Holiday Pools Are The Festive Way To Give And Receive Cash For Christmas

Are you stumped on what to give someone this Christmas? Consider cash. Yes, cash. Despite what you might have heard about this taboo topic, cash for Christmas is the coveted gift du jour.

But rather than give an envelope of cash, try something festive and personal, like Pool. Holiday Pools are good at many things, but they excel at elevating cash gifts and making them feel more thoughtful.

Plus, they're so easy to set up, you'll want to gift them every holiday season. We'll show you how. And if you're secretly wondering how you can receive cash gifts, we see you, and we like your thinking. Holiday Pools are great for requesting Christmas money without being tacky. We'll show you how here.

Contents:

• Is money a good gift for Christmas?
• What are Holiday Pools, and why are they great gifts?
• How to set up a Holiday Pool in 3 easy steps
• How to gift a Holiday Pool
• How to ask people for Christmas money this year

Is money a good gift for Christmas?

When it comes to gifts, there are no hard-set rules. Presents are as nuanced as the people who give and receive them — except when it comes to cash. Have you noticed that?

Whenever you ask if it's okay to give cash for Christmas, most people say: Don't do it. Cash is thoughtless. But is it?

According to Statista's 2025 holiday survey, money is the most desired Christmas gift in the United States, with 36% of consumers saying they'd be happy to receive it — ranking it #1 ahead of all other gifts. And why not? Extra cash gives people financial wiggle room to splurge or invest in things they have to postpone or write off altogether.

There's probably at least one person on your list secretly hoping to receive cash. And as much as you'd like to give them what they want, you feel a slight tinge of guilt. Giving money feels like you don't care or don't put effort into their gift.

Enter Holiday Pools. They elevate cash gifts in any amount and are sure to delight.

What are Holiday Pools, and why are they great gifts?

A Holiday Pool is a dedicated place to put holiday gift money. You can collect money from others if you're giving a group gift, or simply add funds on your own.

Then, you can gift the Holiday Pool to anyone on your Christmas list. Recipients can access their Christmas money immediately and spend directly from the Pool with a free digital debit card.

7 reasons why Holiday Pools are great Christmas money gifts

1. The Holiday Pool always arrives in time for Christmas. Text the recipient, and they can "open" their Holiday Pool and start spending.
2. You can go in on a group cash gift by creating a Pool and inviting family or friends to join.
3. Recipients can spend Pool money wherever they prefer, unlike gift cards, which restrict you to specific retailers or services.
4. Recipients can quickly check the Pool balance on Poolmoney.com — no need to enter lengthy gift card codes on different websites.
5. There are no deadlines. Holiday Pools stay open as long as the recipient wants.
6. Recipients can use Holiday Pools to continue collecting money throughout the year — for birthday money, babysitting, dog sitting, or housesitting money, or to save and budget for specific purchases.
7. Holiday Pools are sustainable. Spread peace on earth with zero shopping, shipping, or wrapping.

How to set up a Holiday Pool in 3 easy steps

1. Start a free Holiday Pool

Sign up at Poolmoney.com and set up your Holiday Pool in 5 minutes or less. Simply name your Pool, add an image, choose a color theme, write a brief description, and voila — you're done.

2. Add Christmas money

You can put money in the Holiday Pool via bank transfer or debit card for free.

How much money should you give as a Christmas gift? Most people agree that the closer you are to someone, the more you should give them. Our two cents? Never put yourself in a compromising financial situation for gift-giving — the recipient wouldn't want that!

3. Invite others to contribute toward the gift

Are you giving a group cash gift? Create a Holiday Pool and invite family or friends to join. Everyone can contribute toward the gift, making it easier to give a larger and more meaningful present together.

Pool keeps all contributions organized in one dedicated place, so you don't have to juggle money transfers, spreadsheets, or reimbursement requests. Instead, everyone can see progress toward the gift and collaborate transparently.

The fantastic thing about Holiday Pools? Christmas money stays separate from personal accounts and remains organized in one place until you're ready to use it.

How to gift a Holiday Pool

Giving a Holiday Pool is simple. Start a Holiday Pool, add funds, and invite the recipient to join.

Once they sign up at Poolmoney.com and join the Pool, you can transfer management responsibilities to them or remove yourself from the Pool if you'd like them to manage the funds independently.

If you are gifting a Holiday Pool to a child, invite their parent or guardian to join and help manage the funds. Recipients can spend Pool funds with the Pool debit card wherever Visa is accepted or transfer funds to their bank account if they prefer.

How can I get money for Christmas?

Would you like to receive money this year rather than accumulate more things? Or would you like your kids to receive cash from well-meaning relatives? Setting up a Holiday Pool is a wonderful option.

The next time someone asks you what you'd like for Christmas, break into your best "I don't want a lot for Christmas, there is just one thing I need," and tell them you want money this year. We jest. Keep reading to see how to request money without feeling awkward or singing Mariah Carey.

How to ask people for Christmas money this year

As much as people want to receive Christmas money as a gift, many still prefer to give thoughtful presents. So, how can you tell people that you're A-okay with monetary gifts? Tact and consideration are essential, as are these simple guidelines:

• Share why you want money. What would you like to acquire, experience, or invest in? When people know they are helping you experience something special, they're keener to pitch in.
• Ask if you can invite them to join your Holiday Pool. Tell them that any amount they contribute is appreciated. Reassure them that it's completely okay if they prefer to give a traditional gift instead.
• Thank everyone who contributed to your Holiday Pool! It's easy — Pool keeps track of everyone who gifted money. Just check your Pool transactions.

Holiday Pools make giving and receiving Christmas money more festive and personal than cash envelopes, Venmo transfers, or Visa gift cards. Sign up today at poolmoney.com to make your Holiday experience brighter.