65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (2024)

Take some inspiration from these crafty and clever graduation cap ideas for your ceremony this year!

For many students, graduation day is a surreal moment. I can even still remember mine and how happy I felt after all my hard work has paid off. All those endless nights of cramming for an exam or a quiz, going to gorgeous places to learn something new in our annual field trips, even those mischievous endeavors that have put us in detention every now and then.

These things are what make our school or university life worth it. But more than that, these experiences are what lead up to the most anticipated day of any student — graduation day.

I’m sure a lot of students have been gearing up for the moment when they confidently go across the stage to receive their diplomas.

But aside from planning the perfect graduation outfit, there’s also one other thing a student can stand out from the crowd. And that’s by decorating graduation cap ideas!

Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, one way to mark a journey of such significant academic advancement is to put some time into a cool graduation cap decoration.

So before you walk down that stage and have that perfect moment, here’s your sign to transform your graduation cap from a simple ceremonial item to a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that expresses your personality and experiences throughout your academic life!

Trending Graduation Cap Ideas:

Whether you’re a pro with arts and crafts or a total newbie, these graduation cap decorations are worth keeping an eye out on! As someone who struggles with creativity from time to time, it can be challenging to choose a particular topic or idea in the limited time you have to adorn your graduation cap.

But still, coming up with unique graduation cap designs is so much fun! It’s definitely something that helps keep me excited when I was in my senior year.

It’s a significant decision to decide what to write on your graduation cap or whether to stick with a straightforward design. After all, it’s your last opportunity to make a statement as a student.

If all those finals have sapped all of your mental and creative energy, take a cue from one of the graduation cap ideas listed below, and feel free to personalize it to your preferences!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (1)

Source

One of my favorite ways to decorate a graduation cap idea is by doing TV shows and sitcom references. If you love The Office, then you’ll certainly get a laugh out of this graduation cap design!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (2)

Source

What better way to lighten up the mood surrounding the dreaded student loans than by making a witty graduation cap design over it? For some of us, paying off student loans definitely feels like being in Game of Thrones.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (3)

Source

Show everyone how blasé and chill you are with your upcoming graduation ceremony with this clever Spongebob graduation cap.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (4)

Source

Here’s another funny Spongebob reference for your graduation cap that is sure to get a lot of laughs from your peers.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (5)

Source

Like Scooby-Doo and his gang, I’m sure plenty of you feel like you just solved and finished a whole mystery after completing your academic journey. So this Scooby-Doo-themed graduation cap might feel perfect for this!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (6)

Source

For some, graduating is just the first step and the real journey starts in the real world. So embark on this new adventure with this creative graduation cap decoration!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (7)

Source

I honestly can’t get enough of these Spongebob memes and references for a graduation cap. They’re definitely one of my faves! And who doesn’t like Spongebob, right?

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (8)

Source

To those who feel clueless about what to do next after graduation, this is the cap for you!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (9)

Source

If you liked that “aight imma head out” meme from Spongebob, here’s another iteration of that particular graduation cap design that you can use!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (10)

Source

I love Finding Nemo and this reference for a graduation cap decoration is utterly adorable!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (11)

Source

Show off how much you’ll sparkle and shine in your graduation ceremony with this pretty-in-pink graduation cap design!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (12)

Source

I just love how majestic and elegant this graduation cap is! The pearls, rhinestones, and shimmers really elevate this to a graduation cap fit for a queen! This is one of our favorite graduation cap ideas if you want to feel like royalty.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (13)

Source

Here’s another version of that “see ya later, dudes” reference from Finding Nemo that you might like! This one uses more striking and bolder colors.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (14)

Source

It’s quite true that the best is definitely yet to come after you accept your diploma. You’ll be off to a new adventure and chapter in your life, and that’s quite exciting!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (15)

Source

This is probably one of the funniest graduation cap ideas on this list. I love Harry Potter and this Dobby reference is just so clever! If you love Harry Potter then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (16)

Source

I’m pretty sure lots of us are aiming to succeed so that our furbabies can have the life they deserve and this graduation cap fits that theme so well!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (17)

Source

Being unsure of what to do next after graduation is completely fine! It’s all part of the process and this graduation cap validates that.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (18)

Source

I can’t get enough of these The Office references when decorating a graduation cap idea. College debt is definitely no joke!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (19)

Source

Do you have a bestie that’s been with you throughout your academic life? If you’re graduating together, then why not get matching graduation caps like this one?

