These Graduation Cap Ideas Are the Final Touch You Need for the Ceremony (2024)

These Graduation Cap Ideas Are the Final Touch You Need for the Ceremony (1)

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One of the best parts of graduation day—besides getting your degree—is all the ways to make the day, well, about you! You get to choose the perfect graduation outfit for pictures, the songs on the party playlist, and the meal you have after. But another fun way people personalize this major achievement is by giving your cap a decorative pop that shows off your personality. These graduation cap ideas will make you stand out from the crowd and perhaps even get a few laughs!

Whether you're the graduate (or you're gathering ideas or making a graduation gift for your child), there are tons of ways to gussy up that cap. Ahead, we're sharing all the ideas that are sure to inspire you. You can work your DIY magic with an easy tutorial and let your creativity fly as high as your cap will at the end of the ceremony, or if you're not in the mood to be crafty, you can turn to lots of other options, including printable toppers, buying one that's already printed, or relying upon the amazing crafting skills of a pro who can customize the topper of your dreams. Flowers, photos, inspirational graduation quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some! Your cap will be so special that you'll probably even want to put it on display at your graduation party!

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Painted Graduation Cap

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Painted Graduation Cap

Go the extra mile with a hand-painted cap full of pretty florals! You can personalize it with your own quote and white, gold, or silver lettering.

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'Change the World' Graduation Cap

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'Change the World' Graduation Cap

Now 15% Off

This cap topper can be personalized with your name, school, year, and your own photo. The globe image has a lovely watercolor look.

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'It Was Ruff But We Did It!' Graduation Cap

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'It Was Ruff But We Did It!' Graduation Cap

A terribly good pun is always a clever way to decorate. Have your dog join in on the fun with their own adorable cap!

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'I Did It!' Graduation Cap

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'I Did It!' Graduation Cap

Rosie the Riveter is the perfect figure to put on a grad cap!! SHe symbolizes hard work and dedication.

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Have a graduation photo shoot and use the best pic that demonstrates your excitement! The neat design overlays the word "graduate" and a personalized place for your name and year.

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Custom Vinyl Quote Graduation Cap

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Custom Vinyl Quote Graduation Cap

Now 25% Off

With big block letters in white and sparkling gold, this cap sure does "stand out." The classic version reads ""Why fit in when you were born to stand out," but you can also customize it with your own quote.

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SpongeBob Graduation Cap

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SpongeBob Graduation Cap

Anyone who grew up watching Spongebob knows this classic line! It's a silly yet apt phrase to talk about the last few years.

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'She Believed She Could' Graduation Cap

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'She Believed She Could' Graduation Cap

How cute! The glitter! The flowers! Reviewers love how responsive this designer is, and she offers plenty of room for customization.

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Florals and Photos Graduation Cap

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Florals and Photos Graduation Cap

This sweet cap is made of memories—literally. Choose any three photos to include on this floral and glittery topper.

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'With God, All Things Are Possible' Graduation Cap

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'With God, All Things Are Possible' Graduation Cap

This multifaceted cap has floral accents, glitter, and a beautiful quote. It expresses gratitude and faith.

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Taylor Swift Eras Graduation Cap

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Taylor Swift Eras Graduation Cap

This minimalist and block-color design is so chic! Cheers to you on entering your graduation era!

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Baseball Graduation Cap

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Baseball Graduation Cap

Now 15% Off

Who knocked it out of the park? You did! Baseball fans will want a cap that reflects their years playing (or watching) ball.

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'I Chose My Path' Graduation Cap

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'I Chose My Path' Graduation Cap

"I chose my path, but God ordered my steps" reads this gorgeous custom cap. You can personalize details like hairstyle as well as hair, skin, dress, shoes, and gown color.

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'Holy Cow!' Graduation Cap

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'Holy Cow!' Graduation Cap

This might be the most a-moo-sing idea we've seen! Featuring cute spots and that fun font, this topper comes with double-sided adhesive so you can easily apply it to your cap.

