Moving is typically a very stressful time. Things often get even more complicated when you are long-distance apartment hunting and plan to move a great distance.
If it’s your first move, avoid some rookie mistakes that could impact the process from going smoothly. But, even if you consider yourself a moving veteran, here are a few things you should know when looking for an apartment across the country that can help you tackle the process head-on.
1. Narrow in on your target neighborhoods
Everyone typically picks a specific state or city they want to move to. You should try and narrow your hunt down to a neighborhood or two you had in mind.
Looking at apartments all over the city will ultimately reduce your chances of finding the perfect place.
In the end, a large factor in your long-distance apartment-hunting journey will revolve around the neighborhood you end up in. This influences additional financial decisions such as rent prices and taxes, all the way to leisurely aspects like restaurants and activities.
Finding a location that you’re comfortable in that has your desired features, where you can enjoy the benefits of a short commute or a good school district, helps greatly narrow down the apartments you should look at.
2. Reduce stress any way you can
As previously mentioned, long-distance apartment hunting is a stressful ordeal but going ahead and accepting that fact is an important step in the process. That being said, it’s important to make sure you are removing stressful factors wherever possible. This ranges from the planning stage to something more hands-on in the packing phase.
Timing is one of the most important aspects of creating a peaceful moving process.
Oftentimes, people get too caught up micro-managing every single step of the process, which wastes precious time. On the other hand, though, others simply don’t start soon enough and it leaves too much for the end.
It’s better to prepare ready weeks ahead of time, so the extra time you gain can help boost productivity.
When long-distance apartment hunting, there are a few simple things to do to help eliminate possible stress down the road. When looking for your perfect apartment, some benefits often come when using a broker, such as having someone help locate a place for you while you still live long distance. This takes some burden off of you — allowing you to focus on other things.
In addition, when looking for an apartment, if you can find one that already offers a home warranty, that’s a huge plus. A home warranty helps protect your appliances should anything need replacing. Plus, this will streamline the process and can help save you money. Having one come with the apartment helps remove smaller-yet-important issues that need addressing when long-distance apartment hunting.
3. Determine what to leave behind
Moving provides a great opportunity for you to start getting rid of some of the items or clothing that you no longer need.
For those who find it harder to part with things, having this chance to go through all of your possessions can make it easier to identify what you can’t live without and what has run its course. Look into some tips for downsizing to make sure you aren’t dragging along any items that you’d rather leave behind.
In addition, another benefit to getting rid of some excess items is potentially saving some money with movers. Knowing what you will and won’t bring with you can aid in your long-distance apartment hunting adventure and help you decide how many boxes or trucks you might need.
It’s also important to think of the items that you will absolutely need when you arrive, ranging from toiletries to a mattress. Making sure that these items are easily accessible when moving can help you feel more comfortable and settled in once you move into your perfect apartment.
4. View the living space virtually
Unfortunately, COVID-19 hurt the real estate industry at the beginning. However, when looking at the admittedly small silver lining, it created a large growth in virtual showings and accelerated the growth of that aspect quite dramatically.
For those that don’t have the time or money to fly out to your desired location when long-distance apartment hunting, a virtual showing is the next best thing.
In a study by the National Association of Realtors, 35 percent of real estate agents are finding that sellers are relying on virtual tours when purchasing a living space with 26 percent relying on virtual showings. A tour is a user-run walkthrough of the location or a recorded video, while a walkthrough is a more interactive experience where an agent is walking through the living area while buyers are video calling in.
Finding an apartment that offers at least one of these benefits can help you get a better feel for the apartment that photographs simply won’t supply. You can get a better understanding of the layout and how it would feel while walking through the apartment, an experience that is very difficult or costly when long-distance apartment hunting.
5. Find out which moving company has the best quote
When looking for an apartment across the country, an important consideration is how you’d physically get all your belongings there. Many people would choose a moving company to help them with the heavy lifting — figuratively and literally.
When doing so, it’s important to shop around and make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck. Before settling down and choosing one specific moving company, it’s good practice to ask a few what their prices would be and then make your decision.
Although some prices are higher due to additional services that you wouldn’t require, maybe the second or third company you ask has a lower price.
Doing your research before you lock into anything can make sure you are getting the best price — making your apartment search just a little bit more cost-effective.
Prepare yourself for success
Long-distance apartment hunting comes with its fair share of challenges, but being prepared for many of them helps put you in a better and more comfortable position.
Narrowing down your neighborhood can help you save time and energy in your apartment search. Finding all the smaller yet key ways you can reduce stress can help you relax more and spend time enjoying the adventure. Planning to downsize can help you rid yourself of unnecessary burdens, and allow you more space to create new memories. Virtual tours are a life (and wallet) saver when looking at apartments across the country, and scouting moving companies is an easy way to save some money in the short term.
Wherever your long-distance apartment hunting journey takes you, having an idea of what you should look out for can help you stress less and enjoy the experience more.
At Rent., our goal is to be the most efficient digital resource to help people find and live in a place they love. We strive to help renters make informed decisions by providing them with valuable information and advice, including money-saving tips, local guides, HD photos and certified ratings and reviews from actual residents.
Inside: Looking for the perfect graduation gift? Check out our selection of clever ways to give money. These graduation money gift ideas are fun ways to celebrate.
Graduations signify transitions from one chapter of life to a new groundbreaking journey. This major milestone should be marked with a special gift.
In various cultures, gifting money presents the ultimate creativity, coupled with practicality. It expresses your wishes for the graduate’s prosperity and financial independence.
We have the best graduation money gift ideas just for you.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Why choose money gifts for graduates?
Graduates are on the brink of venturing into new territories, whether it’s furthering education, taking a gap year, investing in big-ticket items, or moving to kickstart a career. These steps often come along with substantial financial burdens.
A money gift, therefore, becomes a thoughtful and practical gesture.
A survey by the National Retail Federation recorded cash to be the most popular graduation gift, given by 55 percent of participants. In addition, 43% give greeting cards (often with cash inside), followed by gift cards at 32%, apparel at 14%, and electronics at 10%. 1
Hence, money gifts are not just loved by grads but also cherished by friends and family, making them a comprehensive gifting solution.
Fun and Creative Money Gifts for Graduates
Money Lei
Creating a money lei as a gift for a graduate is a fun and creative way to give cash. To make the lei, start by folding one-dollar bills in a fan shape, then thread them onto a necklace made of string or yarn.
You can add ribbons, faux flowers, or even banknotes of higher denominations to make it even more special. Learn how to make a money lei from this mom.
Money Chain
A fun and inventive way to present cash as a graduation gift is to create a paper chain out of dollar bills. This concept not only represents an inventive method to gift money, but it also adds a decorative touch to the graduate’s celebration.
You can assemble the chain using dollar bills and a stapler, turning it into a creative money necklace. To make it even more special, include a rosette made out of a larger denomination bill like $20 or $50 with the inscription “Congratulations Grad!”
Get detailed instructions on making a money chain.
DIY Graduation Money Cake
Graduations warrant celebration with a cake. How about centering the stage with a splendid DIY graduation money cake? It’s not just a delicious mouthful but also a delightful sight!
This visually humorous and surprisingly straightforward project involves rolling your dollar bills in a circular shape to resemble cake layers. Topped with a mini graduation hat and a congratulatory note, it’s sure to bring smiles for its sheer creativity and attractive bounty.
Better than a diaper cake, and perhaps more loved than a real cake, a money cake makes a clever centerpiece and a graduation gift. Use our inventive DIY money cake ideas to draw inspiration from to build a money masterpiece. Add a personal touch by incorporating your graduate’s favorite colors, stickers, or little decorative items that reflect their personality or interests.
Adding a creative twist to your monetary gift can make it even more memorable too. Spiraling money into a puzzle box, the recipient must solve the puzzle to claim their cash – this adds an element of excitement and challenge. You can choose a puzzle that suits the graduate’s interest, making this fun idea even more personal and thoughtful.
Secret compartments that hold hidden treasure. The recipient must learn how to crack the puzzle to open the secret box.
Graduation Cap Mason Jar with Money Diplomas
This graduation money jar by Must Have Mom not only serves as an impressive cash gift but, courtesy of the graduation cap, neatly doubles as a party decoration too. Handmade with love, filled with cash, and resonating with the graduation spirit – what’s not to like?
Fill the Mason jar with rolled-up bills, each ingeniously crafted to resemble mini diplomas. Secure these ‘diplomas’ with bright ribbons for color pop. Add some coins to represent the small steps it took to achieve this big milestone. Top it up with a mini graduation cap, which you can easily craft with black cardstock and an adorable tassel.
And the best part? It might even inspire your graduate to save!
