Take some inspiration from these crafty and clever graduation cap ideas for your ceremony this year!
For many students, graduation day is a surreal moment. I can even still remember mine and how happy I felt after all my hard work has paid off. All those endless nights of cramming for an exam or a quiz, going to gorgeous places to learn something new in our annual field trips, even those mischievous endeavors that have put us in detention every now and then.
These things are what make our school or university life worth it. But more than that, these experiences are what lead up to the most anticipated day of any student — graduation day.
I’m sure a lot of students have been gearing up for the moment when they confidently go across the stage to receive their diplomas.
But aside from planning the perfect graduation outfit, there’s also one other thing a student can stand out from the crowd. And that’s by decorating graduation cap ideas!
Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, one way to mark a journey of such significant academic advancement is to put some time into a cool graduation cap decoration.
So before you walk down that stage and have that perfect moment, here’s your sign to transform your graduation cap from a simple ceremonial item to a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that expresses your personality and experiences throughout your academic life!
Trending Graduation Cap Ideas:
Whether you’re a pro with arts and crafts or a total newbie, these graduation cap decorations are worth keeping an eye out on! As someone who struggles with creativity from time to time, it can be challenging to choose a particular topic or idea in the limited time you have to adorn your graduation cap.
But still, coming up with unique graduation cap designs is so much fun! It’s definitely something that helps keep me excited when I was in my senior year.
It’s a significant decision to decide what to write on your graduation cap or whether to stick with a straightforward design. After all, it’s your last opportunity to make a statement as a student.
If all those finals have sapped all of your mental and creative energy, take a cue from one of the graduation cap ideas listed below, and feel free to personalize it to your preferences!
One of my favorite ways to decorate a graduation cap idea is by doing TV shows and sitcom references. If you love The Office, then you’ll certainly get a laugh out of this graduation cap design!
What better way to lighten up the mood surrounding the dreaded student loans than by making a witty graduation cap design over it? For some of us, paying off student loans definitely feels like being in Game of Thrones.
Show everyone how blasé and chill you are with your upcoming graduation ceremony with this clever Spongebob graduation cap.
Here’s another funny Spongebob reference for your graduation cap that is sure to get a lot of laughs from your peers.
Like Scooby-Doo and his gang, I’m sure plenty of you feel like you just solved and finished a whole mystery after completing your academic journey. So this Scooby-Doo-themed graduation cap might feel perfect for this!
For some, graduating is just the first step and the real journey starts in the real world. So embark on this new adventure with this creative graduation cap decoration!
I honestly can’t get enough of these Spongebob memes and references for a graduation cap. They’re definitely one of my faves! And who doesn’t like Spongebob, right?
To those who feel clueless about what to do next after graduation, this is the cap for you!
If you liked that “aight imma head out” meme from Spongebob, here’s another iteration of that particular graduation cap design that you can use!
I love Finding Nemo and this reference for a graduation cap decoration is utterly adorable!
Show off how much you’ll sparkle and shine in your graduation ceremony with this pretty-in-pink graduation cap design!
I just love how majestic and elegant this graduation cap is! The pearls, rhinestones, and shimmers really elevate this to a graduation cap fit for a queen! This is one of our favorite graduation cap ideas if you want to feel like royalty.
Here’s another version of that “see ya later, dudes” reference from Finding Nemo that you might like! This one uses more striking and bolder colors.
It’s quite true that the best is definitely yet to come after you accept your diploma. You’ll be off to a new adventure and chapter in your life, and that’s quite exciting!
This is probably one of the funniest graduation cap ideas on this list. I love Harry Potter and this Dobby reference is just so clever! If you love Harry Potter then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.
I’m pretty sure lots of us are aiming to succeed so that our furbabies can have the life they deserve and this graduation cap fits that theme so well!
Being unsure of what to do next after graduation is completely fine! It’s all part of the process and this graduation cap validates that.
I can’t get enough of these The Office references when decorating a graduation cap idea. College debt is definitely no joke!
