23 Best Graduation Cap Ideas You’ll Obsess Over (2024)

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Looking for graduation caps to wear on your graduation? Here are the best graduation cap ideas for 2023!

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The Best Graduation Cap Ideas

This post is all about the bestgraduation cap ideas for every type of graduate.

Graduation is one of the best moments in every student’s life.And after all that hard work and all-nighters you deserve to look fab while you’re walking across that stage.

One of the most fun parts aboutgraduation(besides the celebration, of course) is seeing all the unique and memorable grad-cap ideas each graduate comes up with!

However, there are so many graduation cap ideas that you can find on the Internet, and picking out something that you will love can be a bit overwhelming!

Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, celebrate your hard work with a grad cap that has as much personality as you do. From funny pop culture references to inspirational messages, these 23 clever and beautiful graduation cap ideas are sure to be a hit on your big day!

1. Handpainted Graduation Cap

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This handpainted floral graduation cap is the perfect way to show off your creativity and your favorite inspirational quote!

2. Inspirational Message

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This starry sky-themed graduation cap idea looks so stunning! And with this inspirational saying and cool blue design, you’re sure to stand out.

3. The Mean Girls Graduation Cap

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Using a movie quote that fits with graduation is always a great option for your grad cap. Plus if you love all things pink and sparkly, then what better than a ‘Mean Girls’ themed grad cap! Someglittery pink foam and rhinestones are all you need to recreate this idea!

4. Floral Graduation Cap

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If you are a DIY queen then this floral graduation cap is the one for you! “Nevertheless She Persisted” is a classic and would be a perfect quote to put on your graduation cap.

5. Simple Graduation Cap

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Don’t feel like going too crazy?This graduation cap idea is perfect for anyone looking for a simple and cute design that’d still make them stand apart in the sea of grads! The message ‘the world awaits’! is simple but super inspirational!

6. Tangle Themed Graduation Cap

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This Tangled graduation cap is so gorgeous! Fake flowers are such a pretty and cheap way to glam up your cap. And the message ‘On to my new dream’ is a great way to show off you’re graduating and ready to change the world.

7. Adventure is Out There

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If you’re super excited to take on the post-grad life, nothing shows how ready you’re to take on the world than this adventurous graduation cap design!

8. Thank You Graduation Cap

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Graduation is the perfect time to thank your parents or those who have helped you attain your dream. Show how grateful you feel for having them in your life with this pretty graduation cap idea.

9. And She Graduated Happily Ever After

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Another great Disney graduation cap idea with the iconic Disney castle and the perfect message to go with it!

10. Two Degrees Graduation Cap

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If you’ve just completed your master’s degree, then this ‘hotter by two degrees’ would be the perfect graduation cap idea for you!

11. Lion King Inspired Graduation Cap

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Song lyrics inspired graduation cap designs are the best, especially something as famous and meaningful as ‘Hakuna Matata’!

This idea is super easy to copy and all you need is a glittery formboard and somepaper flowers for crafts.

12. Leslie Knope Cap

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This inspirational Leslie Knope quote (from Parks and Recreation) would be a perfect fit to put on your graduation cap!

13. “Friends” Inspired Graduation Cap

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If you’re a fan of the ‘Friends’ show, then this will be the perfect graduation cap for you!

14. Darth Vader Graduation Cap

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If you’re a big Star Wars fan, you have to incorporate a Star Wars scene into your graduation cap! Plus the message will be so perfect for the graduation ceremony!

15. I Hope My Dog Is Proud Of Me

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If you’re someone who owns a dog or any other type of pet, then this would be a wonderful idea to copy! Plus it’s incredibly easy to copy with a white glittery cardstock and cut-out pictures of your pet!

16. RIP Senior Year

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Such a fun way to say goodbye to your college days! You can easily DIY this graduation cap idea with someglittery foamandletter-iron patches.

17. Princess Diaries Graduation Cap

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Get a little silly with this princess diaries graduation cap that’s super funny and easy to create!

