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 does the graduation cap symbolize? ›

The academic cap, therefore, has become a sign of the freedom of scholarship. The flowing gown has become symbolic of the democracy of scholarship, for it covers clothing that could indicate rank or social stratum.

Where should the tassel be after graduation? ›

Traditionally tassels are worn on the right side and moved to the left during a special portion of the ceremony for high school graduates. For college graduates, Bachelor again wear tassels on right side until their degrees are conferred, then move to left. Graduate students wear on left from the beginning.

What do you say graduation cap? ›

Mortarboard. This is the quintessential graduation cap. Many believe the name is inspired by the board where bricklayers place their mortar. Bachelor degree recipients wear this cap on graduation day, and most mortarboards are black, along with the gown.

What is a short quote for graduation day? ›

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

Are you supposed to decorate your graduation cap? ›

Graduating from college is a big deal. In the past, caps and gowns were normally plain and simple, today it's common to decorate your grad cap and make it uniquely your own.

What does a red graduation cap mean? ›

For graduate hoods and academic regalia colors, red or shades of red are used to designate the degree or discipline of Canon Law, Communications, Conservation, Divinity, Forestry, Journalism, Music, Public Health, Sacred Theology, and Theology.

What does the purple graduation cap mean? ›

The colors of the hoods and tassels can also have specific meanings based on the field of study. For example, blue can represent philosophy, green can represent medicine, and purple can represent law.

What does the string on graduation cap mean? ›

The tassel on a graduation cap holds symbolic significance. It traditionally starts on one side and is moved to the other side during the graduation ceremony. This act signifies the transition from student to graduate and represents the completion of academic achievement.

What to do with graduation cords after graduation? ›

If you want to showcase your cords, you can create a shadow box or a graduation memorabilia display. Frame your cords, diploma, graduation photo, or other graduation-related items to create a personalized keepsake that you can proudly hang on a wall. This way, you could find a way to perpetuate your accomplishment.

Can you wear two tassels on your graduation cap? ›

In some instances, students are allowed to wear a second, personal tassel to allow for individualism during the ceremony. Ask the faculty of your school or university and see what the policy surrounding this practice is before you go out and get your additional tassel.

Why do you move your tassel from right to left? ›

The tassel before graduation symbolizes your time as a student. When you move it to the other side, you are confirming your newfound graduate status. Today, this simple but beautiful tradition is performed at commencements across the country.

Why do graduates throw their caps? ›

Throwing the Cap

Tossing the graduation cap in the air was started by the U.S. Naval Academy in 1912. The graduates would spend two years as midshipmen and had to always wear a designated hat. Once the graduation ended, the midshipman would become officers and would no longer need their old hats.

What does a 6 sided tam mean? ›

Six-sided tams should be used for masters as well as EdD programs and eight-sided tams should be used for Doctoral programs. After deciding how many sides your tam should have, the first thing you need to do before ordering is to choose the correct size.

What do you put on a high school graduation cap? ›

Flowers, photos, inspirational graduation quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some!

What is on top of a graduation cap? ›

The square academic cap, graduate cap, cap, mortarboard (because of its similarity in appearance to the mortarboard used by brickmasons to hold mortar) or Oxford cap is an item of academic dress consisting of a horizontal square board fixed upon a skull-cap, with a tassel attached to the centre.

Do guys decorate graduation caps? ›

Just think about it – if you don't decorate your grad cap, you're blending in with the crowd. Heck, your own family will have a difficult time spotting you let alone a potential employer who doesn't know you exist.

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