35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (2024)

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (1)

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After years of hard working, studying, and dedication (and maybe a little partying?), your graduate has come to the end of their long academic journey. So naturally, you're going to want to mark this special occasion with a good party.

There are, of course, many unique ways to honor life's major milestones: a big house party with all the grad's friends, a rented function space, or maybe a celebratory big meal with just the family. No one knows your grad quite like you.

No matter how you choose to celebrate—simply placing lawn signs around the front, blasting

graduation songs, handing out favor boxes, or making a big buffet and eating, drinking, and being merry together—the most important thing is that your event centers on your hardworking grad. The party doesn't have to cost a fortune, either. Depending on the scope of it, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars. (More, if you go big with Pinterest-worthy decorations like graduation quotes scrawled on chalkboards, a tent, and a caterer, of course!)

The most important person is the graduate, and now is the time to make them feel special and accomplished, however you choose to do this. And while you're here, don't forget gifts for the graduate!

Ready to start planning? Get inspired by these creative graduation party ideas and decorations.

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SoSweetPartyShop Graduation Yard Sign Class of 2022 Lawn Sign

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SoSweetPartyShop Graduation Yard Sign Class of 2022 Lawn Sign

Honor your graduating high school or college student with a lawn sign that also encourages some festive community participation.

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2

TheJHStudio Graduation Garden Flag

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (3)

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TheJHStudio Graduation Garden Flag

Alternatively, a more permanent version of the custom graduation sign that's sure to keep the celebration going all summer long.

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3

Create a Photo Wreath

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Collect all of those class photos captured over the years and add them to this fun DIY wreath. If you want to display it outside, simply laminate the photos.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP WREATH RING

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4

AyaPaperBoutique Graduation Party Invitation

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (5)

4

AyaPaperBoutique Graduation Party Invitation

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This customizable invitation will help set the tone for your son or daughter's celebratory day.

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5

LovinglyMine Magnetic Congrats Grad Car Decoration

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LovinglyMine Magnetic Congrats Grad Car Decoration

If the grad is participating in a caravan, use this decal to call attention to the vehicle of honor. Of course, it's also just a fun way to ride around town.

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6

Hand Out Favors

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For a safe way to hand out homemade treats as a thank you to party guests, consider cookies packaged in these cheeky bakery boxes.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP BAKERY BOXES

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7

ubellipapercompany Graduation Favor Bags

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (8)

7

ubellipapercompany Graduation Favor Bags

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For brief backyard get-togethers, you could also fill printed treat bags with candy and other goodies. This punny option is perfect for popcorn.

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8

GraduationMall Graduation Gown, Cap, and Tassel Set

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GraduationMall Graduation Gown, Cap, and Tassel Set

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Want to celebrate with far-flung family members you haven't seen in much too long? Mark all of your son or daughter's accomplishments, by hosting—and livestreaming—your own ceremony right from the comfort of your living room.

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9

FestiveGal Senior Graduation Headband

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FestiveGal Senior Graduation Headband

Get graduation festive with this fun headband. A perfect addition to the celebration photos as a nice contrast to the formal photo shoot.

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10

Make a Commemorative Video

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (11)

For the university grad, use this service to ask all of their classmates to record a special message or favorite memory. Once everyone submits their clip, it's easy to string the whole thing together into one touching tribute.

TRY IT

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11

Decorate with a Big Balloon Display

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (12)

Pop up letters with a simple, encouraging message for your high school or college graduate make a giant balloon display even more fun.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP OVERSIZED BALLOONS

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12

ClassicBanners Graduation Photo Banner

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ClassicBanners Graduation Photo Banner

A photo banner that shows just how much your grad has grown over the years makes for a sentimental touch.

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13

Plan Around a Theme

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For your grad, a fun party idea that also serves as a subtle reminder that the world is their oyster.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP VINTAGE SUITCASE

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14

Collect Words of Wisdom

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (15)

Ask friends and family members to offer their best life advice, write each one on a slip of paper, and stick them in these easy DIY fortune cookies for a thoughtful keepsake.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP GOLD PAPER

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15

PersonalizationMall Graduation Wishes & Memories Personalized Jar Gifts for

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PersonalizationMall Graduation Wishes & Memories Personalized Jar Gifts for

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Not only is this something they'll love on the day, but they can look back and treasure the words of wisdom from you, friends, and the rest of the family.

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16

Make Gumball Tassels

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This easy DIY looks great on display, but also makes a very fun and portable takeaway for guests.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP GUMBALLS

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17

Set Up a Photo Booth

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A gigantic class year sign made out of tissue paper is a great backdrop for a DIY photo booth.

Get the tutorial.

SHOP TISSUE PAPER

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18

mm Personalized M&M’S DIY Mini Occasion Bottle Favor Kit

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (19)

18

mm Personalized M&M’S DIY Mini Occasion Bottle Favor Kit

Alternatively, you could use this kit to fill mini champagne bottles with custom M&M's complete with your grad's face, class year, school logo, and more.