Pizza Box Filled with Cash
Who doesn’t love pizza? Break up the monotonous way of handing over cash in a dull envelope by presenting it in a faux pizza box. Yes – you read that right! The pizza box filled with cash is an ingenious idea that adds a mix of humor, surprise, and cash!
Craft a pizza out of money bills, each piece folded and clipped like a pizza slice. Etsy and Simplistically Living suggest adding red paper circles with quarters on top for that real pepperoni look.
Learn how to make a pizza is the dough gift.
Graduation Money Box Gift Pull
The graduation money box gift pull bears a unique resemblance to a Kleenex box, offering a creative way to gift money to graduates.
This fun and interactive gift involves attaching money bills end-to-end using transparent tape and then neatly rolling them into a tissue box such that the top bill resembles a tissue ready to be pulled. Decorate the box to give it a celebratory touch, and as the graduate pulls out what they think is a tissue, they’d be pleasantly surprised to find a continuous roll of money instead.
Money Shirt and Tie Origami
The art of origami takes to gifting, adding a personal touch to the otherwise cliched act of gifting cash. Enter the money shirt and tie origami – a creative, fun, and super unique graduation gift.
This cleverly folded shirt and tie ensemble is made from a dollar bill. An epitome of the exciting transition from lecture halls to corporate corridors, it resonates with the graduate stepping into professional life. The stitched proverb “Clothes make the man” truly shines out here, for this crisp white money shirt is undoubtedly a charming symbol of maturity and real-world readiness. Add a quarter or a dime to resemble a metallic tie-pin.
For an in-depth tutorial on how to fold a dollar bill into a shirt and tie, you can look up directions here.
Unique Money Gift Presentation Ideas
Money Tree: An Ever-Growing Investment
In line with the adage, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” we introduce you to a tongue-in-cheek yet highly symbolic take on this phrase. The Money Tree! (yep, I love to prove my dad wrong!)
This is a creative and innovative way of presenting cash as a gift. It’s also a symbolic nod towards the idea of financial growth and prosperity for the graduate, subtly wishing them monetary abundance throughout their journey.
Fortune Cookie Money Gift
Looking for a fun and quirky way to present money to the graduates on their big day? How about incorporating a little Asian flair and a dash of fun with a Fortune Cookie Money gift? This surprising and unique concept makes for a perfect impression!
The money fortune cookie idea, courtesy of The Paper Mama, is an attractive alternative to age-old gifting methods. Fold your money bills into the shape of fortune cookies and slip them inside a takeaway Chinese box for the ultimate presentation.
Elevate this gift by including a heartfelt note or some thoughtful advice inside each fortune cookie, just like the actual fortune cookies come with hidden messages. Each ‘cookie’ is also a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Zip-Open Money Holder
A Zip-Open Money Holder serves as a stylish and functional way for men to handle their cash, making it a perfect gift for graduates, birthdays, or festive occasions. The design allows for secure storage, and the feature of easily displaying cash by unzipping adds a hint of excitement to the gift-giving process.
With a myriad of styles ranging from minimalist to flashy, you can match the recipient’s personality perfectly.
Emergency Cash Inside Picture Frame: A Lifesaver Graduation Gift Idea
Imagine a rustic shadow box or a sleek modern frame housing a neat arrangement of cash bills under the caption “In Case of Emergency Break the Glass.”
Add a personal touch by including a caring note like “If you ever need help, I’ll be there for you.” This not only gives the impression of a safety net but also reassures them of your ongoing support.
It’s unconventional cash gifting, fun, practical, and literally, their savior ‘in case of emergency’.
Money Balloons to Life You Off Financially!
A truly unique and memorable way to gift money to graduates is to tuck it inside balloons, creating surprising cash confetti.
This sneaky method not only redefines the act of gift-giving, but also adds a fun and exciting element, as the receiver pops the balloon to discover their monetary gift within.
Check out how to make money balloons.
Handmade Money Surprise Bath Bomb
Time for a lovely bath with a hidden surprise! A fantastic way to hide money especially for teen girls!
This unique gift idea of bath bombs also is made with all natural and vegan skin care products. Perfect for small budgets!
Digital-age Money Gifting Methods
Transforming a Venmo Payment into Special Graduation Gift
Building upon this digital-age trend, Venmo introduced the “gift wrap” option, which transforms your usual cash transaction into an endearing cash gift. The payment comes with a short but heartfelt animated GIF intro, which makes the receipt of money all the more special for the recipient.
While Venmo currently does not offer graduation-specific designs, you may utilize the “Just Because” message. Personalize it in your own words, making it relevant to the graduation context. Conveying your wishes and love instantly uplifts the otherwise mechanical act of transferring money.
This digital-age money gift version is ideal if you’re miles apart on your loved one’s Big Day. Despite the physical distance, with Venmo and other such apps, you’re just a few clicks away from blessing the grad with your love, congratulations, and of course, monetary gift.
Money Tree with Gift Cards
A money tree spruced up with various gift cards is an innovative and exciting way to offer a present. This method is not just creative but offers a tangible and enjoyable surprise that surely excites the recipient.
Don’t miss out on purchasing a mix of gift cards from different retailers, topping the whole experience up with a variety of potential shopping sprees. This thoughtful gesture is sure to be appreciated and remember to add a personal touch for an unforgettable gift.
Gift Card in a Congratulations or Graduation Style Gift Box
For a unique and crafty gift presentation, consider placing your gift card inside a mini graduation cap box. This personalized touch not only adds an element of surprise but also highlights the sentimentality of the occasion.
DIY Money Gifts with Step-by-step Instructions
What a sweet Idea!
A unique and sweet way to gift money is by using a glass jar filled with a person’s favorite sweets or candies. Start by choosing a sturdy glass jar, and flood it with your recipient’s beloved candy.
The trick lies in tucking some cash amongst the treats, creating a delightful surprise for the recipient. You can even add a personal touch and a festive aura by attaching a note or decorating the jar appropriate to the occasion, be it graduation, birthday, or holiday.
Learn how to add an element of surprise to your money gift with a glass jar and sweets/candy,
McDonald’s Money French Fries Gift Idea
Everyone loves McDonald’s fries, but have you ever thought of gifting them in money form? The McDonald’s Money French Fries gift idea brings a unique blend of humor and surprise to your graduation gifting game.
This quirky idea involves emptying a McDonald’s french fry container and refilling it with neatly folded bills that mimic yummy fries. This arrangement can be topped off with a note adding to the humor such as, “Did Ronald McDonald ever tell you to keep the change?” or “Want cash fries with that?”
This fun-filled concept comes from Making Memories with your Kids , adding a light-hearted spin to the routine money gifting. Graduates would appreciate this unusual fusion of their fav fast-food chain and a monetary jump-start.
Money Flowers: An Elegant Cash Bouquet
Redefining flower gifting, meet the impressive Money bouquet, an intelligent amalgamation of art, appeal, and worth sure to impress any graduate.
Make the graduation day extra special by gifting your grad a bouquet of flowers with a twist. This project only requires folding skills and a little creativity. Gently roll your money bills to build the cake, then purchase your grad’s favorite flowers.
Plus you can buy the money bill holder on Etsy to make this project easier.
Pre-DIY Money Bouquet
Everyone loves to receive a bouquet of roses! This money gift idea is hidden within the gift. Very attractive present.
This Bouquet is sure to wow for any occasion!
Money Crayons – To Remind Them How Far they Have Come
Consider the charm of hiding money in crayons, an ingenious nod to the recipient’s childhood.
This unique gift idea not only brings back the delightful memory of days spent drawing and coloring with wax sticks, but it also symbolizes the progress the graduate has made, transitioning from using crayons as a child to earning money as an adult.
Learn how to make money crayons.
Investment in Their Future
Express your confidence in the graduate’s future and support their goals with an investment gift. A 529 college savings plan or an investment account is an excellent idea that not only shows your trust in the graduate but also your commitment to their future.
Many grads don’t know how to invest in stocks. So, this may be a great chance to teach them.
It’s not just about money but also a testament to your confidence in them and their dreams. An investment in their future is an invaluable graduation gift that is sure to be appreciated. It’s symbolic, purposeful, and plays a significant part in sculpting their future.
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Indulge in a Money Cake
Lights! Camera! Cake? Hold that thought because we’re going to redefine the whole cake cutting tradition at graduation parties in a fun and profitable way.
Why make a cake when you can make a money cake? It’s an eye-catching centerpiece, a conversation starter, a whole lot of fun, and a cash gift all in one. Inspirations turn dollar bills spiral into a multi-tier cake, complete with a graduation hat on top and maybe even whipped cream at the edges.
“Bake your success,” or let’s say, “Stack your success,” by creating a money cake for your graduate. So, let your creativity flow and gift a homemade cake that’s literally a slice of liquid net worth!