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (20)

Source

Overachievers will certainly get a laugh out of this graduation cap! Not to mention, the design of this is so classy too!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (21)

Source

As a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this graduation cap certainly got a few chuckles out of me!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (22)

Source

To those who had a bit of a delay with their graduation, don’t worry! This is a witty graduation cap that you might like! This is one of our favorite graduation cap ideas for the total procrastinator.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (23)

Source

Hardcore programs like nursing, law, medical school, and more, this graduation cap might be quite relatable to you!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (24)

Source

The best is definitely yet to come after you graduate. It’s something to look forward to and be excited about! So show those feelings of anticipation with this sunflower-themed graduation cap decoration.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (25)

Source

I love the whimsicality of this particular graduation cap! If you’re quite the wordsmith, making a little rhyme with your graduation cap decoration will surely be quite fun to read!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (26)

Source

If you’re a nursing student or graduating from medical school, then you might love this graduation cap idea. It’s actually a line from the popular medical TV show, Grey’s Anatomy. If you’re heading to medical school then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (27)

Source

Decorate your graduation cap with humor by thanking Quizlet or other websites that have been a lot of help throughout your years as a student.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (28)

Source

One way to keep yourself excited for your next adventure is by expressing it through your graduation cap like this one right here!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (29)

Source

Even if you’re not the best at scissors and doing crafts, you can always go for a simple yet funny graduation cap like this one. All you need is to cut out the letters and a meme like the one in The Office.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (30)

Source

Buzz Lightyear’s “To Infinity & Beyond” quote fits so perfectly for a graduation cap. Just look how cute this is!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (31)

Source

This Peter Pan-themed graduation cap is so dreamy and magical to look at! If you don’t mind sitting down and painting on your graduation cap, then you should definitely consider this one.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (32)

Source

Here’s a witty and funny quote that most graduating students will surely relate to! When it comes to designing your graduation cap, you can never go wrong with doing florals.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (33)

Source

It’s pretty common to still feel clueless even after you’ve finished your studies. You’re not alone and you can express that in your graduation cap decoration!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (34)

Source

Here’s a Harry Potter reference that you might want to do for your graduation cap, especially for those who relate with the Marauders in the books and movies! This is one of our favorite Harry Potter graduation cap ideas!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (35)

Source

Aside from experiences, going on adventures is definitely some of the best ways to learn. So if you relate to this particular quote, you can certainly take inspiration from this graduation cap idea. If you’re heading away for a year of travel then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (36)

Source

This SpongeBob meme is definitely one of my favorites. It’s hilarious and it’s perfect for those who are planning to stay in academia to pursue their Master’s and their Ph.D.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (37)

Source

This is such an ideal graduation cap idea for those who pursued Psychology degrees. It’s witty and I love the overall design!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (38)

Source

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite graduation cap designs. I love the fiery and chaotic theme of this particular reference.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (39)

Source

For those who are so done with questions of “What are you doing after graduation” from family members and friends, this graduation cap is for you.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (40)

Source

If you want to get a lot of chuckles from your peers, this graduation cap idea is for you. It’s definitely one way to poke fun at having to pay student loans after you graduate college.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (41)

Source

If you’re a Disney girl, or even better, a big fan of the Moana movie, then you’ll certainly appreciate this graduation cap. It’s motivating and uplifting for what’s ahead of you.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (42)

Source

Here’s a thoughtful way to decorate your graduation cap. Make a collage out of photos of your loved ones and include each one of them in a border-like fashion around your cap.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (43)

Source

To celebrate the end of your academic journey, here’s a cute and quirky way to decorate your graduation cap (Looney Tunes style!).

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (44)

Source

If you love Game of Thrones like I do, then you’ll appreciate the wittiness of this graduation cap!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (45)

Source

If you want to show your gratitude to your parents who helped you throughout your academic journey, you can celebrate them by taking inspiration from this graduation cap decoration!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (46)

Source

Up is one of my most favorite films of all time and I have to say that this is such a suitable quote for anyone who’s graduating this year.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (47)

Source

Whether you’re going to Disneyland as a treat for finishing your studies or you’ve landed a job with the company, this graduation cap is a perfect way to keep yourself excited for what’s to come.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (48)

Source

We’ve all had that friend who effortlessly excels in school without even trying. And maybe that person is you. If so, this graduation cap is a clever way to show off your achievements.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (49)

Source

if you love the Pirates fo The Caribbean franchise, then you’ll surely want to do this graduation cap design.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (50)

Source

Undeniably, our furbabies deserve the best life they can ever have and this graduation cap expresses this heartwarming motivation so well!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (51)

Source

To those who have yet to decide what to do in their future, this graduation cap is a clever and funny way to make a statement out of it!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (52)

Source

The Office is a sitcom that’s filled with funny quotes and memes that would suit your graduation cap so well! If you’re an Office fan then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (53)

Source

Whether you’re an avid or casual gamer, you’ll certainly appreciate this Pacman-themed graduation cap idea!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (54)

Source

As someone who can be quite forgetful, this Dory-themed graduation cap is both adorable and funny!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (55)

Source

If you want to go for an inspiring quote for your graduation cap, you’ll definitely love this classic and elegant design.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (56)

Source

With Mulan as one of my favorite Disney characters, I totally love the idea behind this graduation cap! This is so ideal if you finished a Nursing program or are in med school.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (57)

Source

When it comes to hilarious yet motivating quotes for your graduation caps, Michael Scott has your back!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (58)

