Saturday, July 2, 2011

Money Doesn't Grow On Trees - GBE2 Week #6

Money trees have been a popular celebration gift for a while now. My mother had one at her 75th birthday and there was one at my parents’ 50th anniversary. But, I think the origin of the money tree idea was the old saying “money doesn’t grow on trees”. I can’t swear on that, but it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.  

Actually, if you’re talking about our own paper money, that old saying is true. NONE of the paper in paper money comes from trees. All of those greenbacks are made of 75% cotton and 25% linen with some red and blue fiber strands added for the purpose of making counterfeiting more difficult. Now, I knew there was linen in our money, but I didn’t realize there was NO wood pulp at all in it. So, I’ve learned something as I’m writing this.

Back to money trees, though; I think they’re great ideas when you want to give a gift but aren’t really sure what would be appropriate (co-worker, boss, graduate, engagement party, etc.) Everyone can put their cash gift on the tree which can then be presented with flair to the recipient along with the appropriate party accoutrements and signed card. In fact, if you wanted to add a bit more suspense to the gift, set the tree inside a large box which will then be wrapped and decorated with a big bow. Everyone can use cash and they’d be able to apply it to exactly where it is needed.

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