Graduation parties are around the corner. Whether you are throwing a party or attending a party, these graduation party ideas are perfect to honor the graduate.
From kindergarten graduations to graduate school graduation parties, we have you covered. All of these great ideas can be used or modified to match the party you are looking to throw or attend.
When Kelan and I graduated high school Pinterest was still just an idea and still two years out from actually being a search platform. Now graduation party ideas are endless with the use of Pinterest. These are just a few of our favorites!
1. Money-filled balloons as the graduation gift and as a party decoration
Found on celebration shoppe
One of the most common gifts at a graduation party is cash. You could go the old-fashioned route of money in a card, but you can go above and beyond with your cash giving experience. Fill the cash in fun graduation balloons and arrive at the party with this great gift. The graduate will never forget. How much fun will it be when they open up these balloons?!
2. Create a “Words to Live By” quote board
Found on Lemon Squeezy Home
The amount of advice that your graduation party guests can bring to the graduate is astronomical. Having a spot for guests to share their knowledge and advice for the graduate as they move forward in their life is going to be important. I love the chic look of this chicken wire matched with the graduation cards. The graduate can use the board in college to place Post-It Notes or motivational quotes to help them study hard.
3. Survival gift box filled with toiletries, gift cards, and money
Found on Revel and Glitter
I also love the idea of giving gifts that are practical that the graduate can use when they get to school. Putting together a survival kit or a group of gifts that go together is a great option. I love these clear gift boxes for a clean and put together look. I also like the idea of using a basket or a caddy that the graduate can use again as well.
4. A must-have smoked salmon and cream cheese appetizer diplomas
Found on What Should I Make For
Make your food to match the theme of your party. These appetizers are wrapped to resemble graduation diplomas. The options are endless on how you can theme up your food. Some of the different party ideas include diplomas, graduation caps, school name/logo, or the graduation year.
5. Display your graduate’s special memories on this Graduation Memory Board
Found on Home Made Interest
This wood plaque can be a keepsake for the graduate for years to come. Place important pictures that have been taken over years or any important memories/experiences. I can see in the picture they have a plane ticket stub and a ribbon. All great experiences that mean something for the graduate and made them who they are today.
6. Chalkboard speech bubble for a gram-worthy shoot
Found on The Paper Curator
A graduation party means a lot of friends and students coming together. Being able to take pictures together with these fun chalkboard signs will last forever. Chalk fun sayings or inside jokes you had over the years to remind you years down the road.
7. Printing labels on everything to make it your own
Found on Share Dessert Co.
There are so much that you can do with a printer or if you have a more sophisticated machine like a Cricut for a graduation party. All you need is a program like Google doc and purchase some unique labels or special graduation paper. Type up and label bottles, food, and desserts.
8. NCAA graduation themed parties are definitely cool
Found on Party Til Dawn
Dawn from Party Til Dawn has taken the theme of NCAA to a new level! She used items from Oriental Trading Company or you can find them on Amazon as well. Whether the graduate is headed to an NCAA school or just graduated from one, you can incorporate elements from the college to help bring life and decoration to the party.
9. Bright colored party fans and decorative swirls for kindergarten
Found on Design Improvised
Graduation from preschool or kindergarten is a big deal! What an accomplishment in such a small amount of time. This is the perfect small family graduation party to have at your house. Spice up the room with graduation decorations and make it extra special for your young one!
10. Sharing your “Then and Now” picture together with your best friends
Found on My Creative Therapy
What a great table centerpiece idea! Have each table with different then and now pictures. The pictures can be of different friends of the graduate over the years. Fill the buckets with centerpiece stuffers like above or different food that can be munched on before the main course.
11. Donut graduation party in shades of pink with different varieties of donuts
Found on Bloom Designs
Did someone say donuts?! Where was this idea when I graduated from high school? I LOVE donuts and having donuts be the center of the party is AMAZING! Such a great girl eighth-grade graduation party. The color scheme of pink is simple and you can incorporate a lot of different foods and drinks to match your theme. Check this one out!
12. Graduation advice tree where people could write advice, notes, congratulations, or whatever
Found on Play Party Plan
Similar to the advice board above. Like I said, guests have been through experiences that can offer the graduate some excellent advice. This idea uses a tree instead of the chicken wire. Guests can place their gift for the graduate on the table and then place advice on the cards to add to the tree.
13. Photo booth area with some props is definitely fun
Found on Robb Restyle
Kelan and I did a joint graduation party together. We did not take any photos from our party which is a real bummer. We placed graduation cameras on each of the tables, but people did not take any pictures and for those who did we did not have enough to get developed. Yes, I said developed. Luckily, nowadays we all are able to capture pictures instantly on our phones and having a place designed for those selfie lovers is perfect.
14. Cute paint cans as your graduation party favors
Found on Party Pinching
Party favors are necessary. These graduation paint cans are definitely something your guests would not be expecting. However, everyone has a budget and not necessarily all the time to make great favors like above. Favors could be as simple as the graduate’s favorite candy along with a nice note. Or even a connection to the school or field of study the graduate is going into or just graduated from.
15. Graduation hat toppers for your yummy cupcakes
Found on Lil Luna
You can even decorate the desserts to time everything together. These graduation caps were handmade and you can check out Lil Luna to see how she made these incredible looking hats. If you do not think you can make something like these, you can always purchase them at your local party store or Amazon.
Graduation is a special time for everyone involved. Having a party to support and provide advice for the recent graduate honors the hard work and future they have in front of them. Get to work on some of these ideas and your party will be one they will never forget!
Follow us on Pinterest for other great party ideas!
What is your favorite graduation party idea?
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