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It’s graduation day. You can’t believe it has finally arrived! You’re donning the customary gown. Your hair is just so. And you’ve picked out those earrings that perfectly complement your cap. Oh, that’s right—your cap! As you picture this day, maybe you’re noticing that your graduation cap could use a little special something, a decorative pop that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s you who’s graduating (or you’re gathering ideas for your graduating child), there are tons of ways to gussy up that cap, and ahead, we’re sharing 30 ideas that are sure to inspire you.
You can work your DIY magic and make it yourself using a tutorial, or if you’re not in the mood to be crafty, you can turn to lots of 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, quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some!
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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 geet a few laughs!
Whether it’s you who’s graduating (or you’re gathering ideas or making a graduation gift for your child), there are tons of ways to gussy up that cap, and ahead, we’re sharing 40 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!
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.
Change the World
This cap topper can be personalized with your name, school, year, and your own photo. The globe image has a lovely watercolor look.
"It Was Ruff But We Did It!"
A terribly good pun is always a clever way to decorate. Have your dog join in on the fun with their own adorable cap!
I Did It Grad Cap Tassel Topper
Rosie the Riveter is the perfect figure to put on a grad cap!! SHe symbolizes hard work and dedication.
Modern photo Overlay Cap Topper
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.
Custom Vinyl Quote
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.
SpongeBob Grad Cap Topper
Anyone who grew up watching Spongebob knows this classic line! It's a silly yet apt phrase to talk about the last few years.
Believed She Could Graduation Cap Topper
How cute! The glitter! The flowers! Reviewers love how responsive this designer is, and she offers plenty of room for customization.
Photos floral graduation cap topper
This sweet cap is made of memories—literally. Choose any three photos to include on this floral and glittery topper.
"With God All Things are Possible"
This multifaceted cap has floral accents, glitter, and a beautiful quote. It expresses gratitude and faith.
Taylor Swift Eras Graduation Printable
This minimalist and block-color design is so chic! Cheers to you on entering your graduation era!
Baseball Custom Topper
Who knocked it out of the park? You did! Baseball fans will want a cap that reflects their years playing (or watching) ball.
'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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
'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!
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.
Graduation Cap Decoration Kit
With this nifty kit, you can embellish your cap to your heart's desire! It includes seven sheets of rhinestone stickers, five sheets of glitter alphabet stickers, nine bow accessories, and ten glitter glue pens. Now all that's left to do is bring your idea to life!
Collage Graduation Cap
You can really match your mortarboard to your unique personality with a collage-type design. Cut out numbers, images, or pictures from magazines (or print your own) then decorate around them.
Get the tutorial at Mad In Crafts.
DIY Faux Flower Graduation Cap
Whether you’re allowed to glue onto your cap directly, or start with a protective topper, it’s time to get out the glue gun to create this flowery cap.
DIY Foam Letter Graduation Cap
It doesn’t get any easier than foam letters spelling out a sweet sentiment on your graduation cap.
DIY Paper Flower Graduation Tassel
If you’d like to add a small something to your tassel (or add a pretty tassel to your plain cap), work your DIY talents and make this vibrant, flowered version.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
DIY "Now What?" Graduation Cap
Still haven't decided what's next for you? That's okay! Embrace your blank slate with this DIY graduation cap that says "Now What?" in bold letters.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Custom Graduation Cap
Let’s say you have a lot of ideas for your graduation cap, but no actual time to execute them. Have a crafting aficionado make one for you. Calligraphy? Painted flowers? Sequins? The sky’s the limit with this decal!
Graduation Cap Decoration
If you want to use your graduation cap as an opportunity to thank your parents for all their support over the years, this adorable topper is for you.
“The World Awaits” Graduation Cap
For a graduation cap that shows how excited you are about the future (while showcasing charming flowers and sequins), you can follow this tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Craft Box Girls.
Mary Poppins Graduation Cap
A graduation cap is a prime chance to proudly display your very favorite quote. If this one from Mary Poppins strikes a chord, apply it to your cap!
"Mean Girls" Graduation Cap
We’re getting a kick out of this graduation cap topper that’s an homage to the movie Mean Girls.
"Hire Me" Graduation Cap
You never know where you'll meet a prospective employer. Put your confidence on display with this cute polka dot lettered hat.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
DIY Flower-Themed Graduation Cap
This graduation cap theme can be made in less than 30 minutes! All you need is a Cricut Maker, a few tools, and flowers galore.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Tassel Charm with Memorial Photo
Perhaps you’d like to honor a beloved family member or friend with your graduation cap. In this case, you can purchase this customized photo charm to add to your tassel.
“Worth the Hassle” Graduation Cap
Was the tassel worth the hassle? You bet it was! And you can let everyone know with this ready-made topper.
Custom Painted Graduation Cap
Choose your desired quote, a description of the design you’d like, and your preferred font and color for the text, and watch your vision come to life with the help of a professional.
“That’s All Folks!” Graduation Cap
If you’re a nut for cartoons, especially old-school ones, look no further than this funny “That’s All Folks!” cap topper for graduation day.
DIY Butterfly Graduation Cap
You’re about to take flight, and this graduation cap may just inspire you to spread your wings.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Graduation Cap with Quote
To honor your hard work and dedication during all those years of school, look to this topper with an all-too-appropriate quote.
Photo Graduation Cap
We’re betting this graduation cap will make your parents cry! Customize it with favorite family photos, your name, and your graduating year.
DIY Iron-On Graduation Cap
To add a vinyl design to your graduation cap that’s sure to stand out against the solid hue, follow these handy steps.
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair.
Family Love Graduation Cap
To thank your mom, siblings, and anyone else who’s important in your life, you can turn to this completely customizable creation.
Map of the World Graduation Cap
The world really is waiting for you out there, and you can show it with this topper decorated with a map of the world.
Graduation Cap Bow
For a bit of a twist on a graduation cap decoration, ponder a sweet-as-can-be bow to add on the day.
"Hamilton" Graduation Cap
You're young, scrappy and hungry and you did not throw away your shot! Give a nod to the hit musical Hamilton on Graduation Day with this inspirational cap idea.
"I Can Do Anything" Graduation Cap
This confidence-sparking cap knows just as well as you do that there's nothing you can't do!
DIY Sprinkles Graduation Cap
You might just look as if you’ve been dipped in ice cream and sprinkles with the help of this delightful cap!
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Embroidered Graduation Cap
For a keepsake you’ll cherish forever, enlist an artisan to craft an embroidered topper for your big day, splashed with flowers and a lovely quote.
“I Can Show You the World” Graduation Cap
Learn how to make this golden, glittery cap (complete with the cutest quote!) by using this tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Mariah Cooke.
“Game Over” Graduation Cap
This goes out to all the gamers out there! You’ve finished the final level, and you can prove it with this “Game Over” graduation cap topper.
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