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Custom School Graduation Cap

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Custom School Graduation Cap

Whether you're graduating high school or college, this personalized mortarboard is the perfect way to show your school spirit. Choose things like background color and lettering then send the seller a logo photo so she can work her magic!

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Football Graduation Cap

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Football Graduation Cap

The Drummond boys know a thing or two about playing football for their schools! If you're anything like them, go with this cap cover to show off your love of the game. You can grab it for several other sports, too.

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Graduation Cap Tassel

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Graduation Cap Tassel

If you don't want to go all out with the decorations, but still want a touch of personality... replace your original tassel with one in a color of your choosing! With this one, there are more than 30 shades to choose from.

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Pet Graduation Cap

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Pet Graduation Cap

Animal lovers, rejoice! Now you can carry your furry friend with you across the stage. Just send in a photo of your pet and choose your custom text then let this seller hand paint the sweetest topper for you.

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'Someday Is Today' Graduation Cap

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'Someday Is Today' Graduation Cap

Glitter, faux flowers, and stitched letters that read "Someday is Today" come together to make this pretty pick. We bet you'll receive so many compliments on the big day!

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Leather Graduation Cap

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Leather Graduation Cap

How amazing is this one? The leather is hand tooled and painted with your customized design for a unique graduation cap that's sure to make your milestone even more special.

These Graduation Cap Ideas Are the Final Touch You Need for the Ceremony (2024)

FAQs

What is the thing on the graduation cap called? ›

For a high school commencement ceremony, 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.

What is the tradition of graduation cap? ›

When the midshipmen finally graduated, a new hat was presented to the officers, and they tossed their old caps into their air. The tradition quickly spread to universities across the nation, becoming the triumphant symbol that it is today.

Why do graduates decorate their caps? ›

Graduates use their decorated caps to align themselves with particular group identities, ranging from their university community… …to their college major or future occupational group… …to their family.

What does 🎓 mean? ›

A graduation cap, worn on the head of students graduating from college or university.

What are the rules for graduation hats? ›

Place the cap on your head so the point is in the front, about 1 inch above the eyebrows. Your mortarboard should be worn level on your head, and the tassel should be placed on the right side.

What is throwing graduation cap called? ›

The cap-throwing ceremony, often known as the "cap toss," is a cherished tradition during graduation ceremonies, where graduates jubilantly throw their caps into the air to celebrate their accomplishments.

What does the white graduation cap mean? ›

White represents purity, wisdom, and new beginnings. In academia it's often used to reflect studies in the humanities.

Do I keep my graduation cap? ›

Yes, graduates usually are allowed to keep their graduation cap and gown as a reminder of their academic success.

What is the cap called when you graduate? ›

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.

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.

Should you throw your graduation cap? ›

The act of throwing caps in the air is now widely known as a symbolic act to end a chapter of the graduate's life. There's something so unforgettable about watching it from the stands as well as being the person tossing a cap! Some schools embrace the tradition, while others have banned cap-tossing altogether.

What is the thing on the graduation cap? ›

Tassel. A three-colour graduation tassel in burgundy, gold and white.

Can you customize your graduation cap? ›

You could get beads or rhinestones from the dollar store to surround the outside of the graduation cap. You could add washi tape or clear back stickers to the graduation cap to add some decorations. This graduation cap is yours and make it a fun project after your hard work and celebrate this amazing accomplishment!

What is the name of the ribbon on graduation caps? ›

Graduation cap is called as called "mortarboards", because they resemble a tool used by bricklayers to hold mortar. They are also called "square academic caps" or "Oxford caps." The mortarboard consists of a flat, square board attached to a skullcap, with a tassel buttoned to the center.

What are the graduation accessories called? ›

Stoles and sashes are typically made from some type of fabric, and satin is usually the most common.

What is the rope on a graduation cap? ›

A graduation tassel is an ornament made up of a bundle of threads hanging from a cord loop secured with a gold or silver metallic clasp. Graduation tassels are tied to graduation caps and are an essential part of a graduation ceremony.

What is the name of the graduation coat and 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.

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