noun
travel money; small farewell gift
Historically, a small sum of money given to someone departing on a journey, originally to buy straw sandals (草鞋). Now used for a modest parting gift or travel allowance. Often has a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel.
旅立つ友人に草鞋銭を渡した。
I gave my departing friend a little travel money.
これはほんの草鞋銭です。道中お気をつけて。
This is just a small farewell gift. Take care on your journey.
餞別 is the more common modern word for a farewell gift or send-off present, while 草鞋銭 specifically evokes the image of travel money and has a more rustic, old-fashioned nuance.
From 草鞋 (わらじ, straw sandals) + 銭 (せん, money). Originally referred to money given to a traveler to buy straw sandals for the journey.