How To Make A Surprise Cash Candle

How to Make a Surprise Cash Candle: A Fun and Unique DIY Gift Idea

Surprise gifts always bring a smile, especially when they come with an unexpected twist! One of the most creative ways to surprise someone is with a "cash candle." This delightful DIY project blends the cosy ambience of a candle with the fun and practicality of hidden cash. Whether you're looking for a unique gift for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, a surprise cash candle is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a surprise cash candle from start to finish. We’ll cover all the necessary materials, step-by-step instructions, and some extra tips to make your cash candle special.

What You’ll Need to Make a Surprise Cash Candle

Before diving into the creative process, gather the materials needed for the project. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to create a beautiful and functional cash candle:

• Candle Wax – You can use soy wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax. Soy wax is eco-friendly, burns cleanly, and is easy to work with, making it a popular choice for candle-making.
• Wicks – Choose a wick suitable for the candle size you plan to make. Wooden wicks add a charming crackle when lit, while cotton wicks are a more traditional option.
• Heatproof Container – A mason jar, teacup, or any glass container with straight sides works well for holding the wax.
• Cash – This is the star of the show! You can use any currency, but it's important to choose bills that are thin and flexible (such as paper money or gift certificates) to prevent them from crinkling or tearing.
• Essential Oils or Fragrance Oils (Optional)—To add a pleasant scent to your candle, you can add a few drops of your favourite fragrance or essential oils.
• Dye or Colorant (Optional) – You can add colour to the wax using candle dye or crayon shavings. This is optional but can enhance the aesthetic of the candle.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil – Used to wrap the cash and prevent it from coming into contact with the wax.
• Hot Glue Gun – For securing the wick and holding the cash in place.
• Scissors – To cut the cash, wick, and any other materials as needed.
  

  Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Surprise Cash Candle

  Step 1: Prepare Your Cash
  The most exciting part of the process is hiding the cash in the candle! First, take the cash or gift cards that you want to hide inside the candle. If using paper currency, fold the bills gently to avoid creasing or tearing. It’s best to keep the bills in a compact shape so they fit neatly inside the candle container.
• Fold the Cash: Fold the money neatly into a rectangle or roll it into a small, tight cylinder, ensuring it fits well inside the container. You want the cash to be a hidden surprise but still easily accessible when the candle is burned.
• Wrap the Cash: Use parchment paper or aluminium foil to wrap the cash. This protects the money from getting soaked in wax while also making it easy to remove later. Be sure the wrap is secure but not overly tight.
  
  Step 2: Prepare the Candle Container and Wick
  Choose a container that fits the size of your folded or rolled cash. A mason jar, teacup, or any clear glass jar works beautifully. The container should have enough space to allow the candle to burn properly while hiding the cash inside.
• Attach the Wick: Secure your wick to the bottom of the container. You can use a hot glue gun to attach the base of the wick to the centre of the jar. Make sure it stands straight and is centred. You may also want to tie the wick around a pencil or skewer to keep it taut and prevent it from leaning.
• Place the Wrapped Cash: Gently place the wrapped cash in the container, making sure it stays towards the centre and away from the edges. The money should be positioned so that it is partially submerged in wax but still visible when the candle is finished.

Step 3: Melt the Wax
Now it’s time to melt the wax. You can do this using a double boiler method, which involves placing the wax in a heatproof container over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally to help it melt evenly.

• Prepare the Wax: Use approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds of wax, depending on the size of your container. If you’re adding fragrance or colour, now’s the time to mix those in. Add about 1 ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax, and a few drops of dye if you want to color the wax.
• Melt the Wax: Heat the wax slowly until it is completely melted, stirring regularly to avoid overheating. You want the wax to reach a temperature of around 170-180°F (77-82°C).
  
  Step 4: Pour the Wax
  Once the wax is melted and any fragrance or color has been added, it’s time to pour it into your prepared container.
• Pour the Wax Carefully: Slowly pour the melted wax into the container, filling it to just above the wrapped cash. Leave enough space at the top to prevent wax from overflowing when you light the candle. Pouring slowly helps avoid trapping air bubbles in the wax.
• Allow the Wax to Set: Let the wax cool and solidify at room temperature. This can take several hours, so be patient. If the wax cools too quickly or forms a crack in the middle, you can reheat and pour a second layer of wax to smooth it out.
  
  Step 5: Trim the Wick
  Once the wax is fully set and the candle has cooled, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the candle. This ensures a clean burn and prevents the wick from being too tall, which could cause uneven burning.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
You can add a decorative touch to the candle by wrapping a ribbon, twine, or a personalized label around the jar. This step is optional, but it adds a thoughtful and polished finish to the gift.

You might also want to write a fun note on the outside, such as “Burn for a Surprise” or “The Secret is in the Candle!”

Step 7: Enjoy the Surprise!
Now that your surprise cash candle is complete, it’s ready to be gifted or used. When the recipient lights the candle, they will enjoy the soft glow and pleasant fragrance, but the best part is that once the wax begins to melt, they’ll uncover the hidden cash or gift card inside!

Tips for a Perfect Surprise Cash Candle

• Avoid Overheating the Wax: Be sure not to overheat the wax when melting it. If the wax gets too hot, it can burn and ruin the scent or texture. Always use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
• Experiment with Scents: You can choose any fragrance you like, from soothing lavender to refreshing citrus. Keep in mind that the fragrance will be more noticeable when the candle is burning, so select one that suits the recipient’s preferences.
• Personalize the Cash: If you’re giving the cash candle to someone special, consider including personalized gift cards or a small note along with the cash to make it more meaningful.
• Choose the Right Container Size: Be sure the container you choose is large enough to hold the cash and still allow the wax to burn properly.
  

  Conclusion

  A surprise cash candle is a creative and thoughtful gift that combines the cozy allure of candlelight with the excitement of a hidden cash reward. By following this simple DIY process, you can create a one-of-a-kind gift that will delight and surprise anyone who receives it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to make someone’s day, a surprise cash candle is sure to light up their world—both literally and figuratively!