Money Cake Pull Out Kit
Don’t want to make a real cake? Then, opt for the easy solution with a money cake pull out kit! Perfect surprise for graduates with the most versatile and widely-appreciated gift of them all: cash?
We know how you can do it in style: the amazing money cake dispenser, an incredible accessory that you will use on endless occasions.
This complete cash dispenser set includes the special box, cake topper, 1 plastic roll with 50 connected pockets, and printed instructions.
FAQs About Money Gift Ideas For Graduation
A good grad gift with money is one that not only offers financial assistance but also a personal touch, a dash of humor, or a token of encouragement. It makes the recipient feel cared for and supported in their next journey.
Ultimately, a good grad gift with money expresses your congratulations, best wishes for the next chapters, and a monetary boost to help them get a head start in their next big adventure.
These are just creative ideas to make giving money more memorable.
Deciding how much cash to give for a graduation gift depends on several factors including your personal budget, your relationship with the graduate, and the graduate’s level of education.
We have found money gifts for high school graduates typically range from $20 to $300. The study suggests $50 to $100 as an average amount for close family members and friends.
For college graduates, some suggest higher amounts to reflect the monumental achievement. Paying for the Graduate suggests gifting at least $50, but depending on the relationship, you can give up to $500.
Remember, there’s no hard or fast rule determining the perfect amount for a graduation gift. What counts the most is the sentiment behind the gift. Ensure that it’s an amount you can comfortably give, for the graduate, regardless of the sum, will undoubtedly appreciate any cash gift received.
Which Creative Ways to Give Graduation Money Gifts is your Favorite?
Graduation is a momentous occasion and deserves a unique token of appreciation and celebration. Money gift ideas for graduation give you plenty of innovative ways to express your well-wishes, support, and belief in the successful road ahead for the graduate.
Whether it’s a Money Cake, Emergency Cash Inside Picture Frame, a McDonald’s Money French Fries, a Money Rosettes bouquet, or a Venmo payment with a personal message, you’re sure to leave a lasting impression.
Each of these ideas adds a fun and creative spin to the traditional act of gifting money.
Regardless of the amount, it is the thoughtfulness and creativity that will be remembered most by the graduate. I still remember ways I received money that was given unusually.
So, which is your favorite, and what novel money gift would you create for your loved one’s graduation?
Make sure to include these financial adults for young adults as wise wisdom.
Source
National Retail Federation. “Graduation spending to reach $5.2 billion with cash and greeting cards as most popular gifts.” https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/graduation-spending-reach-52-billion-cash-and-greeting-cards-most. Accessed December 20, 2023.
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Inside: Looking for a creative and easy way to give money as a gift? Look no further than these Money Gift Boxes! These boxes are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to make the gift even more special.
Gone are the days of simply slipping cash into a card; let’s welcome the creative and memorable gesture of a money gift box!
A money gift box, usually filled with crisp euro or dollar bills, presents a unique, exciting, and personalized way to gift money!
Why settle for boring when you can enchant the lucky recipient with this delightful surprise?
Gifting cash doesn’t have to be impersonal or dreary.
A money gift box makes the act of giving money much more thoughtful and engaging, as it shows that you have gone the extra mile to make your gift special.
The beauty of this idea is that it can be customized to fit various occasions – birthdays, weddings, graduation, or even business events.
No matter the occasion or recipient, a money gift box is not just a gift, it’s an experience that lasts even beyond the moment the box is opened.
Choose to make your gift memorable with one of these curated money gift box ideas.
What is a Money Gift Box?
A Money Gift Box is a unique and creative way of giving money as a gift where cash, often in the form of dollar bills assembled and neatly packaged within a gift box.
These boxes are popular gifts for occasions such as weddings, Christmas, birthdays, and other celebratory events where monetary giving is customary.
Money gift ideas are a hot idea and these are unique ways to wrap your cash gifts in an enticing box, creating a true element of surprise or maybe even a puzzle!
How can I surprise my money as a gift?
Coming up with innovative ways to gift money can transform an otherwise simple and predictable present into a surprise packed with joy and excitement.
One fantastic method is the money gift box — it’s unique, elegant, and speaks volumes about your creative prowess.
The money pull box is not just an exciting twist on traditional greeting cards or money envelopes, but it also allows for personalized notes and heartfelt messages, turning a practical gift into something far more special and sentimental.
This ingenious idea is not only an impactful way to give cash but also easy to accomplish.
Remember, it’s the thought, creativity, and effort that transform money—often perceived as a last-minute and impersonal gift—into something unique, intimate, and forever memorable.
Turn that element of surprise up a notch with the money gift box!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Why Choose a Money Gift Box?
1. You can give money in a creative way.
2. The gift can be customized according to the occasion.
3. Money is a versatile gift that can fit any budget.
4. The gift is easy to make.
5. Money can be given in many different forms, including coins, dollar bills, and more.
6. The gift can be given in various ways, such as in a card box, on a birthday cake, or in an envelope.
7. The gift can be personalized with decorations and other additions.
8. Money can be given in a memorable way.
9. The gift can be given in a way that is relevant to the event.
10. Money can be given in a way that is safe and secure.
How do you put money in a gift box?
Putting money in a gift box can be a delightful surprise for the recipient. One commonly fun method is to tape dollar bills or Euro notes end to end and roll them up tightly – even easier to use the money dispenser bag.
The rolled-up notes are then placed inside the box, with one end fed through a slit in the box and attached to a tab labeled “pull”. This allows the recipient to unravel a long coiled string of money, adding an element of surprise to the gift.
The type, amount, and currency of money can be chosen based on the occasion, whether it’s for a wedding, graduation, or birthday.
Learn how much to give for high school graduation.
Money Gift Box Ideas
Jazz up your gift-giving game with a delightful surprise: a money gift box!
This innovative yet straightforward gift is perfect for any occasion, and we bet the recipient will love it.
Perfect for anyone you value, from family to friends. It’s an excellent gift for celebrations like birthdays, weddings, graduation, or even anniversaries. Perfect small gift ideas!
We curated the best money gift boxes available and picked our favorites, which we can’t wait to share with you!
Money Box for Cash Gift Pull
Imagine surprising your loved ones with a unique, fun-filled cash gift – the Money Box for Cash Gift Pull! Not your traditional presents, this creative and thrilling gift idea redefines the joy of giving.
Tug at the end, and imagine their thrill as they unfold a continuous string of dollar bills.
This money pull box adds excitement, charm, and a touch of suspense to your gift-giving occasions. It combines love, beauty, and utility, making gifting cash a delightful experience.
Expert Tip: Personalize with heartfelt written notes and be generous with the denomination of bills for a more memorable surprise.
Green Money Machine Cash Dispenser
Ditch the mundane envelopes for gifting cash and add a fun twist with the Green Money Machine Cash Dispenser. It is a gift box that turns your cash gifts into an exciting surprise, adding a layer of anticipation to your presents.
We all want a money machine, right? Sounds like a rack of money to me!
The Green Money Machine Cash Dispenser guarantees a gift-giving experience that’s both exciting and memorable.
To use it, just attach the pull-tab to the first bill and thread it through the slot on the top of the Money Machine. The card stock box is lightweight making it hassle-free to carry or send through mail.
Made in the USA, this money dispenser doesn’t include cash, providing you the flexibility to fill it with your choice of cash amount.
Pink Cash Heart Money Pull Box
Looking for a creative way to gift money? Meet the Pink Cash Pull Box – a unique money gift box designed to add a memorable twist to your gifting moments.
This DIY money pull kit allows you to roll your cash, hide it under the box filler, and insert other surprises like flowers or a gift card. Watch as your loved ones delight in pulling out a cascade of money and gifts – an unforgettable moment!
This versatile gift box features an automatic on/off string light that illuminates when the box is opened, providing an enchanting reveal. It’s suitable for multiple occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries, making it a thoughtful gift idea for your wife, husband, mother, father, or grandma.
Imagine your loved one opening this in anticipation of a small gift, only to continue pulling out surprise after surprise, ending with birthday money – a gift that perfectly blends sentiment with practicality.
Black Money Box Cash Pull
Surprise your loved ones in a uniquely thrilling way with Ribbonbonbox’s Black Money Box Cash Pull, a luxurious and unforgettable gift experience.
The black box is elegantly designed, highlighted by beautiful red soap roses and a built-in LED light for an additional extraordinary effect.
Crafted with a durable wooden board and acrylic lid, it’s designed for longevity, ensuring the surprise doesn’t fade with time.
Optimized for everyone — from life partners and best friends to parents and grandparents — it’s a compelling choice for all occasions, from birthdays to anniversaries.
Expert Tip: Add in different types of bills while filling the box, for an extra element of fun when your loved one pulls out the cash!
ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box
If you’re searching for the perfect gift that’s both exciting and wallet-friendly, the ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box is an excellent choice. This unique gift combines the thrill of a puzzle with the sweet success of a hidden reward, making it an unforgettable present.
