Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (2024)

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (1)

Get ready to celebrate the class of 2023 because graduation season is almost here! The young person in your life will never forget their high school or college graduation so you owe it to them to celebrate all of their hard work and dedication with an epic celebration.

Ree Drummond knows her way around a graduation party—there have been quite a few over the years in her family of seven! Whether the celebration is taking place in your home, decked-out backyard, or a restaurant or event space, you can make it one to remember with these fun DIY graduation party ideas (and some thoughtful graduation gifts, of course!).

There are so many special ways to mark this milestone. 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!

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1

Crepe Paper Wrist Corsage

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (2)

A corsage is such a timeless way to celebrate a special occasion like graduation, and this pretty crepe paper one is something they'll treasure forever.

Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.

SHOP CREPE PAPER

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2

Farmhouse Centerpiece

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (3)

Whether your grad grew up on a farm, is embarking on a career in farming, or just loves farmhouse décor, this cute cow-themed centerpiece will set the perfect tone for their graduation party. Incorporate rustic elements like wood and galvanized metal to round out the look.

Get the tutorial at Hostess with the Mostest.

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3

'Congrats Grad!' Tote Bag

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (4)

This celebratory tote is just what they'll need to hold all of their cards and gifts from the party. You can also use this free printable to make shirts, cards, banners, and more!

Get the tutorial at That's What Che Said.

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4

'Oh, the Places You'll Go' Theme

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (5)

Dr. Seuss's iconic book is the perfect theme for a graduation party for kids of any age. What better way to celebrate their bright future?

Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.

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5

Graduation Party in a Box

If you can't be there to celebrate the grad in your life in person, the next best thing is this graduation party in a box! It's filled with decorations, photos, party hats, and more fun items.

Get the tutorial at The Thinking Closet.

SHOP PARTY HATS

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6

Graduation Award Ribbons

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (7)

Make them feel like a real winner with one of these homemade award ribbons. It's such a cute way to celebrate their accomplishments!

Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.

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7

'Set Sail' Boat Balloon Decoration

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (8)

This cute boat decoration would be 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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8

Science-Themed Party

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (9)

If the grad in your life is on their way to study chemistry or biology at college, celebrate their interests with a science-themed party featuring the periodic table, molecule accents, and test tube drinkware.

Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle .

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9

Graduation Cap and Diploma Treat Boxes

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (10)

Fold these cute graduation cap and diploma-shaped boxes and fill them with treats for the cutest party favors!

Get the tutorial at Lia Griffith.

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10

Disney Graduation Theme

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (11)

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.

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11

Graduation Balloon Superlatives

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (12)

Attach pictures of your grad and their friends to balloons and give them all special recognition with superlatives like "most likely to be president," "best couple," and more.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!

SHOP BALLOONS

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12

Graduation Cap Cookies

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (13)

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.

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13

Graduation Bottle Tags

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (14)

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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14

School Spirit Keychains

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (15)

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.

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15

Graduation Candy Board

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (16)

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.

SHOP GOLD CANDY

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16

Candy Bar and Money Lei

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (17)

A candy bar and money lei might be our favorite kind of lei. What's not to love?! This one is easy to create using plastic wrap and curling ribbon.

Get the tutorial at The Craft Patch.

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17

Personalized Graduation Cake

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (18)

For a dessert that's as unique as your graduate, create a tiered cake featuring all of their favorite things and hobbies. Don't forget to spell out congrats in candy letters!

Get the tutorial at Meaningful Mama.

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18

Graduation Cap Cupcake Toppers

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (19)

How cute are these graduation cap cupcake toppers? They're made entirely out of candy, including an upside down peanut butter cup, a chocolate square, and a licorice "tassel."

Get the tutorial at Somewhat Simple.

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19

Photo Collage

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (20)

Your little one is all grown up and graduating. Give everyone at the party a glimpse of how far they've come with a decorative collage of photos of your grad through the years.

Get the tutorial at Skip to My Lou.

