Inside: How to decorate a graduation cap with inspiration from 60 awesomely creative ways to let your personality shine on the big day!
Graduation season is upon us.
And there is so much preparation for this special event. We want to do all the things so there are no regrets.
Last May we were celebrating what is probably the last graduation for the last child. And said child almost didn’t want to go to the huge campus-wide college ceremony.
Yes, it was hot. It was crowded. It was loooooong.
And it was amazing. Regret averted.
So what was the only regret? That she didn’t know about decorating the graduation cap!
Since you’re reading this post, you’re obviously ahead of the graduation game.
You’ve ordered the traditional cords, stoles, and tassels – check. Picked out the perfect graduation outfit—check.
Now it’s time to add your own fun and flair to that boring graduation get-up.
So buckle up, because I’ve come up with a collection of 60 of the best graduation cap ideas for you to peruse to get your creative juices flowing!
Why should you decorate your graduation cap?
- Your friends and family will be able to find you in the ocean of mortar boards.
- That perfect graduation outfit will be covered up with the customary gown but this is a great way to show your personality and stand out from the crowd. Don’t just be one more cap crossing the stage (yawn).
- It makes for fantastic photo memories.
- And we’ve already covered the regret factor. The crowd will ooh and aah and laugh and talk about how original and clever those students are. And you’ll think to yourself as your friends and family are focused on them, “I’m clever too – AND you’re here for me!”
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Graduation cap decoration ideas for college.
For the Bachelor of Science grad, you gotta love this one. Make your own or you can buy this B.S. Topper ready to go on Etsy.
You know exactly what this graduate’s been up to the last four years with this graduation cap design. She must have had a well-rounded college experience.
Graduation cap ideas for college majors.
Nurse grad caps.
This colorful cap is a fun way to stand out from the crowd.
Nursing graduation cap ideas are plentiful on Pinterest. The lace trim on these make them a little extra.
Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, everybody?
This super cute nursing grad cap topper can be customized just for you on Etsy.
Biology and science graduation cap ideas.
A colorful DNA strand makes the perfect grad cap design for a biology major.
There are endless science humor possibilities with the periodic table.
Psychology major college grad cap idea.
Wouldn’t you know a Psych grad would have a message with a double meaning.
Theater major graduation cap ideas.
And we would absolutely expect the theater majors to decorate their caps. All the world’s a stage, right?
This graduate definitely didn’t throw away their shot at the ceremony with this “Hamilton” tribute.
English major graduation cap ideas.
This English major’s grad cap is lit as well.
It’s an easy read for literature majors to glue book pages onto their cap as a background (or should I say back story?)
Business majors graduation cap ideas.
Business majors can be fun too. And this one took care of business on graduation day.
Education major graduation cap ideas.
This cap’s message is why there’s a special place in heaven for good teachers.
Veterinary school major graduation cap ideas.
Too bad for the cats, but this Vet School grad cap is purr-fect.
Need a creative way to give a graduate a gift card? See the post “Creative and Fun Ways to Give Gift Cards“.
Graduation cap decoration ideas for high school.
It seems a little less common to see decorated grad caps at high school ceremonies. Maybe it’s because graduates are less willing to stand out at that age, or some schools may not allow it (always check first).
Decorating your high school grad cap is the perfect way to let everyone know what college you’re headed to.
Or shout the graduation year in bling. That year that always seemed so far in the future is now. Make your own or purchase this custom year grad cap on Etsy.
And this custom photo grad cap topper is a wonderful way to honor family members, special friends, or high school memories.
Grad cap designs that show school spirit.
You can’t go wrong with a simple bedazzled college logo.
The red of Alabama and San Diego State really pop on the black mortar boards.
You can use this Baylor Bears cap for inspiration or find this glitter and rhinestone school logo cap topper already done for you on Etsy.
Graduation cap ideas with school colors.
School colors are not only limited to the logo.
You can always count on LSU grads to bring the party. I would have totally worn this back in my day. (Geaux Tigers!!)
Here’s an idea for wearing the exact shade of your school’s color. So clever for an art major or simply if you have a signature color!
Funny graduation cap ideas.
This one’s sure to get Mom and Dad’s attention.
Still funny even though it’s probably not that big of a deal anymore.
This grad is ready for the job hunt.
Not just for NASCAR—I’m sure these sponsors did help this grad make it through.
Entering the game of Life has never been more creative.
If life is a game, this level is over. Make your own or buy this Game Over grad cap topper on Etsy.
Where else would he have found a grad cap idea? Okay—maybe on Google or Instagram or TikTok.
Moooo-ve over boring black square. Make your own cute cow print or this cow lovers grad cap topper is for sale on Etsy.
This Dr. Suess theme is double the fun for twins or besties.
An oldie but goodie, this Looney Tunes classic line says it all. Make your own, or this “That’s All Folks” cap cover is available on Amazon.
Graduation cap ideas from favorite movies, books, and TV shows.
Just one of the countless great lines from “The Office”.
For the Harry Potter fanatic had to get their mischief managed to make it to the big day.
And this line from Harry Potter makes a great inspirational graduation message.
This quote from “Legally Blonde” paired with the photos and messages are sure to make friends and family choke up a little.
“Alice in Wonderland” fans are always madly imaginative.
This quote from “Finding Nemo” is funny and unfortunately, probably true.
Can’t let this Disney Frozen grad cap go.