The puzzle box offers a fun and challenging way to gift money or small items. Just slide the ball to the top and push the latch to open the box.
It’s ideal for teen boys, girls, and co-workers, thanks to its modern design and eye-catching colors. In fact, these are inexpensive gifs for coworkers.
But it’s more than just a gimmick – the money maze puzzle box also fosters the development of motor skills, enhances spatial awareness, and strengthens logical thinking.
To make it even more memorable, consider adding a custom message or inserting a specially chosen gift into the box.
Remember, with a touch of creativity, the ThinkMax Money Maze Puzzle Box can be transformed into the greatest gift of all seasons.
Money Puzzle Box for Cash – Solve the Puzzle
Looking for a fun way to give money gifts in care packages for college students? Let me introduce you to the Money Puzzle Box!
This unique gift box adds a thrilling twist to gift-giving by turning it into a captivating adventure. As one of the best money gift box ideas, it’s not just a box, it’s a rewarding 3x3x3 maze puzzle that stores your precious present inside.
This is a clever cash holder and brain-busting puzzle in one.
Plus gives a delightful challenge to your recipient, improving their spatial awareness, motor skills, and concentration.
3D Escape Game Money Box
Imagine surprising your loved ones with a unique, puzzle-solving gift box experience. How, you ask?
Let me walk you through the marvel of 3D Escape Game Money Box.
Start by acquiring the wooden puzzle escape room game, which doubles up as an impressive gift box.
Upon unboxing, navigate through its various compartments designed to pose stimulating mental challenges.
Once you unravel all the mysteries, find the hidden compartment which is perfect for concealing an assortment of gifts such as jewelry, money, or even a personalized note.
Undoubtedly, this 2-in-1 gift idea holds more than meets the eye. It’s not just about the physical treasure hidden inside, but the thrilling adventure in unlocking it.
Happy Birthday Day Money Box for Cash
A happy birthday money box filled with cash makes for a unique and exciting gift.
This creative alternative to placing money in a pull-out fashion offers a colorful and festive way to surprise the birthday person.
The process is simple: dollar bills are taped end to end, rolled up, and placed in a specially designed box. The recipient then pulls a long string of money out of the box, resulting in plenty of smiles and happy surprises.
Above all, the exhilaration of pulling out a roll of cash is an unparalleled experience that makes it the best gift for friends or family who appreciate fun and creativity.
Wooden Secret Puzzle Box
The Wooden Secret Puzzle Box is an innovative and entertaining way to gift money or small presents. With an additional double lock, it creates a mentally stimulating challenge for the recipient, promoting problem-solving skills and increasing brain fitness.
This wooden keepsake box is not just a puzzle, it’s an experience.
The excitement of unlocking the secret compartment to reveal the gift inside surpasses the typical present, providing hours of entertainment. These boxes aren’t just for adults, children can also enjoy the challenge.
The process to unlock the loot requires some effort but is ultimately rewarding. Tilting the box and navigating the slider right, you’ll hit the lock— rewarding patience and logic with the much-desired gift.
Perfect to add to Easter basket ideas for girls.
Confetti Exploding Gift Box
Experience the thrill of giving and receiving with the Confetti Exploding Gift Box – it’s not just a gift; it’s a party in a box!
Imagine the surprise and laughter as the box explodes with confetti, making for a truly unforgettable gift-opening moment.
This isn’t your typical ribbon-tied gift; the box is beautifully crafted in Europe with premium quality materials, ensuring not just a surprise but also a touch of class. It’s perfect for everyone – children, adults, or even your colleagues celebrating their work anniversary.
Think about it… who wouldn’t love their face sprinkling down with confetti! This gift guarantees not just an explosion of colorful bits but, more importantly, an explosion of emotions.
Remember, this isn’t just for the recipient; bystanders will be delighted too, making your gift the talk of the party!
Brain Teaser Wooden Box with Hidden Cash
Introducing the Brain Teaser Wooden Box, an enthralling blend of puzzles, secret stash, and premium craftsmanship. This mysterious box is a fun, engaging, and stylish way to gift cash or other valuables.
Imagine the thrill of gifting a treasure chest that doubles as a mental workout. Crafted from high-quality wood, its intricate design and precise construction make it an impressive gift. Whether it’s for men, women, or puzzle enthusiasts, they will appreciate the challenge and craftsmanship.
What’s in the box? That’s part of the mystery, making it an intriguing conversation starter.
It’s more than just a puzzle; it’s a secure place to hide valuables or surprise someone with a cash gift.
With its versatility, it can also serve as a chic jewelry box or desk decor.
The journey of unlocking this box is half the fun! Whether you’re playing Santa or looking for a unique anniversary gift or boys Easter basket, the Brain Teaser Wooden Box is your exciting solution.
Secret Puzzle Box
Discover a whole new world of excitement and intrigue with the Secret Puzzle Box – an innovative way to gift money or valuable cards. Delight in the thrill of solving a complex mystery as you explore this extraordinary gift box.
Its design combines the addictive challenge of a brain teaser with the thrill of a treasure hunt. It’s perfect for adults who relish intellectually stimulating experiences.
You can safely conceal valuable possessions such as cash, jewelry, or gift cards in its lockable compartments. Nothing like sparking curiosity by keeping your gift under wraps!
Constructed with high-quality wood, it boasts an intricate design that showcases exquisite craftsmanship. Apart from being a captivating puzzle, it doubles as a unique jewelry box and conversation starter.
Cake Money Box Transparent Bags
Most of the money gift boxes come with transparent bags to load up your cash in.
However, you may need extra. These are perfect if you decide to make a DIY money gift box as well.
Why is it one of the best? Well, here are some compelling features:
The bag has a size of 3.1 x 7.5 inches, an ideal and manageable size to tuck in your cash gift.
It’s constructed from high-quality cellophane plastic; lightweight, reusable, and practically invincible against breaks or deformations.
High transparency ensures your gift is perfectly visible, adding to the anticipation and excitement.
The self-adhesive design simplifies packaging and saves you time.
Plus, it possesses excellent vapor-blocking properties, safeguarding your gift from dust and bugs.
Best for occasions like birthday parties, weddings, and family gatherings, this revolutionary gift idea will surely create unforgettable memories.
Expert Tip: You can use these bags not just for money, but also to include small treasured items or personalized notes to make your gift extra special.
How to make a money dispenser box?
All it requires is taping dollar bills end to end in a long string, rolling them, and neatly placing them inside a beautifully designed box. Add a final touch by attaching a “pull” tab to the end bill, and voila – you’ve created a delightful and unexpected gift.
Sounds easy, right? Well, it is. It just takes some practice like these money cake ideas.
Consider using this idea for occasions like birthdays, weddings, or graduation celebrations. After all, who doesn’t love the sight of cascading cash pulled from an exquisitely crafted box?
Step 1: Choose a Money Gift Box
Opt for a box with a festive allure for birthdays or celebratory events.
The box size and shape determine how much money it can hold and how smoothly it dispenses.
The design showcases your creativity and speaks volumes about the occasion.
Remember, it’s not just a gift, it’s an experience. If you want to surprise a friend, pick a box that pops with colors.
Your chosen money gift box sets the stage; make it count!
Step 2: Prepare the Money Roll
You’re onto a fun-filled step of crafting your own money dispenser box, and preparing the money roll!
This part is crucial, so follow closely.
First, gather your dollar bills. Getting new dollar bills may be a challenge, so make sure you ask your bank first.
Next, neatly insert the dollar bills in the transparency bags. Also, include a few memorable notes.
Then, tape the bills end-to-end or use the small sticky dots. Ensure to connect the bills seamlessly and cleanly to maintain the charm of the constant pull.
Once you’ve crafted a nice lengthy string of bills, begin rolling. Start from one end and maintain a tight, steady roll until it looks like a small, compact money bundle.
A quick expert tip here – if the roll seems loose or flimsy, don’t worry. Tightening it up as you go often helps achieve compactness.
Congratulations, you’re one step closer to creating an absolute hit of a gift!
Remember, the joy is in both the making and the giving! Keep up the great work, and let’s dive into the next step soon.
Step 3: Make the Boxes
This is where you incorporate the money into the box, effectively transforming it into a thrilling dispenser.
Insert your tightly wrapped roll of money into the gift box. Make sure you leave the pull the money out.
Next, you can add trinkets or other mementos to the box if you prefer.
Make sure to securely tape it, ensuring that it’s attached beautifully and strongly.
Step 4: Give Out the Boxes
Now for the fun part! Give your money gift box to the recipient or recipients.
As your friend unwraps the seemingly ordinary gift, the initial confusion transitions into pure delight as they pull out a long string of dollar bills from the box. Their bemused smile and surprised laughter truly makes the effort worthwhile.