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20

DIY Donut Wall

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (21)

A DIY donut wall is the perfect festive (and delicious!) focal point for your celebration. All you'll need to make it is a pegboard, milk paint, pegboard hooks, and of course, donuts!

Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.

SHOP PEGBOARDS

Celebrate Your 2024 Grad with These Fun Graduation Party Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What to do instead of a graduation party? ›

Here are 15 alternative ways to celebrate graduation with friends and family.
  • Throw Them a Grad Party. ...
  • Take Them on a Trip. ...
  • Tickets to a Concert, Play, or Spa Day. ...
  • Give to a Cause that's Important to Them. ...
  • Get Them a Personalized Gift. ...
  • Give Them Cash and Let Them Decide. ...
  • Live-Streaming Graduation Ceremonies.

What is the best theme for graduation? ›

The Top 10 Graduation Party Theme Ideas for 2024
  • 1990s Throwback Party. Get ready for an epic throwback bash that feels totally fresh for 2024 grads. ...
  • Masquerade Ball. ...
  • Hollywood Glam. ...
  • Tropical Luau. ...
  • Old-Time Carnival. ...
  • Disco Dance-Off. ...
  • Wild West. ...
  • High Tea.
Jan 22, 2024

How much money is appropriate for a graduation party? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

How many hours should a graduation party be? ›

It can be planned for directly after the graduation or held a few days (even weeks) afterward. Typically you do not host this party prior to graduation. This party can be structured as a typical party (about 2-4 hours) with a start time or as an open house where guests can come and go as they please.

What is the point of a graduation party? ›

The benefits of which include being able to take in the ceremony and celebrate it along with your child. A graduation party celebrates the successes of your child as well as the sacrifices you made to ensure that they were able to make it this far.

How to do a simple graduation party? ›

How to Throw the Best Graduation Party
  1. Choose a Fun Venue. ...
  2. Give Your Graduation Party a Theme. ...
  3. Send Personalized Graduation Party Invitations. ...
  4. Decorate Your Venue in Style. ...
  5. Plan a Delicious Menu. ...
  6. Capture the Graduation Celebration in Photos. ...
  7. Celebrate Your Grad's Achievements. ...
  8. Make a Toast to the New Grad.
Aug 7, 2023

Do friends bring gifts to graduation parties? ›

Personalized cards and gifts will go a long way toward expressing this intention, and will always be welcomed. Close friends and relatives should always try to bring a gift, while acquaintances can opt for a nice card with a personalized message.

How much do you give a friend for graduation gift? ›

When it comes to high school graduation gifts, it's best to keep things modest. A good range to consider is: $20 - $50: For acquaintances or distant relatives. $50 - $100: For close friends and immediate family members.

How much do you give a friends kid for graduation? ›

Close relatives like grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings: If you're a close family member of the graduate, expect to give around $50 to $200. Close friend: If a good friend is graduating, a $50 to $100 gift is a good choice. Acquaintance or co-worker: Spend less for someone you don't know quite as well.

What is the best color for a graduation party? ›

A black, silver, and gold theme graduation party is the perfect way to celebrate your grad's big milestone. This color scheme exudes elegance, sophistication, and luxury, making it an excellent choice for a graduation celebration. Not to mention, it's just a classic graduation color palette.

What is the most common graduation gift? ›

Cash is still king, and as much as your graduate will appreciate it, it may feel impersonal to you. You could gift them money for a specific need they'll have in their newfound adulthood. For instance, taking care of a licensing fee or helping them with housing is extremely thoughtful and practical.

Do you play games at a graduation party? ›

If your goal is to plan an exciting and memorable graduation party for your graduate, fun games and activities are a must. Games can make for budget-friendly activities that will keep your guests entertained for hours. When brainstorming some games, keep your guests, venue and weather in mind.

Do you give party favors at a graduation party? ›

Remember, graduation parties are a time to celebrate achievements and create lasting memories. Party favors can be a delightful addition that adds a touch of appreciation and thoughtfulness to the event.

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