Festive photo backdrops, entertaining activities, and delicious food to impress your favorite high school or college grad.
Once your grad has decorated their cap and collected their degree, it's time to start planning an epic gathering to celebrate all their hard work. Start your brainstorming with this roundup of festive graduation party ideas. Sturdy Poster Board
We'll admit: the first thing your grad might want is their college graduation gift (or one of these high school gifts for grads). But they'll also appreciate a memorable party to bask in entertaining activities, delicious food and cheery decorations, all while being surrounded by the people they love. We've found tons of ideas ranging from pop-up balloon messages and celebratory quotes to personalized photo banners and grad-themed scavenger hunts. There are even party theme suggestions, including a tropical outdoor bash full of fruity drinks and colorful decor. And if you haven't figured out the menu, you'll be delighted by our recipes for popular appetizers and desserts you can easily make the day of — chicken taquitos and a spicy snack mix are just a few on the list.
And since there's more to a graduation party than Instagram-worthy backdrops and receiving cards with sweet messages and money (don't worry we included creative ideas for those too!), take this time to create a moment your grad will cherish forever. Make the day even sweeter by playing a farewell graduation song as they walk through the door.
BLT lettuce bites are one of the easiest appetizers you can make for any occasion, and they're a perfect finger food for a graduation party. This simple recipe requires just 25 minutes, eight ingredients and three steps.
Get the BLT Bites recipe »
A holographic balloon backdrop can give your graduation party an '80s vibe. After inflating the balloons, use Command hooks to form a wall, where everyone can take fun photos with the grad to post, share and save.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Display large cut-out images of your grad's head for everyone to see. Mount a high-resolution photo onto the poster board using spray adhesive, then use a box cutter to cut around the hair, ears and chin.
Get the tutorial at Lolly Jane »
Now that they've graduated, it's time to enter a new stage of life. In light of their next big step, throw a travel-themed party where you decorate with all the essentials, from a suitcase and globe to a sign that reads, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl Blog »
A graduation-themed scavenger hunt is an exciting way to keep guests entertained. Blogger Britni created these printables for high school and college graduates alike, where you'll get 12 clues, instructions and an answer key (so you'll know exactly where the clues should be hidden).
Get the tutorial at Play Party Plan »
Reach out to your grad's friends for photos representing their high school or college experience. Attach the printed images to strings with tape and display them from floating balloons. It'll be a heartwarming occasion as they reminisce about their favorite moments, from their first orientation day to their graduation ceremony.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Create and personalize a lei full of your grad's hobbies and favorite things. Download the blogger's template before making charms from colored paper.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Charcuterie boards aren't just for savory snacks. Arrange one full of popular treats, like OREOs and Junior Mints, which will surely satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Blogger Crystal even used paper mâché numbers to spell out the graduation year.
Get the tutorial at A Pumpkin & a Princess »
Here's a festive way to gift money for their big day. Try making these poppers on your own or simply fill clear cake push-pops with confetti.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Party mixes are a crowdpleaser, because they're so easy to get creative with your favorite snacks. Imagine your ideal mix: pretzels, cheese crackers, sunflower seeds and more!
These balloons are more than merry enough to decorate the party venue. Plus, the process is easier than you think. You'll simply need cardstock, scissors, double-stick tape and a pencil to write your letters.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
These appetizers are perf for the graduation party, especially since they require a few shortcut ingredients — rotisserie chicken, enchilada sauce — and a total cooking time of 30 minutes.
Blogger Britni used branches from her backyard to DIY this advice tree for her daughter's graduation announcement. Other materials needed include scrapbook paper, colored candies (to place in the vase) and gold spray paint.
Get the tutorial at Play Party Plan »
Purchase a set of graduation caps for your grad to decorate — using phrases like "Now What," "Hire Me" or "Best Grad" — then use them as decorations. Or, let guests bring their own to decorate as a fun party activity.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
DIY a paper lei for your grad and host a tropical-themed party to celebrate. This craft requires you to design and cut out flower shapes, so it can't hurt to try practicing with your craft knife beforehand.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Upon entry, invite guests to sign their names and a loving message to the grad on a poster with a creative "Class of 2023" print on the front. It's meant to fit any 11 x 17-inch frame.
This photo banner makes a memorable decoration that'll impress guests — and especially the grad. Use an assortment of vertical 6x4 photos to document their first semester to the last.
Along with cellophane treat bags, white cardstock and your Cricut, you'll need scrumptious cookies to DIY these favors. Display the punny sayings of choice, one being "Hey Smart Cookie!"
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Stuff an array of sugary sweets in these black doctoral cap-shaped boxes. From M&M's and jelly beans to Skittles and Starburst, everyone will love whatever treat you choose to hide inside. And if you plan on baking cupcakes, they may fit in too!
Here's a party theme you can take full advantage of during the warmer months of May and June. Get creative with a tropical-inspired bash full of tasty beverages, vibrant flowers and DIY fruit necklaces.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth »
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
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