Remember, it’s not just the monetary value of this gift that matters, but the joyful surprise and the shared happiness it brings.
Get creative with your gift-giving and make each celebration truly memorable.
Money Puzzle Gift Boxes for Cash
One of the MOST popular gifts!
This maze puzzle cube is a unique cash holder. Perfect for kids and adults, it’s a thrilling puzzle box and money maze.
Get yours now and turn gifting into an adventure!
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12/19/2023 07:57 pm GMT
Which Money Boxes for Gifts are your Favorite?
In conclusion, these money gift boxes are more than just vessels – they’re tangible expressions of generosity, thoughtfulness, and affection. They instill in the recipients a sense of appreciation and an overwhelming feeling of being valued.
Plus, who doesn’t like a little surprising twist with their monetary gift?
Start shopping now for these amazing money gift boxes to make your gifting experience memorable and cherished.
After all, the best gifts are not only about what you give but also how you give them. Perfect ideas for gifts for kids who have everything!
With money gift boxes, you can add that extra personal touch, making your gift more special and memorable.
Filled with surprise and delight, these money gift boxes are sure to impress and leave a lasting imprint.
So why wait? Begin your money gift box shopping now and lavish your loved ones with a gift they’ll truly cherish!
Embrace gifting in style with a money gift box! Plus these may work perfectly for a no gift Christmas!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
Princess Cruises is a U.S. cruise line owned by Carnival Corp., which also owns and operates other lines including Carnival, Holland America and Cunard.
First launched in 1965, Princess Cruises offers passengers the opportunity to sail all over the world, including to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.
About Princess Cruises
Here’s a quick overview of some of Princess Cruises’ key features.
Cabin types: Princess Cruises ships feature room types that are standard across most cruise lines. These include interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite and suite rooms. Princess Cruises’ inside rooms are contemporary and well-furnished, as are its higher-end offerings.
Main U.S. routes: You’ll find Princess Cruise ships throughout the U.S., though routes are heavily season-dependent. Look for Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and for destinations along the West Coast, out of Los Angeles.
Loyalty program: Captain’s Circle is the name of Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, which provides elite benefits based on how much you’ve cruised with the line.
Princess Cruises destinations
Princess Cruise offers a large array of itineraries and destinations. Its sailings range in length from two-day getaways to a 116-day journey that travels around the globe, and it stops in seven continents and 330 ports of call.
Princess Cruises prices
Princess ships tend to be a little more upscale than some other options, which means it can be more expensive to travel on one. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be paying luxury prices.
Prices for rooms can vary dramatically based on when you travel. The cost is higher during the holidays. For example, a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale can cost as little as $548 for an interior room. However, if you’re traveling during the winter holidays, the price skyrockets up to $1,178 for the same room.
What is the best Princess cruise ship?
There are a total of 15 vessels on this cruise line, with two more ships planned for sailings in 2024 or later.
Many of the line’s ships score well with reviewers, including the Discovery Princess ship, which is one of six Royal Class vessels. These vessels feature a larger atrium (the social hub of the ship), private poolside cabanas, a glass-bottomed over-water SeaWalk and more staterooms with balconies.
What is the newest Princess Cruises ship?
The Discovery Princess is the newest ship. It debuted in 2022 and can carry up to 3,660 guests. However, according to Princess Cruises news, the Sun Princess will soon take the title of newest ship with its inaugural voyage in 2024.
What’s included in a Princess cruise
Here’s what comes with each fare package on a Princess cruise:
The Princess Standard fare includes your cabin, use of facilities, all meals, snacks and entertainment.
The Princess Plus fare includes all the amenities of the Princess Standard fare but also provides Wi-Fi service to one device, crew gratuities, premium beverages (including most alcoholic drinks), fitness classes, food delivery and two nights of dining at a casual sit-down restaurant.
The Princess Premier package includes all of the above, with Wi-Fi available on multiple devices, a superior drink package, two nights of specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, a photo package and reserved seating at shows.
Princess Cruises loyalty program: Captain’s Circle
The Captain’s Circle is the loyalty program for Princess Cruises, and after you complete your first cruise, you’re automatically a member with Gold tier status.
Captain’s Circle levels
The Captain’s Circle levels are Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Here’s how to reach each tier as well as the benefits you’ll receive.
Gold
How to earn: Complete one Princess cruise.
Best benefits: Preferential pricing, members-only events.
Ruby
How to earn: Complete three cruises or 30 cruise days.
Best benefits: Vacation protection upgrade, shoreside access to priority phone line.
Platinum
How to earn: Complete five cruises or 50 cruise days.
Best benefits: 50% off Wi-Fi package, priority boarding, early access to dining reservations, exclusive member lounge, 10% discount on spa treatments.
Elite
How to earn: Complete 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.
Best benefits: Early access to new itineraries, 10% off-shore excursions, complimentary mini-bar setup, complimentary laundry services, priority embarkation and disembarkation.
(Top photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
The 10-year-old is showing an enthusiasm for the holiday season that matches her famous family’s own
North West is truly feeling the Christmas spirit.
In a series of TikToks shared by the 10-year-old’s joint account with mom Kim Kardashian, North wore a “Sia-inspired” set of pigtails made of ribbons clipped to her hair. She doubled down on the festive outfit with a Christmas sweater of a Santa flexing his muscles that said, “Welcome to the North Swole.”
The pre-teen wore feather-hemmed plaid pants and Christmas socks to complete the look, which she wore as she danced around her beautifully decorated home to TikTok remixes of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Ariana Grande’s rendition of “Last Christmas,” and several of Sia’s holiday hits.
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Related: Kim Kardashian Takes Daughters North, 10, and Chicago, 5, to ‘Legendary’ Mariah Carey’s Christmas Show
Last week, North shared a closer look at some of the family home’s decor, set to a sped-up version of Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me.”
The pan of the room showed numerous Christmas trees — one in all pink adorned with handbags, a few silver ones and a few in a darker gray. There were holiday treats all around the room, and a sign over the bed that read “North Pole.”
“Holiday decor- one of the kids rooms!🎄,” the caption read.
Last month, Kardashian brought North and Chicago, 5½, to see Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas One And All! show at the Hollywood Bowl. The three were joined by Kris Jenner, Khloé Kardashian, True, 5½, and Dream, 7.
Not only did they get to enjoy the show together, but they also got to meet the Queen of Christmas and her daughter, 12-year-old Monroe, and pose for some photos afterward.
“The Queen of Christmas!!!! For the little girls very FIRST concert ever, we went to see the Queen herself, @mariahcarey !! We all had the best time, creating the most magical memories!! Thank you mommy for taking all of us! 🩵,” Khloé captioned photos from the night.
During last year’s lavish annual family Christmas Eve party, North joined the Australian singer to perform her wintry track “Snowman” as the pair stood inside a life-sized gift box.
The proud mom of four shared videos on her Instagram Story of daughter North enjoying her time in the spotlight, singing next to Sia with a microphone in hand. While Sia dressed elegantly in a long, white tulle gown with a matching headpiece, North looked chic in a shimmering black ensemble.
“@Siamusic and North performing Snowman,” Kim captioned the video, while Khloé shared similar footage, writing, “We love you @siamusic.”
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If you’ve ever wanted to live in a minimalist apartment, here’s your chance. New year, new home.
Have you looked at your closet, bookshelves and stacks of files, and thought, maybe there’s something to be said for a minimalist apartment? For many minimalists, it’s this defining moment that starts them on a journey in which less is more. Less clutter, less stuff and less relentless organizing often leads to more free time to enjoy the things that truly matter.
With spring cleaning a few short months away, now’s a perfect time to use these minimalist apartment tips to create a clutter-free environment. Less clutter, after all, means fewer things to clean.
Not only do you get a jumpstart on spring cleaning your apartment, Neuroscience News reports you’ll also enjoy the side benefits of reduced stress and anxiety. Sounds like a win-win!
Two things can sidetrack the best of intentions: perfectionism and procrastination. These tips will help you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed. And, as a brilliant, unknown author once said about perfectionism, “No one is perfect…that’s why pencils have erasers.” So, let’s get started with one room at a time.
Minimalist apartment tips for your bedroom
Peter Walsh, the international organizer and author of seven organizing and decluttering books, said, “Clutter isn’t just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that gets between you and the life you want to be living.”
Keep that in mind as you go through the many items you’ve collected in your bedroom. And remember the lesson behind the story of the tortoise and the hare: Slow and steady wins the race. Take it room by room and one area at a time. When you’re down to that last area, possibly just in time for the big spring clean, you’ll feel a sense of renewal and freedom that’s hard to define until experienced.
The dreaded closet
Closets can quickly become storage central with clothes and shoes you never wear and boxes with who-knows-what in them. It’s time to change that.