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19

Add Flair to the Food

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (20)

Make a dessert table extra special with these cheerful printable pennants.

Get the tutorial.

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20

PinkAppleParties Graduation Candy Labels

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (21)

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PinkAppleParties Graduation Candy Labels

Let these punny chalkboard labels guide your food choices on the dessert table.

35 Awesome Graduation Party Ideas for the Class of 2022 (2024)

FAQs

How do you throw a good graduation party? ›

How to Throw the Best Graduation Party
  1. Choose a Fun Venue. ...
  2. Give Your Graduation Party a Theme. ...
  3. Send Personalized Graduation Party Invitations. ...
  4. Decorate Your Venue in Style. ...
  5. Plan a Delicious Menu. ...
  6. Capture the Graduation Celebration in Photos. ...
  7. Celebrate Your Grad's Achievements. ...
  8. Make a Toast to the New Grad.
Aug 7, 2023

What can I do instead of a graduation party? ›

15 Alternative Ways to Celebrate Graduation with Friends and Family
  • Take Them on a Trip. Taking a recent graduate on a trip can be an excellent way to celebrate their accomplishments and show them how proud you are. ...
  • Tickets to a Concert, Play, or Spa Day. ...
  • Give to a Cause that's Important to Them.

What are some graduation ideas? ›

These simple graduation party ideas are easy yet meaningful ways to honor the graduate's hard work and accomplishments.
  • Virtual Flower Arranging Classes. ...
  • Paint and Sip. ...
  • DIY Photo Booth. ...
  • Memory Book. ...
  • Wisdom Jar. ...
  • Inspirational Quotes. ...
  • DIY Tassel Garland. ...
  • Card Box.
Jan 10, 2024

How much money is appropriate for high school graduation gift? ›

High School Graduation

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member. You may also want to talk to other people who are giving gifts to decide how much you will give to the graduate.

How much money is appropriate for a graduation party? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

What food to serve at a graduation party? ›

Your kids will love the classic party food ideas, like pepperoni pizza rolls, pigs in a blanket, cheeseburger sliders, and buffalo chicken dip. But whichever dishes you choose to serve at your grad's party, don't forget a celebratory dessert!

How many hours should a graduation party be? ›

It can be planned for directly after the graduation or held a few days (even weeks) afterward. Typically you do not host this party prior to graduation. This party can be structured as a typical party (about 2-4 hours) with a start time or as an open house where guests can come and go as they please.

Do you play games at a graduation party? ›

No party is complete without some games that engage and entertain your guests. And for a graduation party, there are many ways to customize games to fit the occasion with sentimental, creative, and goofy activities! Take a look at our 10 graduation party game ideas for some inspiration.

Do graduation parties have themes? ›

FAQs. Do high school graduation parties have themes? High school graduation parties often have themes. Some popular choices include School Spirit, Beach Party, Black, Silver, and Gold Backyard BBQ, and "Oh, The Places You Will Go".

What is graduation tea party? ›

Whether celebrating a high school or college graduation, a formal afternoon tea at a table adorned with iconic tassels and dainty china is a beautiful way to wish a young woman heartfelt “congratulations.”

Is $500 a good graduation gift? ›

Bright Hub states that many people give between $100 and $500 as a college graduation gift, but this can depend a lot on their relationships with the recent grad.

What is the most common graduation gift? ›

It's traditional to either splurge on something nice yet practical (think high-quality work wardrobe pieces or a tech device that'll help 'em out in the post-grad world) or give a sentimental gift (like a gorgeous ring, keepsake box, or photo album) to mark the end of a chapter.

What is the best theme for graduation? ›

Graduation Party Themes
  • Black & Gold Graduation. 33 Pins.
  • The World is Your Canvas. 26 Pins.
  • Black & Silver Graduation. 14 Pins.
  • Graduation Garden Party. 15 Pins.
  • Hawaiian Luau Graduation. 37 Pins.
  • Oh The Places You'll Go Grad Party. 31 Pins.
  • Emoji Graduation Party. 39 Pins.
  • Sports Themed Graduation Party. 13 Pins.

How do you throw an inexpensive graduation party? ›

Smart ways to save on a graduation party
  1. Set a realistic budget. ...
  2. Co-host the event. ...
  3. Choose a theme that gives you room to get creative. ...
  4. Limit your guest list to close family and friends. ...
  5. Choose a low-cost venue like someone's home or backyard. ...
  6. Send e-vites instead of paper invitations. ...
  7. Keep decorations to a minimum.

What time should a graduation party start? ›

Consider the time frame for your party. Many graduation parties are presented in a “open house” format. If your graduation ceremony is at 2 p.m., a 10 a.m. to noon or a 4-7 p.m. open house may work best. The time of day you select will also help determine the type of food and beverage you serve.

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