We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

These food, decorations and fun activities will make their celebration the best one yet.

It's that exciting time of year when your grad starts a new chapter in their life. While you may be feeling a mix of emotions that come along with realizing your child is finally growing up, the pride you feel about their accomplishments makes celebrating worthwhile. After you finish telling the world of this new milestone, it's time to plan their graduation party — full of delicious food, grad-themed decorations, engaging activities and people who love and cherish them. And with our graduation party ideas, you'll know just what to do to make their moment extra special.

Browse through our list of creative and unique ideas to make your child's graduation day one worth remembering (you can also check out meaningful sayings to write in their graduation card). We share a slew of options, ranging from simple DIY decorations and treats to serve during the event to lovable ways your guests can share their advice — perfect for a meaningful and memorable moment they can cherish forever. This includes Instagram- and TikTok-worthy backdrops, glamorous dessert spreads and origami money graduation caps they'll love adding to their piggy bank. And if you're struggling to find a graduation present, check out our favorite graduation gift ideas.

Turn your child's favorite photo (or graduation picture) into stickers. Place them anywhere you want their face to stand out —from cupcake liners and balloons to party hats and goodie bags.

Get the tutorial at See Vanessa Craft »

Chocolate lovers will love these churros that can be paired with a creamy chocolate caramel sauce for dipping.

Get the recipe for Cinnamon Churros »

Backyard parties are always enjoyable, especially when everyone comes together for graduation. Think chalkboard welcome signs, foam finger floral arrangements, a Mexican pan dulce bar and succulent cakes.

Get the tutorial at Kara's Party Ideas »

Pair these tags with any of your beverages —apple cider included. The tags come in six designs with two different phrases: “Sip, Sip, Hooray!” and “Cheers, Grad!”

Get the tutorial at Persia Lou »

These festive paper graduation cap lanterns are easy to hang from the ceiling. They're the perfect piece of party decor to get your home ready for the big day.

Roll your bills into mini diplomas before transforming them into a playful wreath. After you're done using it as decor, gift it to the graduate at the end of the party.

Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects »

This flavorful take on a "veggie" burger is packed with cheese, making it a mouth-watering finger food to enjoy throughout the celebration.

Get the recipe for Crispy Mushroom and Muenster Sliders »

RELATED: 25 Easy Finger Food Ideas for Your Next Big Party

Pass out these cones to guests as they walk in the door and then have them shower the grad with confetti whenever they see them. A sprinkle of love, wouldn't ya say?

Get the tutorial at A Bubbly Life »

You can place these delicious parfaits in the fridge until your guests are ready to give them a taste — no baking required.

Get the recipe for Lemon Mascarpone Parfaits »

These cupcakes are a refreshing treat for any graduation party. Topped with strawberry buttercream, they're perfect additions to the dessert table. Get the recipe for Lemon Cupcakes With Strawberry Frosting »

Before your guests head out, give them a handful of these chocolate-and-caramel favors for a final sugar-high.

Get the tutorial from Made to Be a Momma »

The tassels on the graduation cap have been ceremoniously moved, and now it's time to party with these cheery paper ones.

Get the tutorial from Inspired by Charm »

Print these celebratory quotes for your grad, then frame them to hang or display on the table. Quotes include "Go Be Amazing" and "The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle."

Get the tutorial at Made in a Day »

These coin-sized cookie sandwiches are easy to make with homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. They're just what you need to satisfy any sweet cravings. Get the recipe for Dulce De Leche Sandwich Cookies »

Don't forget to dress up your pup for the special day. Your dog can be the mascot — motivating guests as they walk in.

One of the best parts of hosting a graduation party is that you can go all out with displaying graduation photos. Try this announcement to use as table decor. Feel free to print one or multiple pictures to feature throughout your space.

Get the tutorial at Made in a Day »

These table centerpieces come in six eye-catching colors, including blue, green and maroon. They're printed on both sides and have a handy stand to place them anywhere you'd like.

If you're searching for unique decorative themes for the party, try going for a colorful yet vintage look. Gather an array of galvanized materials to make paper accordion fans and garlands. Your child can also enjoy DIYing their party essentials.

Get the tutorial at Let's DIY It All »

Whether or not you include a photo booth at the event, purchase these Class of 2022 props for guests to use as a backdrop for their Instagram and TikTok pictures. The pack comes with 50 custom-made pieces and can be placed in mason jars as fun table decorations.

Personalize this door photo banner with your graduate's name, school name and graduation year. Choose from 15 design colors and upload any photo to go with your desired background and accent color (make sure it's grad-approved).

While you can always have your balloons freely spaced out within your space, try storing them in these "Grad So Proud of You" boxes. They're sturdy, reusable and can hold other small decor items you'd want to display.