Every item goes into a keep, donate or discard pile.
To help you decide, ask two questions:
When was the last time I wore or used this? The 90/90 minimalism rule suggests you only keep items you’ve used or will use within a 90-day timeframe.
Does it bring you joy or serve a purpose?
Now, while you have everything out of your closet, it’s a good time to vacuum and clean the baseboards. In fact, as you go through your home pre-spring cleaning, taking time to do the baseboards gives you a great jumpstart.
A natural cleaning solution for this sometimes hard-to-clean area is one part white vinegar to one part water plus several drops of your favorite essential oil, like lemon, lavender or pine. Note: If you have pets, these essential oils are considered toxic. Safer ones for your furry friends include cedarwood, frankincense and clary sage.
Nightstands and dresser
Dressers can be a go-to spot for objects that hold memories, which makes them one of the more challenging decluttering areas.
Start by taking everything off the top and placing it in one of your three piles. If something holds sentimental value, put it to the side.
Pick up each item that holds a memory and consider if you feel a sense of freedom by letting it go or a sense of loss. And remember, memories aren’t in things; they’re in you.
Sort through your drawers. Socks with holes? Discard. Shirts you’ll someday wear but never do? Donate.
Minimalist apartment tips for your kitchen
Stand back and take a look at your kitchen. Can you see the countertop? Now’s the perfect time to consider what kitchen gadgets you actually use.
Do you have an electric wok a well-intentioned relative gave you as a gift that you’ve yet to get out of the box? When deciding which items to donate, it’s helpful to consider that there’s someone out there who may really appreciate it!
Go through each drawer and cabinet one at a time with the same intention. Remove items, place them in one of three piles, clean the cabinet and make a specific spot for everything.
A mixture of two parts baking soda and one part water is great for cleaning spots on painted or laminated cupboards and drawers. Let it sit for a few minutes before removing it.
If you’re short on time, consider doing just one kitchen cabinet or drawer a day.
For the ultimate jumpstart on spring cleaning, consider deep cleaning your appliances one at a time. A good DIY mixture to remove grease is one part white vinegar and one part blue Dawn. This task may require your favorite upbeat playlist and some elbow grease.
Minimalist apartment tips for your bathroom
Pre-spring cleaning offers a great time to go through your bathroom’s often-ignored medicine cabinet and under the cabinet sink.
Check for expired products and items you haven’t used in the last three months. If throwing away old medicine, be sure to scratch any personal information off the label to protect your privacy, and throw the container and medicine away separately.
Go through each drawer and shelf. Are you finding makeup you haven’t used in who knows how long? The Mayo Clinic offers some good advice on when it’s time to say goodbye.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner: safe for three months.
Pencil eye and lip liners: safe for one year.
Water-based foundation: safe for one year.
Oil-based foundation: safe for 18 months.
Cream-based foundation and blushes: safe for at least six months.
Lipsticks and lip gloss: safe for six months to one year.
Minimalist apartment tips for your living room
Your living room should be a sanctuary from the world, a place to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy time with friends and family. Every item should speak to the heart of the matter or be so incredibly functional you can’t do without it.
Remember, fewer things to move means fewer things to clean. With that in mind, remove items from shelves (including bookshelves) and the tops of tables.
One by one, ask yourself, do you really need this item in your life, or is it simply taking up space?
Clean shelves and table tops.
If you need a space for magazines, books and games you’re not ready to part with, lift-top coffee tables provide a great storage area while reducing clutter.
While sorting through your living room, consider vacuuming out the window tracks and washing the windows to get an extra spring-cleaning jumpstart.
Jumpstart spring cleaning and create an intentional life
You’ll be amazed at how getting rid of stuff not only frees up your space but your mind as well. To keep things tidy until the spring cleaning session, ensure everything has a place to call home and finds its way back there after use.
The outcome? You’ll understand the sentiment behind less is more and find yourself living a more intentional life in your newly minimalist apartment.
Still looking for that clean slate? Browse our apartments and houses for rent here.
As the crisp air becomes infused with the spirit of the holidays, our homes undergo a remarkable transformation into havens of warmth and joy. Beyond the festivity of decorations and the joyous gatherings that mark the season, the holidays possess a unique ability to craft indelible memories. Whether it’s the delightful scent of freshly baked treats wafting through the air or the enchanting glow of twinkling lights in every corner, each tradition contributes to the magical ambiance that defines this special time of year.
In the heart of our homes, our small entryways emerge as a canvas for expression, setting the tone for the celebrations within. It becomes a space where the magic of the season is unveiled to everyone who crosses its threshold. Adorning the entryway isn’t just a decorative pursuit; it’s a proclamation of the joy and festivity that awaits within. As we embark on the enchanting journey of holiday decor, let our entryways evolve into portals, calling loved ones with open arms.
Elevate your entryway: Transform your space with the best small entryway ideas
Embracing the holiday spirit involves reimagining your entryway with a touch of magic. From ingenious organizational solutions to heartwarming personal touches, the following ideas are thoughtfully crafted to make your home’s entrance a delightful prelude to the season’s joy.
Wall hooks for organization and style
Wall hooks serve as more than functional fixtures in a small entryway—they seamlessly combine functionality with style. Opt for damage-free hooks for a renter-friendly solution, ensuring your wall space remains pristine. Use these hooks to hang purses, backpacks, keys and coats, transforming the space into an impeccably organized and clutter-free zone.
A gallery wall of family photos for personalized warmth
Expressing your unique personality is effortlessly achieved with a gallery wall next to the front door. Arrange an assortment of pictures featuring cherished moments with loved ones. This straightforward decor idea not only adds visual warmth but also serves as a captivating accent wall, sparking joy and conversation with its personalized touch.
Holiday-themed entryway tree or greenery for a touch of festive elegance
Consider introducing small indoor holiday trees for a touch of greenery and festive cheer. Position them next to a charming wooden bench to enhance the inviting atmosphere. These miniature arboreal displays bring nature indoors, creating a warm ambiance that resonates with the holiday spirit. The scent of evergreen further heightens the sensory experience, especially in a smaller space.
Statement mirror for the illusion of space
A statement mirror in the entryway serves more than a functional purpose; it imparts a sense of spaciousness to the area. Opt for a full-length mirror to achieve a sleek design while maximizing the reflection of natural light. This seemingly minimalistic decor idea transforms the space, creating an illusion of grandeur with minimal effort.
Antique table for functionality and style
Infuse character into your small entryway with conversation-starter pieces, such as antique furniture. These timeless pieces, traditionally made of dark wood, not only add style but also offer functionality. Use the furniture as a display surface for trinkets or a practical spot for stacking your favorite books, elevating the decor to new heights. Antique tables, with their rich history, become more than decor — they are pieces that tell a story and make a big impression.
Menorah display for holiday traditions
Showcasing your unique holiday traditions involves placing a menorah on a floating shelf or a small table. This elegant display adds a touch of cultural significance to your entryway, sharing a glimpse of the meaningful traditions practiced within your home. It becomes a beacon of tradition, sparking conversations and bridging cultural connections.
Twin table lamps or sconces for warm lighting
Brightening up the often dim entryway with the soft glow of table lamps, twin lamps, or strategically placed wall sconces goes beyond mere illumination. These lighting options create an inviting atmosphere, welcoming friends, family and guests with a warm embrace. The play of light and shadows adds a layer of sophistication to the entryway, setting the stage for a cozy welcome.
Elevate your entryway and embrace the season’s greetings
Incorporating these thoughtfully curated small entryway ideas will not only leave a lasting impression but also provide a warm and inviting welcome to guests and loved ones. Whether you opt for a minimalist approach with a statement mirror or indulge in a more elaborate decor featuring antique furniture and gallery walls, seize the opportunity to transform your small space into a memorable entrance, setting the stage for creating cherished holiday memories.
If you’re still in search of the perfect rental to bring your festive vision to life, explore and find your ideal apartment or home for rent here first. A space thoughtfully adorned with the spirit of the season becomes more than a home; it becomes a haven of joy and celebration, embracing the essence of the holidays throughout the year.
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.
As the festive season approaches, many are eager to infuse their homes with the enchantment of Christmas. Transforming your living space into a winter wonderland is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday spirit and spread cheer. From twinkling lights to festive decor, here’s how to craft a magical Christmas haven within your home.
Deck the Halls with Festive Decor
Start by adorning your abode with classic Christmas decorations. Brighten up the interiors with a lush, fragrant Christmas tree, adorned with shimmering ornaments and twinkling lights. Incorporate garlands, wreaths, and stockings to add a festive touch to bedrooms, staircases, and doorways.
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Light Up the Ambience
Warm, soft lighting enhances the cosy ambience. Use fairy lights, candles, and lanterns strategically throughout your home to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for LED candles for a safer and longer-lasting glow.