Source

If you’re an avid fan of Friends (because who isn’t?!), then you might appreciate this graduation cap idea!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (59)

Source

For those who are missing someone and wish they were able to attend your graduation ceremony, you can always opt to dedicate your graduation cap to them!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (60)

Source

As a coffee lover, this graduation cap really made me laugh. Because when everything seemed like falling apart during my studies, caffeine always saves the day.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (61)

Source

Here’s a motivating and inspiring quote that you can never go wrong with! If you wish to see changes in the world, remember that change always starts with you.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (62)

Source

Let’s be honest, High School Musical definitely made us think that high school was all fun and singing songs.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (63)

Source

If you ever need something uplifting during the most stressful times of your academic journey, then this quote is quite perfect for it!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (64)

Source

Ariana Grande fans will surely love this glamorous and cute graduation cap referencing Ari’s popular song.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (65)

Source

Here’s another Scooby-Doo reference you might like if you’re thinking of doing a Scooby-Doo-themed graduation cap.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (66)

Source

If I were to redo my graduation cap, this is something I would definitely do! It’s so funny and witty.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (67)

Source

If you’re part of the Familton or simply a theatre kid, then you should definitely consider doing a Hamilton-themed graduation cap!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (68)

Source

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward graduation cap that sums up your academic life, this is for you.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (69)

Source

The Simpsons have so many memes and quotes that you can easily put on your graduation cap. So here’s one with Homer in it! This is one of the classic graduation cap designs that everyone will love.

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (70)

Source

After graduation, I’m sure many of you are itching to work in the company of your dreams. So this line from Grey’s Anatomy really expresses that feeling well. Plus, everyone loves Grey’s graduation cap designs!

Hopefully, these decorating graduation cap ideas gave you lots of inspiration! Happy graduation!

65+ Trending Graduation Cap Ideas For 2023 | Graduation Cap Designs (2024)

FAQs

Do people still decorate graduation caps? ›

Last but not least, don't forget to use your high school or college graduation cap decor as a way to say “thank you” to the important people in your life. Whether it's written on your mortarboard or not, a decorated grad cap is the perfect way to shout out Mom, Dad, and those who have supported you along the way.

What does 🎓 mean? ›

🎓 Graduation Cap emoji

It's typically worn by those graduating from high school or college.

How do you make a homemade graduation cap? ›

You can construct your own graduation cap out of poster board, construction paper, and hot glue. To make the cap, fold the construction paper in half lengthwise and roll it into a cylinder; add a square-shaped piece of poster board on top. You can make a tassel using gold yarn and embroidery floss.

What is the tradition of decorating graduation caps? ›

Graduates use their decorated caps to express religion beliefs. Mortarboards also serve as sites of expressing emotions ranging from appreciation and gratitude… …to frustration. Popular culture references are very common, and graduates often use humor to playfully disrupt the formality of the occasion.

How to decorate a graduation cap without ruining it? ›

- Velcro Option: If you purchase a cap with the velcro option, your cap topper will come with velcro squares attached to make securing it onto your cap easy! This custom grad cap topper includes red hand-rolled cardstock flowers on a black, glittery base. Custom quotes are placed onto your cap using white lettering.

What glue to use to decorate a graduation cap? ›

I pretty much use only Tacky Glue on my caps. If it's a small piece of paper on top of paper, then I'll use a gluestick. For anything big, like faux flowers, I use hot glue.

Do seniors decorate their caps? ›

Decorating a graduation cap is a tradition and can be a clever way to stand out from the crowd. Many students feel that it's a rite of passage and can be a great way for loved ones to find them in a sea of graduates who are moving into the real world.

How to put flowers on a graduation cap? ›

Position the flowers on the cap where you want them. Use the hot glue gun to add glue to the bottom of a flower and press it onto the graduation cap, holding it down for 3-4 seconds to secure. Continue doing this until all the flowers are glued down and the glue is dried.

Are you allowed to customize your graduation cap? ›

Unfortunately, graduation caps and gowns are normally color-coordinated with the rest of the school and can't be personalized.

What does 👉👈 mean in texting? ›

👉👈 — Shy, nervous (usually in the context of flirting)

What does 👉👈 mean in person? ›

👉👈 this emoji two means ; You may shy or nervous when you want to tell something to the other person. Usually , send to crush or lover. The majority of people agree that it means 'shy' or 'nervous'. 👉👈this emoji show the two finger touching and twiddling.

What does "pookie" mean? ›

Pookie is a vocative case, which is what you call someone. So saying someone "is Pookie" is the same as saying someone "is Honey" or "is Sweetie." Pookie is now being used as a third-person reference when it originally was used in the second person, changing its meaning to fit an ever-changing internet lexicon.

How are grad caps supposed to look? ›

Arrange the cap so that the point is in front.

The mortarboard (the square piece on the crown of the cap) is meant to be worn offset in a diamond shape. The front and back of the cap will usually be indicated by the design of the headpiece—look for the slight taper in the forehead area and the elastic band in the rear.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6405

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.