60 Best Graduation Party Ideas That Your Grad and Guests Will Love
Because your grad deserves to be celebrated!
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If you or someone in your life is about to graduate, it's time to start planning the ultimate graduation celebration to highlight those scholarly achievements! Think delicious graduation party snacks, festive decorations, and a show-stopping graduation cake. To make things easier and stress-free, use this list of great graduation party ideas to help you throw an unforgettable event.
If you're a parent like Ree Drummond who has had five kids graduate high school (and a couple graduate college, too!), then you're probably aware that this chapter in life is a pretty big deal. It takes time to think of the perfect graduation gift, and even more so for a college graduation gift—but putting your time and effort into a graduation party can really help show off your creativity.
To get you started, you'll want to pick out the party theme. For a personal touch, pay tribute to childhood memories with a sweet photo wreath or a poster featuring cute snapshots of your grad through the years. Create a color palette using your kid’s school colors and shiny gold touches here and there. Round up meaningful graduation quotes to add to centerpieces. And of course, celebrate your grad's academic career with graduation cap decorations, garlands with tassels, and more. No matter what the future holds for your favorite graduate, they're sure to have a celebration that's covered with some of the best DIY graduation party ideas around!
Even more ways to celebrate their scholarly success:
Graduation Snack Board
Edible party decorations are always a hit! Fill number-shaped dishes representing the graduation year with candy, and use letter cookies to spell out "Congrats Grad." For an extra festive touch, include graduation cap candies and diploma-shaped cookies throughout the display!
Get the tutorial at The Baker Mama.
Graduation Chatbook
Craft this heartfelt scrapbook filled with momentous memories from your graduate's time at home, then display it on a table for all the guests to flip through!
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Money Wreath
For a unique way to gift money to your grad, try making this simple money wreath! It’s adorned with bills rolled to resemble diplomas and finished off with a festive printable tag that reads "Congrats Grad."
Get the tutorial at It's Always Autumn.
School Color Balloon Arch
Balloon arches are a timeless party staple and an excellent way to enhance any celebration! Personalize them by matching the colors to your grad's school and including balloons featuring the graduation year for an extra-special touch.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
DIY Photo Booth Props
Get the party started with a fun DIY photo booth at the entrance! Of course, you'll need props, which are so easy to make with wooden shapes and paint. Think: mustaches, glasses, and graduation-themed props, like caps and celebratory signs.
Get the tutorial at DIY Candy.
Graduation Gift Jar
This creative idea is perfect for holding gift cards or heartfelt graduation messages! Use a spice jar, embroidery floss, felt, and a button to craft miniature graduation caps for each jar. If your gift is larger, you can print a picture of it and place it inside instead.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
Metallic Balloon Backdrop
Give your party a retro twist with some metallics! Design a dazzling photo backdrop with silver holographic balloons in playful shapes like stars and moons, complemented by floating disco balls for a touch of nostalgia.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Graduation Themed Shirts
You can't go wrong with a clever pun—or a fun T-shirt! "One degree hotter" is both witty and guaranteed to get some laughs. Plus, the shirt itself is so darn cute.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Farmhouse Centerpiece
Whether your graduate lives the farm life or simply loves a rustic vibe, a farmhouse centerpiece is sure to make an impression. Use a mix of wood and metal accents, paired with cow prints, to perfectly capture the theme.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
Backyard Games
If the weather is nice, why not organize some enjoyable outdoor games? The options are endless, but you can’t go wrong with the timeless game of cornhole. It’s a fantastic way to entertain guests and ignite a bit of friendly competition!
'Oh, the Places You'll Go' Theme
Everyone will be feeling a bit sentimental with this one! Anyone who grew up reading the beloved Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You'll Go will surely appreciate the sweet idea.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
Graduation Party in a Box
Even if you’re far from your loved ones, you can still celebrate their graduation in a special way. Send them a graduation party... in a box! Fill it with essentials for a festive celebration—like streamers, party hats, and confetti—along with personal touches such as photos to make the moment even more memorable.
Get the tutorial at The Thinking Closet.
Graduation Award Ribbons
Ribbons are sort of symbolic with success—and it goes without saying that graduation is a success worth celebrating! Create your own graduation ribbons to honor this special achievement and make the occasion even more memorable.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
'Set Sail' Boat Balloon Decoration
"Set sail on a bright future" is a delightful way to wish someone good luck as they embark on their next chapter! Incorporate this saying into your theme by crafting an adorable boat decoration—perfect for a nautical-themed graduation party. Create it by simply turning a moon-shaped balloon on its side!
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
Graduation Balloon Superlatives
If your grad has friends from their graduating class coming to celebrate, add a fun touch with a yearbook superlative-themed section. Make it extra special by attaching photos of their friends to balloon strings and writing personalized superlatives on the back of each one.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Science-Themed Party
Hosting a celebration for someone who earned a chemistry or biology degree? Embrace the occasion with a science-themed party! Picture periodic tables as placemats, test tubes as drinkware, and a backdrop featuring scientific equations to set the perfect atmosphere.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle .
Graduation Cap and Diploma Treat Boxes
Treat boxes might not be the first thing that come to mind for your graduation party, but boxes shaped like a graduation cap or diploma could be just what you need! These treat boxes, filled with delicious snacks, make perfect party favors to send your guests off in style.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
Disney Graduation Theme
Does the grad in your life love all things Disney? Celebrate their transition from Disney kid to Disney adult with a magical graduation party complete with charming Mickey Mouse accents.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
Graduation Cap Cookies
These graduation cap cookies will make the perfect addition to your party spread. Use frosting in their school colors for a personal touch.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Graduation Candy Board
Celebrate the class of 2o22 with this gorgeous candy board. To replicate this idea, simply place number trays in the center of a round charcuterie board and then fill it with black and gold candy and treats.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & a Princess.
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