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.
DIY Graduation Gifts
Learn how to make over 25 homemade graduation gift ideas using the tutorials below.
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.
"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.
Paper Money Bouquet
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 😀
Travel the World Globe
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!
Custom Keychain
Add this to the top of a gift along with the card. Choose a tassel that matches the school colors and create a unique design the graduate will love.
Money Lei
Another neat way to give money to a graduate is with this lei made of accordion money flowers!
Graduation Inspiration Jar
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.
Door Hangers
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.
Map Decoupage Letter
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!
Pegboard Words
If your grad is going to college, create these unique pegboard letters for a cute way to organize dorm desk supplies!
Graduation Gifts for Friends
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.”
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.
Graduation Hat Gift Box
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?).
Gold & Leather Office Supplies
Whether the graduate is entering the work world or going to college, they will love having personalized office supplies!
One Smart Cookie Mug
Use a vinyl cutting machine to make a cute mug for the graduate. Add some of the their favorite homemade cookies!
Laptop Table
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!
Gift Card Container
Let’s face it – a lot of our friends need/want money or gift cards for gifts, especially when graduating. If you’re going to give a gift card, may I suggest this fine container to deliver it in? This takes a seemingly impersonal graduation gift and adds that personal touch.
Graduation Candle
Download the two free candle labels and add them to the outside of a candle. Or design your own!
Gold Foil Notebooks
Head off to college with these smart looking notebooks. Customize them any way you like!
Best Friend Graduation Gifts
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.
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.
Matchbook Camera with Prompts
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!
Simple Photo Coasters
You can use photos of you and your bestie to make these cute coasters. Every time he or she has a drink? They'll get to see your smiling face.
Cork Board
Reminders of home are always appreciated when living in a dorm. These fun cork tiles are not only cool, they are functional!
DIY T-Shirt Quilt
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.
Photo Magnets
Gather your favorite photos and make cute magnets for the graduate's dorm fridge! It is super easy with or without a Cricut.
Photo Journal
Bring together all of your favorite best friend photos into one easy photo journal. It is even small enough to keep in a tiny dorm room.
Photo Collage Wall Initial
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 Lettered Plaque
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.
Photo Lamp
Every inch of space in a dorm room is precious. This photo lamp is a great way to combine two things the graduate will want in their room.
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:
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.