Whether you use your graduation cap to thank mom and dad (or whoever helped make getting your degree possible), highlight one of your favorite inspirational quotes, or to crack a joke or two, decorating your graduation cap is one of the best parts of the big day. (Especially if you’re the creative type who loves to DIY!) Keep reading for 25 graduation cap decoration ideas for graduation day 2022! And if you need more graduation day inspiration, check out personalized graduation gifts, our top picks for graduation food ideas, and messages to write in a graduation card.
How to DIY a Decorated Graduation Cap
Lots of graduates-to-be choose to decorate their graduation cap DIY-style. After all, it’s cheaper! If you choose to DIY your grad cap, more power to you. Parade put together a brief list of all the art supplies you might need to bring your graduation cap to the next level. A staple in any DIY-er’s craft closet, a mini hot glue gun will come in handy for adhering scrapbook paper, foam, or any other fun decor you may want to add to your grad cap. Speaking of scrapbook paper, this 48-piece set makes a great backdrop for your personal design. Washi tape is always a good idea. It features vibrant designs, cute patterns, and makes a cute border on your grad cap. Don’t forget the stickers!
25 Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas
1. Nevertheless She Persisted Graduation Cap Decal, $15.74 at Etsy
For the student that overcame it all and still came out on top come graduation day, there’s this simple but big-statement “Nevertheless, She Persisted” decal.
2. The Diploma Decorated Grad Cap Decorating Kit, $15 at Etsy
The Claaaaaw may be the thing that ruled the three-eyed aliens’ world in the Toy Story franchise, but in your world, it was the Diplommaaa that ruled everything. And you know? The Diplommaaa chose you!
3. She Doesn’t Even Go Here Anymore Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
Say it louder for the people in the back, Mean Girls fans!
4. Happily Ever After Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
Because today is just the start of your happily ever after.
5. Preschool Graduation Cap, $10.80 at Etsy
Graduating preschool is a BIG accomplishment and even the littlest of graduates deserve a fun cap topper, too!
6. Printable ‘I’m Feeling Class of 22’ Grad Cap Topper, $10 at Etsy
A nod to T. Swift and also your class year, we have a feeling this printable grad cap topper would even be Elle Woods-approved—thanks to all that pink!
7. Personalizable Vinyl Graduation Cap Decal, $27 at Etsy
Be sure to thank the people—and the many caffeinated beverages—that made getting this degree even remotely possible.
8. Kanye Graduation Decorated Grad Cap Decorating Kit, $15 at Etsy
Ye might have been a College Dropout but he actually received an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago back in 2015. Either way, the rapper/producer’s artwork for the album Graduation will always be an iconic grad cap topper idea for his biggest fans.
9. Graduation Cap Memorial Photo Charm, $19.95 at Etsy
Looking for a more subtle way to decorate your grad cap? The Graduation Cap Memorial Photo Charm hangs alongside your cap’s tassle and has two locket-like spots where you can place a photo of your loved ones.
10. Custom Graduation Cap Design, $49.99 at Etsy
Bible verses are a popular choice for many grads who chock some of their success up to a higher power. This Etsy shop’s simple, floral design allows you to customize the quote to be anything you want.
11. Lilo & Stitch Ohana Graduation Cap Topper, $45 at Etsy
In the words of every Disney-lover’s favorite alien-pretending-to-be-a-dog, “Byeee!”
12. Spongebob Graduate Cap Topper, $45 at Etsy
Shout-out to the narrator of SpongeBob SquarePants because man, this degree feels like it’s been taking forever!
13. Hamilton Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
And just like Alexander Hamilton… the world will know your name!
14. Holy Molar Graduation Cap Topper, $20 at Etsy
First of all, congratulations—you made it through dental school! Second of all, might as well go out with a hilarious dentistry pun.
15. And She Taught Happily Ever After Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
Graduating with a teaching degree is no small feat! Celebrate your success with the perfect nod to your literary background.
16. Custom Digitally Made Printed Graduation Floral Cap Topper, $28.99 at Etsy
The Custom Digitally Made Printed Graduation Floral Cap Topper is cute enough to frame post-grad.
17. Customizable Hand-Tooled Leather Graduation Cap Topper, $76.50 at Etsy
This hand-tooled leather cap topper is a little pricey, but it’s… hand-tooled leather! It’s a momento you’ll keep, literally, forever.
18. Law Student Paper Flower Graduation Cap Topper, $85 at Etsy
Graduating law school? You’re an absolute rockstar!
19. If You’re Reading This I Graduated Drake Decorated Grad Cap, $15 at Etsy
For the Drake fans who just can’t let his 2015 album title (and artwork) go.
20. That’s All Folks Decorated Grad Cap Decorating Kit, $15 at Etsy
And that’s on that, period.
21. Now Hotter By One Degree Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
Where’s the lie, though?!
22. On to the Next Story Graduation Cap, $29.95 at Etsy
And we all know how it turned out for Toy Story… there was a sequel, a third movie, and a fourth movie. So, your story is long from over. It’s just beginning!
23. Oh, the Places I’ll Go Graduation Cap Topper Digital File, $3.50 at Etsy
A Dr. Seuss book—and sentiment—that’s become especially heralded by graduates, this Oh, the Places You’ll Go Graduation Cap Topper is actually a digital file that you can download, print out, and adhere yourself.
24. Just Kept Swimming Finding Nemo Grad Cap Decorating Kit, $15 at Etsy
When the going got tough, when the sharks came and the waves crashed, you made like Dory and just kept swimming.
25. I Was But The Learner Graduation Cap Topper, $29.95 at Etsy
Star Wars fans can’t pass up this stellar graduation cap topper idea. Especially if you’re getting your master’s degree! Next up, make the perfect class of 2022 playlist with 60 graduation songs.
