How to Ask for a Money Present Instead of a Birthday Gift

The idea of asking for cash money instead of birthday gifts isn’t new but is taboo in some circles. But if you really want that, there are a few ways to ask for it that yield better results.

7 Ways to Hint for a Cash Birthday Gift

Asking for cash money instead of birthday gifts isn’t easy if you don’t have a plan. People can take it as a sign of greediness and entitlement. But if you do it right, you can get your birthday wish granted.

1. Ask Using the Invitation

A formal invitation is great for asking someone to attend your birthday bash. You can handwrite the invitations to make them more personal, or look for pre-made invitation cards. But invites aren’t only useful to let people know about a time and date.

You can use birthday invitations to communicate your intentions. Write a message and clarify to people why you’re not interested in presents. Be transparent and let everyone know why you need or prefer cash money instead of birthday gifts.

Maybe you’re saving money for a trip, want to contribute to a cause, or have other plans involving a financial investment. Not knowing the reason is one of the first things that makes people wary about handing cash as a gift.

2. Talk About Items or Activities You’re Saving For

Asking for cash money instead of birthday gifts isn’t something you can do last minute. One of the best ways to get what you want is to have a couple of conversations on the topic. And the sooner you have them, the better.

Think of it this way. Talking to people about your intentions and what you want to do with the money helps them understand your needs. Furthermore, a discussion in advance gives people time to consider your request.

It can prevent them from buying a birthday gift ahead of time. Or it might give them enough time to get a refund and contribute to your grand birthday goal.

Likewise, people need to know they’re spending money on a good gift or noble cause. Some prefer giving gifts instead of money so the recipient won’t squander it. But clarifying your reasons for wanting cash money instead of birthday gifts will help you get what you need.

Even if not everyone grants your request, plenty of people should. That’s better than nothing.

3. Gift Cards Are a Lot Like Cash

How do people usually waste money? They gamble, support their vices, and spend it on people who take advantage of their generosity. If you ask for cash money instead of birthday gifts, these are things your family and friends will consider.

People will resist the temptation to grant your request out of fear you might waste it all away. But here’s something you can try. Ask for gift cards instead of cash.

Gift cards can be the equivalent of a specific dollar amount. You can spend it at a store or online marketplace that has the products or services you need. Besides, gift cards let people know that you want to put their monetary contributions to good use.

You can give them peace of mind and make people more likely to forgo a birthday gift hunt. And believe it or not, some people don’t like shopping for birthday presents. But they’re unlikely to give cash money instead of birthday gifts without feeling comfortable with how you wish to spend it.

4. Propose Cash Gifts as a New Custom or Tradition

Don’t think you’re the only one who might prefer cash over traditional wrapped presents. Many of your friends and family members probably also prefer money at times. But not everyone is as brave as you to ask or contemplate the idea.

That said, you can always be the trendsetter in your group. Propose cash for gifts as a tradition. Explain how this new custom can help everyone reach their financial goals or go on their dream vacations. Talk about the benefits of people coming together to support each other however they can.

Naturally, gag gifts and expensive items can put a smile on someone’s face. But that doesn’t mean they’re practical. Proposing cash money instead of birthday gifts as a custom can help more people understand the agreement’s benefits.

It can also save you many trips to stores when it’s your turn to give someone a present.

5. Party Contributions

One of the easiest ways to get cash money instead of birthday gifts is to put it to good use for everyone. Imagine you don’t have a big enough budget for a party with all your friends. But maybe you prefer being surrounded by people to getting lots of gifts.

Proposing a 50/50 contribution to the birthday party is a great way to spare people the trouble of buying presents. You can put up half the budget, and everyone else can contribute however they can until you have all the money for your dream party.

6. Cash Money Instead of Birthday Gifts for an Experience

Physical gifts may not be a top priority if you enjoy traveling, outdoor adventures, or other activities. And many people might think the same as you. They might enjoy having amazing experiences instead of possessions.

This is a great opener for the cash money instead of birthday gifts discussion. Tell people about your dream cruise or trip abroad. Explain what it would mean to you and how long you would have to save on your own to fulfill your dream.

It can be a compelling argument for getting money instead of presents. But as always, it’s essential to stress the personal or professional importance of that experience. For example, backpacking through Europe, taking flying lessons, or attending classes might seem great. In contrast, simply wanting to go on a local brewery tour isn’t as compelling.

7. Set Up an Online Fundraiser

Setting up an online fundraiser through crowdfunding campaigns or social media platforms is easier than ever. It also sends a clear message that you prefer cash money instead of birthday gifts. You want to help others instead of yourself on your birthday.

Even better, people can contribute whatever they feel comfortable with. They can see the cause, how much you need to meet your goal and other details. Fundraisers also absolve guests, family, and friends of further obligations on your birthday.

It’s a great tactic when you’re not organizing a birthday bash. It’s also helpful when you don’t have time to give everyone detailed explanations in private.

Charity Instead of Birthday Gift

Another approach you may want to consider is to ask for contributions to a certain charity. Some people can be comfortable with spending hundreds of dollars on a birthday present. That doesn’t mean they have enough left over to contribute to various causes.

So, here’s an effective way to ask for cash money instead of birthday gifts. Ask for charity contributions. People can use the money they set aside for the present. They can use all of it or a portion. But if you don’t like or need presents, you can ensure the money goes straight to a good cause.

It’s even easier to make people comply with your request if the money goes to a popular charity.

Pros and Cons of Asking for Cash Instead of a Gift

There are a few drawbacks to asking for cash money instead of birthday presents.

• It can make you seem entitled because not everyone considers giving money instead of buying gifts.
• If you do it wrong, you can seem greedy by asking for something, especially money.
• You can take away the joy of gift-giving from some people.
• It can make you seem controlling or unappreciative of people’s thoughts.
• It may be expensive for someone on a tight budget who was planning to regift a present.
• You may deprive yourself of the chance of getting something you didn’t know you needed.

But that doesn’t mean getting cash money instead of birthday gifts can’t be great.

• The money can go towards charitable causes and have a more significant impact on the world.
• You can set a small sum that everyone can contribute and eliminate awkward gift comparisons between guests.
• You can raise money and have memorable experiences instead of getting perishable gifts.
• Cash money instead of birthday gifts from more people could help you go to college or pay off student debts.
• Monetary contributions can help organize bigger parties that more people can enjoy.
• Making it a tradition among friends can allow everyone to fulfill more meaningful goals over the years.
• You can save people time spent researching and shopping for the perfect gift.
• You’re more likely to get something you value deeply for your birthday, even if you have to buy it yourself.

Final Thoughts on Cash Money Instead of a Birthday Gift

People often oppose the thought of handing out cash money instead of birthday gifts. But they will do it when presented with good reasons. It comes down to proper communication, transparency, and sharing valid motivations for wanting cash instead of physical gifts.