I remember the joke about how the same $20 makes the rounds of a town. One gets the $20, and repays a debt to the next person, who repays a debt to another, all around town....and so everyone is now out of debt and everyone feels like life is better now.

relatives exchange gift cards, lol. Or MIL aks for money but then gives my kids money. Wait! Did I just give my kids money?

The concept of the "circulating gift" is the key. When you use it as you do, that $20 bill carries with it so much more than economic value. It's a token that acts as a symbol of connection. It holds a piece of your relationship with the one you give it to, so that they can pass it on in turn.

That's a beautiful way to use money.