
8. 🎧 Music Lover’s Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: For the boy who always has headphones in and a playlist for every moment.
What you’ll need:
- Bills folded like music notes or headphones
- Black and white ribbon
- Mini record or cassette stickers
- Lyrics tags from his favorite songs
How to make it:
Alternate music-themed origami with ribbon and mini lyric tags like “Started from the bottom…” or “Don’t stop believin’.”
Extra: Include a QR code to a custom Spotify playlist called “Grad Vibes 2025.”
9. 💼 Future Boss Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Whether he’s starting his own business or heading into the corporate world, this lei says “success.”
What you’ll need:
- Dollar bills folded into briefcases and ties
- Business card-sized tags
- Navy and gold ribbon
- “CEO in Progress” label
How to make it:
Tie together money folded into briefcase and tie shapes, interlaced with small affirmations like “Dream Big” or “Hustle Mode.”
Pinterest Tip: Pair it with a copy of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” or “Atomic Habits” for a thoughtful gift bundle.
10. 🔧 DIY Craftsman Money Lei
Why it’s great for boys: Great for the hands-on guy going into trades, engineering, or DIY.
What you’ll need:
- Folded bills into tools (hammer, wrench shapes using origami)
- Gray duct-tape themed ribbon
- Mini hardware store charms or nuts and bolts
- Tags with slogans like “Built for Success”
How to make it:
Use stronger ribbon (or even thin rope) and attach tool-folded bills with mini gear accents or keychain tools in between.
Display Idea: Hang the lei on a pegboard or next to a mini toolbox gift.
🎓 Tips for Crafting the Perfect Money Lei for Boys
- Keep it durable: Use strong ribbon or string. Boys are less likely to handle it delicately.
- Be intentional with folding styles: Shirts, ties, airplanes, stars, fans—all convey different vibes.
- Incorporate their personality: If they’re into cars, video games, or music—make that a central theme.
- Use mixed denominations: Blend $1s, $5s, and $10s for a layered look (and to disguise the total gift amount).
- Add sentimental touches: Include photos, inside jokes, or a tag with your personal message.
- Make it wearable but photo-ready: He might not wear it all day, but it should look awesome in graduation pictures.
💡 Final Thoughts
Giving a money lei to a graduating boy is a smart way to be thoughtful without sacrificing practicality. You’re celebrating their personality while giving them something they can use—especially useful as they transition into a new chapter of life.
These 10 creative money lei ideas offer something for every kind of boy—from the chill skater to the future CEO. Pick a style, grab your materials, and start crafting a gift he’ll remember (and probably post on his story!).