Festive Textiles
Introduce seasonal textiles like plaid or velvet cushions, cosy blankets, and holiday-themed linens. Layering textures and patterns can instantly evoke a snug and inviting feeling.
Create a Winter Wonderland Outdoors
Extend the Christmas magic outdoors by decorating your porch or garden. Hang fairy lights, set up lighted reindeer or snowmen, and adorn your front door with a festive garland to welcome guests with holiday cheer.
DIY Crafts and Personal Touches
Engage in DIY projects to personalise your decorations. Create handmade ornaments or make garlands using natural elements like pinecones and holly. Adding personal touches can make your decorations more meaningful and unique.
Festive Scents and Music
Infuse your home with the scents of the season. Use scented candles or essential oil diffusers with fragrances like pine, cinnamon, or peppermint. Play classic Christmas tunes or create a playlist of holiday favourites to set the mood.
Involve the Family
Make decorating a family affair. Gather loved ones to participate in crafting decorations or trimming the tree. It’s an excellent opportunity to create lasting memories and bond over the holiday spirit.
Transforming your home into a magical Christmas haven is about embracing the joy and spirit of the season. Whether it’s through traditional decor, cosy elements, or personal touches, the goal is to create a warm and welcoming space where cherished memories are made during this festive time of year.
To the native Wintu people it was Bohem Puyuik, the “Big Rise,” and no wonder. Mt. Shasta towered above everything else, her loins delivering the natural springs and snowmelt that birthed a great river.
The Sacramento River provided such an abundance of food that the Wintu and many neighboring tribes — the Pit River, Yana, Nomlaki and others — had little to fight over. They thrived in pre-colonial times, on waters that ran silver with salmon, forests thick with game and oaks heavy with acorns.
But centuries of disease, virtual enslavement and murder wrought by European and American invaders scrambled the harmony that once reigned along the Upper Sacramento River.
Today, three tribes here are locked in a bloodless war. At issue is a proposal by one Indigenous group to expand and relocate its casino and whether the flashy new gambling hall, hotel and entertainment center would honor — or desecrate — the past.
The casino envisioned by the Redding Rancheria and its 422 members would rise nine stories on 232 acresalong Interstate 5. The rancheria — home to descendants from three historic tribes — began planning the development nearly two decades ago, envisioning a regional magnet for tourists and gamblers.
But the proposal has been buffeted by influential opponents, including the city of Redding, neighborhood groups and the billionaire next door — who happens to be the largest private landowner in America. The naysayers list a cavalcade of complaints against the new Win-River casino complex, saying it would despoil prime farmland, exacerbate traffic, increase police and fire protection costs and threaten native fish in the Sacramento River.
Those complaints have helped stall, but not kill, the project, whose fate rests almost solely in the hands of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. And now the BIA’s obscure bureaucrats have been confronted with an explosive new charge from two neighboring tribes: that construction of the casino would desecrate what the tribes say should be hallowed ground — the site of an 1846 rampage by the U.S. Cavalry that historians say probably killed hundreds of Native people.
The Sacramento River massacre has not received the attention of other atrocities of America’s westward expansion, such as the one in 1890 at Wounded Knee, S.D., where U.S. troops killed as many as 300 Lakota people. Estimates of the carnage, recorded over the decades from witness accounts and oral tradition, range from 150 to 1,000 men, women and children slaughtered along the banks of the Sacramento River.
If the higher estimates of the death toll are correct, it would rank as one of the largest single mass killings of Indigenous people in American history.
“In my heart, I find it hard to believe that there are Wintu people that are willing to build a casino on … the blood-soaked dirt of the massacre site,” Gary Rickard, chair of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California, told a state Assembly committee in August. “There are dozens of other places along the I-5 corridor and the Sacramento River.”
Redding Rancheria Chair Jack Potter Jr., himself part Wintu, called the claim that his tribe would build its casino on the massacre grounds “a slander that will not be easily forgotten.” He told state lawmakers that the real massacre site is miles away. Rancheria leaders said their opponents have manufactured the controversy for a less honorable reason: to block what would be a sparkling new competitor.
“Gaming in Indian country can be a tide that raises all of our canoes,” insisted Potter, who appeared at times to fight back tears as he spoke at the Sacramento hearing. “We should not battle against one another, in that spirit.”
Column One
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Friendships that go back decades and tribal ties of a century or more have been imperiled by the casino furor. Native people normally aligned against a hostile or indifferent U.S. government — “We’re all the children of genocide,” as one elder put it — have watched sadly as their conflicts turn inward.
It’s a dynamic that has played out before. Robbed of their ancestral lands, tribes now sometimes fight when one tries to claim new territory, often as a base for a lucrative modern endeavor: gambling.
The friction is exacerbated by the peculiar history of the Redding Rancheria — and by opponents’ eleventh-hour invocation of the Sacramento River massacre, 19 years after the rancheria began to assemble parcels for the project.
The Redding Rancheria refers to a nearly 31-acre stretch of land near the south end of Redding that the federal government bought in 1922 for “homeless Indians” who came to the area as seasonal workers for ranches and orchards. The rancheria sits in a relatively obscure location compared with the interstate-adjacent site of the proposed casino, more than three miles by car to the northeast.
In 1939, the Wintu, Pit River, Yana and other Indigenous peoples formed a rancheria government. It was recognized by the United States. But in 1958, an act of Congress “terminated” recognition of multiple California groups, including the Redding Rancheria, in an attempt to force Indians to disperse into the general population. It took a landmark 1983 court settlement to formally restore recognition of 17 rancherias, including the one in Redding.
The result is that there are Redding Rancheria members with Wintu blood, like Potter, 52, who firmly support the casino, while other Wintu descendants who are not descended from the original rancheria families, like Rickard, 78, adamantly oppose it. Rickard grew up with Jack Potter Sr. and has known his son since he was a boy.
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Cordiality prevails, at least outwardly, when Rickard and Potter meet today. But the bad blood between their groups has become fierce, exacerbated by the yawning wealth disparity between the rancheria and the Northern Wintu.
Rancheria members have thrived largely because of the success of their existing Win-River Resort & Casino, which operates 550 slot machines, a dozen table games, an 84-room hotel and an RV park.
The complex is the biggest income producer for the rancheria, which also owns a Hilton Garden Inn and a marijuana dispensary in Shasta County. Sources familiar with the tribe said each enrolled member receives a monthly “per capita” payment of at least $4,000 and perhaps as high as $6,000.
The rancheria’s chief executive, Pitt River descendant Tracy Edwards, 54, declined to discuss the amount of the payments.
That income, along with health clinics and other benefits, makes the Redding Rancheria members the envy of Indigenous groups with comparatively paltry assets. Rickard’s Northern Wintu claims roughly 560 certified members, but like many groups across America, the tribe has been laboring for years and still has not received formal recognition from the U.S. government. That means the tribe can’t put land into trust, a prerequisite to casino development and also a shield against federal, state and local taxes.
“We don’t have the resources in order to obtain the things we need,” said Shawna Garcia, the Northern Wintu’s cultural resources administrator. “We don’t have the revenue to assist our members with things like college, housing and other assistance.”
Historians and ethnographers say the Wintu were the predominant tribe around the site proposed for the casino complex, an expanse of meadow and scrubland that locals dub the Strawberry Fields because of its agricultural history. And Rickard questioned why the “pure-blood Wintu people” he represents have been left to struggle, while the rancheria — representing an amalgamation of tribal groups — stands poised to create an even bigger cash cow with its new casino.
Rancheria leaders like Edwards, a UC Davis-trained lawyer, have emphasized how the tribal group has supported Native and non-Native people, both as one of the largest employers in Shasta County and through its charitable foundation.
In just one year, 2018, the rancheria said it gave more than $1.2 million to community organizations, helping serve the homeless and victims of the Carr fire. During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rancheria donated $5,000 each to 60 businesses struggling to stay afloat.
At a cost of $150 million, the rancheria’s new casino would feature 1,200 slot machines — more than double the number at its current casino — and with 250 rooms, the new casino hotel would be more than triple the size of the existing hotel. The tribal group has pledged to close its current Win-River casino when the new one opens.
The rancheria’s outsized community presence has created substantial goodwill around Redding, but a portion of residents have stepped forward — via petitions and ballot measures — to express disdain for large developments they feel could harm the rural character of their community.
Among the more powerful opponents is Archie Aldis “Red” Emmerson, president of logging giant Sierra Pacific Industries, whose sprawling estate looms along the Sacramento River, just south of the casino site.
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In 2020, an Emmerson-allied company purchased property from the city of Redding that included a portion of a road that would be the north entry to the casino site and created an easement that would have barred access to the rancheria land for all but agricultural purposes. The easement effectively would have thwarted the casino by blocking vehicle access to the development.