Have your grad wear this "One Degree Hotter" shirt during their party — or print out a few designs for close family members to sport with pride.

Get the tutorial at Happiness is Homemade »

With this fun game, guests will fill in blank prompts and multiple choice questions about the graduate. This will challenge how much they know the honoree, with questions ranging from the graduate's favorite color and dream vacation to their favorite dessert and song.

Get everyone in a celebratory mood with these DIY party hats. The iridescent and holographic style features gold tinsel for an extra festive feel.

Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »

Instead of sprinkling regular confetti throughout the venue, DIY small graduation caps to scatter throughout the space. Make different sizes, stick them to your walls and trickle them across the tables to complete the picture-perfect look.

Get the tutorial at Love the Day »

During the party, invite your guests slip their graduation cards into this box. Hand out your own cards for them to write any life advice your grad can look back on and cherish for years to come.

Celebrate your grad's smarts with a table full of sweets — peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodles. Pour a few gallons of milk into glass jars, so guests can wash down their treats.

Get the tutorial at Mint Event Design »

Don't let any of your party guests settle for warm wine. The night before, pour wine into ice cube trays and stick it in the freezer. That way, their wine of choice — red, white or rosé — can stay at the perfect temperature while they celebrate.

Throw it back to their childhood — remember Nestle's Push-Up Pops? — with these treats, layered with peanut butter buttercream and chocolate cake. Top it with a chocolate grad cap, complete with a sugary-sweet tassel.

Get the tutorial at Bake at 350 »

Candy is fun enough as it is, but this buffet spread finds a punny way to highlight their go-to sweets, like Smarties and Tootsie Rolls.

Get the tutorial at I Heart Naptime »

Hang bulletin boards in plain sight to give guests a chance to write down their favorite memories with the grad, along with a few pearls of advice for their next chapter.

Get the tutorial at Design Improvised »

RELATED: Messages to Write to Your Graduate

Pull together your dessert table in seconds with this no-bake treat: Just wrap a ribbon around a pirouette cookie to look like the diploma your grad just received.

Get the tutorial at Karins Kottage »

Send your party guests off with something sweet: Fill plastic cups with cotton candy (see if you can find one in the color of their school) and dress it up to look like a mini graduate.

Get the tutorial at Tikkido »

It's not a party unless there's a photo backdrop. This rose gold option, complete with fringe, balloons and a star garland, is totally Insta-worthy.

Get the tutorial at Lauren Conrad »

See how big your grad has become — and also how many different hairstyles and awkward smiles there have been along the way — with a photo banner that shows class pictures going all the way back to kindergarten.

If you're looking for a creative way to gift your grad some cash, stay on-theme by disguising it as mini graduation caps, tassels and all.

Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm »

Perfect for parties the day after graduation, this easy-to-make board will give recent grads everything they need to fuel up for their weekend i.e. carbs. Or if they prefer, fill it with donuts and other sweet pastries.

Get the tutorial at The Okayest Moms »

Balloons are the ultimate decoration: Simply, scatter 20 or 40 of these gold beauties in your space to show everyone where the party's at.

Take a trip back to your grad's first day of school (or even, the day they were born!) with this clever photo wreath. It'll finally give you something to do with all of those school photos you've been holding on to.

Get the tutorial at DIY Beautify »

Since the kids have already filled up on sweets, send them home with something salty: freshly popped popcorn in these personalized paper bags.

As your graduate embarks on a new journey, make sure they're equipped with love and wisdom from every party guest — keys of success, if you will.

Get the tutorial from Wedding Chicks »

It may go without saying that you are proud of your grad, but this banner will really drive the point home.

Congrats, your hard work (read: baking a cake from scratch) has earned a cake topper as special as this!

Okay, so it might not be a "real" class ring, but we bet your grad will love the Ring Pop version nonetheless.

Fill a giant mason jar with party favors for the guests or use it as a way to hand off a special gift to your grad.

Get the tutorial from Crafting a Green World »

Now, the most important question of all: Why can't all tassels be made out of sour candy?

Get the recipe from Mom Loves Baking »

Send your grad off with this decorative Jenga set, personalized with sweet, inspiring or funny messages from friends and family.

Get the tutorial at Must Have Mom »

Add a cheerful pop of color to the snack table with treats decked out in your grad's school colors (past or future).

Get the recipe from Your Home Based Mom »

Create a way for your grad to look back on their special day on Instagram with a single hashtag like #SarahsGradBash or #Nate2021.

Get the tutorial (and printable) from Thinking Closet »

Everyone loves a good round of childhood photos — just maaaybe keep the bathtub ones tucked away in the photo album.

Get the tutorial from Kathi's Creative Therapy »