From “Mean Girls”. On graduation day we wear pink (caps).
This line from “Almost Famous” is right on for this crazy time.
Favorite quote graduation cap ideas.
This inspirational quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg even has her signature lace collar that peeked over her judge’s robe. And would decidedly pass the bar at a law school graduation. You can buy this girl power grad cap topper on Etsy.
Inspirational graduation quotes abound from the Bible. Choose one that speaks to you and your future. Or you can buy this bible verse “With God all things are possible” grad cap topper on Etsy.
Or this quote packages the perfect words for new graduates. You can find this “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” Graduation Topper with gorgeous flowers on Etsy.
If you need the right words to say in a message to a grad leaving home, see the post, “The Epic List of 110+ Quotes and Messages for House and Home“.
Graduation cap ideas for girls.
Another line from “Legally Blonde”. So easy to say when you get into Harvard Law School on a whim.
This Mean Girls grad cap on Etsy is the truth after the tassel is turned at the end of the ceremony.
Add a bow to make any cap more girly. This custom grad cap bow is available on Etsy.
Colorful fake flowers glued on top are always an easy way to make the girl graduate’s hat stand out beautifully.
Countless DIY grad caps for girls have flowers. But this grad really pulled it all together matching her cap color scheme to her stole and dress.
Graduation cap ideas for guys.
I had to search a little harder to find decorated caps that guys would be willing to wear. But not too hard – it just has to be funny, and not frilly or sappy.
This cap design is worthy of a graduation party at the Catalina Wine Mixer.
This gaming cap design was for a girl—hence the bling. But the idea is good for any gamer.
Or show off your sport. This football grad cap cover comes in several other options.
Master’s degree graduation cap ideas.
This quote from Harry Potter is magic for the Masters degree graduate.
This cute cap is a nice positive pat on the back, and this graduate should be proud.
Kindergarten graduation cap ideas.
I’m not sure how widespread decorating the kindergarten cap is yet, but everything seems to trickle down and there are some really sweet ideas on the internet like this one. It seems like just yesterday that I was reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to my now college graduate. 😢
fun grad party themes
- Throw the Ultimate Margaritaville Party
- The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Totally Tubular 80s Party
Last Minute Simple Graduation Cap Ideas with Sayings.
Not a lot of time to plan and decorate the perfect graduation cap? Or don’t have amazing crafting skills? That’s fine! Sometimes a message comes off best without all the glitter and flair. It can be as simple as a “Thanks Mom and Dad!”
Buy some letters from the craft store for your custom message. Or cut them out of a magazine like this:
A few more message ideas that are a huge hit:
- Proud of my B.S.
- Now hotter by one degree
- Hire Me
- Officially a B.A.
- Game of Loans
- This cap cost me (cost of college)
- Now What?
- #DONE
Shopping sources for this post.
Awesome grad cap? Check.
You’re sure to shine on your big day with one of these awesome graduation cap decoration ideas- with no regrets!
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise to share. However, I can provide information related to the concepts used in the article you mentioned.
Decorating Graduation Caps
Decorating graduation caps has become a popular trend among graduates to personalize their caps and showcase their creativity and individuality. It allows them to stand out in the crowd and create memorable photo opportunities. Here are some concepts related to decorating graduation caps:
1. Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas for College: The article suggests various ideas for decorating graduation caps for college graduates. These ideas include using college majors as themes, such as nursing, biology, psychology, theater, English, business, education, and veterinary school. Each major can have unique designs and symbols related to the field of study.
2. Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas for High School: While it may be less common to see decorated graduation caps at high school ceremonies, the article mentions that decorating high school graduation caps can be a way to let everyone know which college the graduate is heading to. It also suggests using bling or custom year designs to represent the graduation year.
3. Grad Cap Designs that Show School Spirit: School spirit can be displayed on graduation caps by incorporating the college logo or using school colors. It can be as simple as a bedazzled college logo or finding creative ways to represent the school's colors.
4. Funny Graduation Cap Ideas: Adding humor to graduation caps can make them more entertaining. Funny quotes, jokes, or references to pop culture can be incorporated to bring a smile to people's faces.
5. Graduation Cap Ideas from Favorite Movies, Books, and TV Shows: Graduates can express their love for their favorite movies, books, or TV shows by incorporating quotes, characters, or symbols from them into their graduation caps.
6. Favorite Quote Graduation Cap Ideas: Inspirational quotes can be a popular choice for graduation cap decorations. Quotes from famous personalities, books, or religious texts can provide encouragement and motivation to graduates as they embark on their next chapter of life.
7. Graduation Cap Ideas for Girls and Guys: The article suggests ideas specifically tailored for girls and guys. These ideas may include gender-specific themes, such as sports, gaming, or references to movies or TV shows that resonate with a particular gender.
8. Master's Degree Graduation Cap Ideas: Graduates with master's degrees can incorporate quotes, symbols, or themes specific to their field of study into their graduation caps.
9. Kindergarten Graduation Cap Ideas: While not as common as college or high school graduation cap decorations, some kindergarten graduates and their parents may choose to decorate their caps. This can include fun and sweet designs that reflect the child's interests or experiences during their time in kindergarten.
These are just some of the concepts and ideas related to decorating graduation caps. The article you mentioned provides a detailed list of 60 creative graduation cap ideas to inspire graduates in their cap decoration endeavors.