But in 2022, a Shasta County Superior Court judge voided the deal, saying that in selling the land (for just $3,000 to the billionaire) the city had violated its “own processes, procedures and the relevant law.” The ruling nullified the easement, preserving the rancheria’s unrestricted access to the property.
The Redding City Council and neighboring homeowners have maintained their opposition to the project for years, while a new conservative majority on the Shasta County Board of Supervisors recently reversed the county’s earlier objections. The supervisors supported the casino, despite admonitions from the sheriff, fire chief and county counsel that the agreement with the rancheria did not provide sufficient compensation to cover the increased costs of serving the big development.
The rancheria agreed to make one-time payments totaling $3.6 million to support Shasta County, the Sheriff’s Department and fire and emergency services. That initial infusion would be supplemented by recurring payments: $1,000 for each police service call and $10,000 for each fire/emergency service call.
No issue has unsettled intra-tribal relations, though, like the debate flowing out of the terrible events along the Sacramento River 177 years ago.
Oral histories of the Wintu and neighboring tribes recall how Native families and elders had gathered along the river known as the Big Water each year in early April for the spring salmon run. Traditionally, the season signaled rebirth.
But Capt. John C. Fremont had other ideas.
Fremont diverted his men from their ordered assignment: completing land surveys in the Rocky Mountains. The Americans instead went adventuring to California, where, in the spring of 1846, they responded to sketchy claims from settlers that they were endangered.
About 70 buckskin-clad white men set upon the Native people, the locals far outgunned by the invaders, each toting a Hawken rifle, two pistols and a butcher knife, according to UCLA historian Benjamin Madley‘s detailed account of the massacre.
The horsemen completed their grisly work with such evident pride that legendary frontiersman Kit Carson later bragged that the coordinated assault had been “a perfect butchery.”
The massacre marked the beginning of “a transitional period between the Hispanic tradition of assimilating and exploiting Indigenous peoples and the Anglo-American pattern of killing or removing them,” according to Madley’s “An American Genocide: The United States and the California Indian Catastrophe.”
Fremont (later a U.S. senator from California and a Republican presidential candidate) would say that his party attacked the natives because of reports of an “imminent attack” upon settlers. But the “battle” was one-sided, with the federal troops suffering no known casualties. Afterward, according to Madley’s account, Fremont’s men feasted on the Native people’s larder of fresh salmon.
In the nearly two centuries since, the tragedy would be more forgotten than remembered. There is no historical marker around Redding noting the event.
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The Wintu people believed to have been the principal victims have preserved memories of the mass killing in their oral history. But no ceremony marks the atrocity. And at the Wintu cultural resource center in Shasta Lake City, a wall-size timeline of the group’s history makes no mention of the 1846 bloodshed.
There’s also the now-pressing question — pushed to the fore by the casino feud — about precisely where the massacre occurred. The Northern Wintu and another outspoken opponent, the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, insist that the Strawberry Fields property was a key location in the atrocity.
The Paskenta commissioned a study by a retired anthropologist from Cal State Sacramento that drew on research from the late 1800s by a linguist from the Smithsonian Institution who, in turn, got much of his information from a Wintu elder who survived the massacre. The report, by Dorothea Theodoratus and a colleague, said that the “center” of the massacre was “opposite the mouth of Clear Creek” in the Sacramento River, a point roughly two miles south of the proposed casino location.
But other accounts from participants and witnesses said Fremont’s soldiers chased down victims after the initial assault, leaving the exact range of the bloodshed unknown. The Theodoratus report says that six villages, including two on the proposed casino property, were so thoroughly intermingled that all “would have had some direct involvement with that massacre.”
Andrew Alejandre, chair of the Paskenta Band, told the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee in August that his tribe is seeking to have the state and federal governments designate the Strawberry Fields a sacred site, off-limits to development. Alejandre, 35, said his tribe vehemently opposes building a casino “on top of men, women, children and elders. The spirit of these ancestors … Let them rest!”
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In rebuttal, Potter and rancheria CEO Edwards note that during the many years that they and others have pursued developments in the region, the rival tribes never mentioned the massacre. Divisive fights over a proposed auto mall and a sports complex (both scrapped) came and went without any discussion about desecration of a mass grave site.
“I would never disrespect the remains of my ancestors,” Potter said.
Fifty miles south of Redding in rural Corning, the 288-member Paskenta Band opened the Rolling Hills Casino and Resort two decades ago. The luxe gaming hall is just one part of an economic surge by the tribe, which has also opened an equestrian complex, an 18–hole golf course, a 1,400-acre gun and hunting center and a 3,000-person amphitheater, where Snoop Dogg performed in May.
Potter charged that the fight over the historic massacre is really a ploy by the flourishing Paskenta to squelch the Redding Rancheria’s hopes for a shimmering destination casino “because of the mistaken belief that it … will cut into the profits of their gaming facilities.”
Paskenta’s Alejandre, a designer who once ran a clothing company, denied that is the case.
While representatives for the Paskenta and Northern Wintu tribes bashed the casino proposal at the August hearing, representatives of at least eightother California tribes argued in support of the Redding Rancheria. One said the Redding group had proved itself a good steward of cultural resources.
Another speaker at the hearing was Miranda Edwards, the 28-year-old daughter of the rancheria CEO. The Stanford-educated Edwards and her mother spoke about the importance of moving the tribal group forward for the “Seventh Generation,” future descendants whose livelihoods must be planned for today.
“We work hard every day to provide for this rural community and make it the best that we can for everyone that lives there,” Miranda Edwards told legislators. “It’s disheartening to hear from those that choose not to see that. But it will not stop our work.”
Potter, the rancheria’s chairman, had a sardonic take on the dispute.
“We always talk about crabs in a pot,” Potter said. “We are like all these crabs, stuck in a pot. When one tries to get out of the pot, all the others reach up and pull him back in.”
Will arguments about the Sacramento River massacre sway the final outcome of the Redding Rancheria’s casino quest? A BIA spokesman said only that “these issues are under review.” Nearly two centuries after representatives of the U.S. military decimated a civilization here, the federal government still retains ultimate authority over the fate of Native people.
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Every family has their own reasons for choosing the type of Christmas tree that graces their home each December, but for me, nothing equals the smell of a live tree. Once a live tree is in the home, the unmistakable smell of pine, spruce or fir envelopes the room and our olfactory senses trigger fond memories of family Christmases from years ago.
Christmas tree growers would tell you that there are other reasons to choose a live Christmas tree over an artificial one, including the fact that live trees are more environmentally friendly. Christmas trees are planted specifically for harvest and subsequent replanting and an acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support 18 people each day, according to Ohio State University Extension research. Each Christmas tree will remove up to one ton of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during its lifetime. And live Christmas trees can be recycled through chipping or composting.
Choosing a live tree
You can be assured of getting a fresh tree if you cut your own tree from a local Christmas tree farm. While this is a cherished family tradition for many, the convenience of purchasing a pre-cut tree is more desirable for others.
To check a pre-cut tree for freshness, look for flexible needles that remain firmly attached when you tug on them. All needled evergreens shed their oldest needles each year, so there is no need for concern when brown needles fall from the interior of the tree when you knock the base of the tree on the ground. Just be sure that these brown needles are thoroughly shaken off the tree before taking it indoors. If the outermost green needles pull out easily, or if they appear a dull, lifeless green, the tree may be past its prime.
Maintaining freshness and aroma
Plan to place your live tree in a stand with a basin that holds at least a gallon of water. A cut tree will absorb a surprising amount of water, particularly during the first week it is placed indoors, so replenish water daily. Avoid whittling down the sides of the trunk of the tree to fit into a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed. If the tree is to be stored for more than a couple of days before it is set up indoors, its trunk should be placed in water and it should be stored in a cool, shaded, and protected area such as an unheated garage.
5 tips for maintaining healthy houseplants during winter months
If the tree has been cut within 12 hours of set up indoors, it will not be necessary to recut the trunk. If it has been longer than 12 hours since harvest, the trunk should be re-cut to improve water uptake. Cut a ¼-inch-thick slice from the base of the trunk and be sure to make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don’t cut the trunk at an angle or into a v-shape, as this will make it difficult to hold the tree in the stand and reduce the amount of water the tree will uptake.
How to plant paperwhites for the holiday season
Just in case the ground freezes before you have a chance to plant your living tree outdoors in January, its best to dig the planting hole now where you wish to plant the tree. Be sure to dig the planting hole two or three times wider than the container or root ball of the tree you plan to purchase. The hole should be dug to the same depth as the as the container or root ball. Soil dug from the hole can be stored in the garage in a wheelbarrow or in large containers to avoid freezing.
Mike Hogan is Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources and associate professor with Ohio State University Extension. [email protected]