18. Hogwarts Graduation Cap

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This Marauder’s map-inspired graduation cap idea, based on the Harry Potter novels, is another unique and funny graduation cap! Some glittery foam, craft paper, and a sharpy are all you need to DIY this idea!

19. And The Story Goes On

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Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go! You may have graduated but your story is far from over!

20. 7 Rings Inspired Graduation Cap

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This Ariana Grande-inspired graduation cap is an adorable way to say that you’re incredibly proud of yourself! Some pink paper flowers, rhinestone strip, and glitter alphabets; that’s all you need to make this unique and funny graduation cap!

21. Spongebob Squarepants-inspired

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How hilarious is this graduation cap idea? SpongeBob is such a super popular and funny way to decorate your cap!

22. Rose Gold Graduation Cap

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This rose gold graduation cap looks so gorgeous with all the flowers and rhinestones! It might take you some time to get this done but the end result will be so worth it!!

23. Dory Graduation Cap

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College can be exhausting and intimidating. This Dory graduation cap with the message ‘Just Keep Swimming’ perfectly captures that sentiment and at the same time motivates you to hold on!!

This post is all about the best graduation cap ideas.

Whether you’re totally into funny quotes or cool artwork, these DIY graduation caps are sure to give you some inspiration.

I hope you found the perfect graduation cap idea for your big day!

For more ideas about graduation, be sure to read the following posts…

  • 25 Insanely Genius Graduation Party Ideas That’ll Blow Your Mind
  • 35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas That You’ll Love
  • 21 Best Backyard Graduation Party Ideas Your Guests Will Love
  • 27 Graduation Party Food Ideas Your Guests Will Love
23 Best Graduation Cap Ideas You’ll Obsess Over (2024)

FAQs

What do you say graduation cap? ›

The graduate hat (also known as an academic cap, graduate cap, mortarboard, or trencher) is part of the formal academic attire to be worn by graduating students (graduands) during the graduation ceremony.

How do I look good in a graduation cap? ›

Recommended Hairstyles That Work Best with Graduation Caps

Here are a few styles that work well under a cap: Low Bun: A low bun at the nape of your neck allows the cap to sit comfortably on your head. Braids: Braids can be a stylish and practical choice as they keep hair in place without adding too much height.

What is a good quote for a graduate? ›

Inspirational graduation quotes

You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sights! You'll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.” — Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You'll Go!”

What do graduation caps symbolize? ›

The cap and gown are not just traditional attire, but they are also a symbol of pride, achievement, and success. Wearing regalia during graduation signifies the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that it takes to complete a college degree.

What does a red graduation cap mean? ›

Red symbolizes courage, vitality, sacrifice, determination, and will power. In academia, it's most commonly used for theology or divinity majors.

What hangs off a graduation cap? ›

Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap before the ceremony and are then moved from the right side to the left after receiving a diploma or when directed to do so by the graduation speaker.

Is it OK to decorate graduation cap? ›

While decorating your grad cap is a fun way to express yourself and your accomplishments, don't use any inappropriate items, symbols or words. You will not be permitted to wear your cap if university staff deem it inappropriate or offensive.

What is a grad cap supposed to look like? ›

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.

What do the cords mean at graduation? ›

College & University Graduates

Red Cords: Can represent achievement in a particular field, like humanities or journalism. Blue Cords: Typically indicate academic success in areas like education or philosophy. Green Cords: Often associated with success in science or environmental studies.

Does tassel color matter? ›

Generally, the color of the tassel coincides with your high school or college's school colors. The same color is used to represent your connection to the school.

Why do graduates throw their caps in the air? ›

Graduates tossing hats emerged as a symbolic gesture marking the conclusion of academic pursuits, evolving alongside the institutions of learning themselves. Mirror of Educational Transformation: The evolution of the cap toss mirrors the metamorphosis of education over centuries.

What do you write on a graduation banner? ›

Write your message straight to the point by directly congratulating the person on their hard work or achievement.

What do you write in a graduation card? ›

Congratulations!" "Wishing you joy and success as you pursue your dreams. Congratulations on your well-deserved graduation!" "May your graduation be the start of many more wonderful achievements in your life.

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