DIY graduation gifts are a great idea because they are so personal! Get 25+ unique ideas, including options for friends/best friends. I guarantee they’ll love these picks!
I didn’t go to my undergrad graduation from the University of Washington. I actually went camping in Yellowstone – I have a forestry degree, so that makes it kind of funny. Instead of wearing a cap and gown, I was camping in bear poop!
Or something like that. For my master’s degree, I did go to my ceremony, and I’m glad I did. The ceremony makes it feel final, and you get to celebrate with your friends and family.
And what goes along with graduation? Well, typically you get graduation gifts for that special person who has just accomplished something big.
I think coming up with graduation gift ideas is potentially difficult, so I’m thinking handmade is the way to go. Then you can personalize the presents just for your grad!
Here are 25+ DIY grad gift ideas to make – everything from money to dorm room decor. I’ve broken them up into three sections: unique graduation gifts, graduation gifts for friends, and best friend graduation gifts.
If you’re looking for graduation gifts for her or graduation gifts for him, I would say you’ve got a lot of options here as well.
Unique Graduation Gifts
Let’s start with the really unique handmade graduation presents. These unique graduation gifts are for the person who doesn’t like standard issue!
Maybe you choose to present money in a unique way – or go the sentimental route. I love these ideas since they are unexpected.
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www.happinessishomemade.net
“One Degree Hotter” Shirt
Use your cutting machine and the free svg file provided in this post to make this fun shirt for the graduate. Another fun idea is to put it on a tote bag.
Many times grads just want cold, hard cash – you can make it fun with a cool money bouquet. I recommend making them with $100 bills if you are doing a bouquet for me 😀
Graduation is a time for many to go explore the world. Give him or her a quote on a globe to remind to take advantage of being an adult. You can actually get the free printable in the blog post!
f you're looking for a graduation gift idea that will really impact the recipient, this promise jar or inspiration jar idea is just that! You can use Bible verses, motivational quotes, or anything else you want to write on the craft sticks.
Use a clear chalkboard finish to decorate these modern DIY door hangers! A graduate who is headed off to college will love these to hang on their dorm room door.
Use Mod Podge, paint, and map scrapbook paper to make this unique decoupage letter perfect for dorm decor. Use the graduate's initial and a map of where they are from!
Maybe you’re in high school or college and looking for graduation gifts for friends – well, that’s our next category! These are fun ideas that work for a dorm room, or just a little something to say “remember me.”
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Steve Carrell
Decoupage a Table
Use Mod Podge and fabric to decorate a table for your friend’s dorm room – or first apartment. This is very easy to make! You could also do a DIY mirror using the same method.
This graduation hat box is so easy to make – and it can be customized with any school colors! Add memories (like photos or trinkets), a small gift, or cash to the inside of the box (maybe all three?).
Face it, when you are in a dorm room, you are probably going to sit on your bed and work. Any graduate would love to get this wood laptop desk for their room!
There are regular DIY graduation gifts – and then there are best friend graduation gifts. These are the type of gifts that are highly personal for your favorite people in the world.
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www.polkadotchair.com
Memory Pillow
I like this memory pillow because it is like a mini quilt—a great starter quilt project! You could even use multiple photos.
This is a fun idea for your BFF to take to college! You can include photo prompts like the original post, or you can stick small pictures inside. Or do a little bit of both!
This is the perfect graduation gift for an athlete or avid concert goer – a quilt made from t-shirts. If you have any sewing skills whatsoever, your bestie is going to love this! If a quilt seems like too much to tackle, try something smaller like a pillowcase or wall hanging.
Here’s another photo idea: a personalized letter that would be perfect for dorm or first apartment decor. Don’t forget to use tons of pictures of you and your best friend together!
Hand lettering is huge, and your best friend will love this plaque with one of his/her favorite quotes and graphics. “Oh the places you’ll go” is always popular, but you can choose anything you like.
These presents will thrill your grad – and you’ll have fun during the process! If you choose to make one of these projects, let me know in the comments. I’d also love for you to check out these other posts:
It’s so nice of you to put all these ideas in one post! Plus the idea of gifts that will suit everyone is very thoughtful too! Glad to have found your blog. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Printicular
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Those are great ideas! I wish I got one of those for my graduation.
Robert Hatcher
Friday 13th of April 2018
It’s so nice of you to put all these ideas in one post! Plus the idea of gifts that will suit everyone is very thoughtful too! Glad to have found your blog. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Printicular
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Those are great ideas! I wish I got one of those for my graduation.