Do you have a soon-to-be-grad in your life? Then, you'll need to start planning the ultimate graduation party! We're talking graduation party foods, fun decor, and a crowd-pleasing spring cake to help celebrate all of their accomplishments. It needs to be the best party possible, so to eliminate the stress of having to plan something from scratch, we've helped you out by creating a list of some well-deserved graduation party ideas.
If you're a parent like Ree Drummond who has had 5 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, we've got you covered with some of the best DIY graduation party ideas around!
1
School Color Balloon Arch
It may be a tale as old as time, but balloon arches are seriously a great way to level up any party! You could incorporate the color palette of your grad's school, while also adding in balloons that state the year of graduation.
Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.
2
Graduation Gift Jar
This clever idea is perfect for gift cards or fun graduation wishes! Just grab a spice jar, some black felt, embroidery floss, and a button to create the mini caps on top of each jar. If your graduation gift is on the larger side, you can also print out a picture of the gift and place it in the jar instead.
Get the tutorial at Crafts by Amanda.
3
'80s Balloon Backdrop
Make your party old-school with an '80s theme that's shiny and bright. This photo backdrop consists of silver holographic balloons in various shapes, like stars and moons, along with cute floating disco balls.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
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4
Graduation Themed Shirts
We love a good pun! Which is why putting a graduation one-liner on a shirt just makes sense. "One degree hotter" is not only creative, but will make your guests chuckle a bit. Plus, the shirt in itself is so darn cute!
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
5
Backyard Games
Assuming the weather is nice, you could get some fun backyard games going! It doesn't really matter which specific games you choose to go with, but you can never go wrong with a classic game of corn hole. This is a fun way to pass the time, and you can also get a little competition going.
6
Crepe Paper Wrist Corsage
Corsages have a way of making anything look and feel classy. If that's your vibe, then add one into a centerpiece or as a simple table decoration using the colors of your grad's school.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
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7
Farmhouse Centerpiece
Some people live and breathe farm life, while others simply appreciate a rustic look. If your grad falls into either category, creating a farmhouse centerpiece is something they'll appreciate. Use wood and metal accents and some cow prints to really seal the deal.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
8
'Congrats Grad!' Tote Bag
A cute tote can go a long way, and can make the perfect gift come graduation! You could even use it as a place to hold all of the other gifts your grad receives—just detail the outside of it with something like "Congrats Grad!"
Get the tutorial at That's What Che Said.
9
'Oh, the Places You'll Go' Theme
Getting a little sentimental here! Anyone who grew up reading the classic Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You'll Go, will smile at this idea. We can see parents everywhere also getting a little choked up.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
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10
Graduation Party in a Box
Even those who don't live in close proximity to their loved ones, can still celebrate graduation in a memorable way. Just send them a graduation party... in a box! Fill it with everything you need for a party, like streamers, party hats, and confetti, as well as some personal touches like photos.
Get the tutorial at The Thinking Closet.
11
Graduation Award Ribbons
Ribbons are sort of symbolic with success—and it goes without saying that graduation is a success worth celebrating! Make some of your own graduation ribbons to help commemorate this achievement.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
12
'Set Sail' Boat Balloon Decoration
"Set sail on a bright future" is such a cute way of wishing someone good luck on their next phase of life! Use this saying in your theme by creating a cute boat decoration. It's perfect for a nautical-themed graduation party. Make it by turning a moon balloon on its side!
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
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13
Science-Themed Party
Throwing a party for someone who graduated with a chemistry or biology degree? Honor that by planning a science-themed party! We're talking periodic tables as placemats, test tubes as drinking cups, and a backdrop with scientific equations.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle .
14
Graduation Cap and Diploma Treat Boxes
Treat boxes may not be the first thing you think about for your graduation party, but a graduation cap and diploma shaped box might be exactly what you need! You can send your guests off with treat boxes full of tasty snacks as a party favor.
Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.
15
Graduation Balloon Superlatives
If you know your grad has tons of friends from their graduating class coming, then spruce things up with a yearbook superlative-themed section. You can make it extra cute by attaching photos their friends at the end of a balloon string, and writing a specific superlative for them on the back.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
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16
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 Disney graduation party complete with Mickey Mouse accents.
Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.
17
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.
18
Graduation Bottle Tags
These cute printable tags will look so festive when paired with celebratory bottles of bubbly or sparkling cider.
Get the tutorial at Persia Lou.
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19
School Spirit Keychains
Celebrate your college grad and their friends with these glittery keychains featuring their school logo. They would make great party favors!
Get the tutorial at The Homes I Have Made.
20
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.