Do you have a bestie that’s been with you throughout your academic life? If you’re graduating together, then why not get matching graduation caps like this one?
Overachievers will certainly get a laugh out of this graduation cap! Not to mention, the design of this is so classy too!
As a huge fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, this graduation cap certainly got a few chuckles out of me!
To those who had a bit of a delay with their graduation, don’t worry! This is a witty graduation cap that you might like! This is one of our favorite graduation cap ideas for the total procrastinator.
Hardcore programs like nursing, law, medical school, and more, this graduation cap might be quite relatable to you!
The best is definitely yet to come after you graduate. It’s something to look forward to and be excited about! So show those feelings of anticipation with this sunflower-themed graduation cap decoration.
I love the whimsicality of this particular graduation cap! If you’re quite the wordsmith, making a little rhyme with your graduation cap decoration will surely be quite fun to read!
If you’re a nursing student or graduating from medical school, then you might love this graduation cap idea. It’s actually a line from the popular medical TV show, Grey’s Anatomy. If you’re heading to medical school then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.
Decorate your graduation cap with humor by thanking Quizlet or other websites that have been a lot of help throughout your years as a student.
One way to keep yourself excited for your next adventure is by expressing it through your graduation cap like this one right here!
Even if you’re not the best at scissors and doing crafts, you can always go for a simple yet funny graduation cap like this one. All you need is to cut out the letters and a meme like the one in The Office.
Buzz Lightyear’s “To Infinity & Beyond” quote fits so perfectly for a graduation cap. Just look how cute this is!
This Peter Pan-themed graduation cap is so dreamy and magical to look at! If you don’t mind sitting down and painting on your graduation cap, then you should definitely consider this one.
Here’s a witty and funny quote that most graduating students will surely relate to! When it comes to designing your graduation cap, you can never go wrong with doing florals.
It’s pretty common to still feel clueless even after you’ve finished your studies. You’re not alone and you can express that in your graduation cap decoration!
Here’s a Harry Potter reference that you might want to do for your graduation cap, especially for those who relate with the Marauders in the books and movies! This is one of our favorite Harry Potter graduation cap ideas!
Aside from experiences, going on adventures is definitely some of the best ways to learn. So if you relate to this particular quote, you can certainly take inspiration from this graduation cap idea. If you’re heading away for a year of travel then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.
This SpongeBob meme is definitely one of my favorites. It’s hilarious and it’s perfect for those who are planning to stay in academia to pursue their Master’s and their Ph.D.
This is such an ideal graduation cap idea for those who pursued Psychology degrees. It’s witty and I love the overall design!
This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite graduation cap designs. I love the fiery and chaotic theme of this particular reference.
For those who are so done with questions of “What are you doing after graduation” from family members and friends, this graduation cap is for you.
If you want to get a lot of chuckles from your peers, this graduation cap idea is for you. It’s definitely one way to poke fun at having to pay student loans after you graduate college.
If you’re a Disney girl, or even better, a big fan of the Moana movie, then you’ll certainly appreciate this graduation cap. It’s motivating and uplifting for what’s ahead of you.
Here’s a thoughtful way to decorate your graduation cap. Make a collage out of photos of your loved ones and include each one of them in a border-like fashion around your cap.
To celebrate the end of your academic journey, here’s a cute and quirky way to decorate your graduation cap (Looney Tunes style!).
If you love Game of Thrones like I do, then you’ll appreciate the wittiness of this graduation cap!
If you want to show your gratitude to your parents who helped you throughout your academic journey, you can celebrate them by taking inspiration from this graduation cap decoration!
Up is one of my most favorite films of all time and I have to say that this is such a suitable quote for anyone who’s graduating this year.
Whether you’re going to Disneyland as a treat for finishing your studies or you’ve landed a job with the company, this graduation cap is a perfect way to keep yourself excited for what’s to come.
We’ve all had that friend who effortlessly excels in school without even trying. And maybe that person is you. If so, this graduation cap is a clever way to show off your achievements.
if you love the Pirates fo The Caribbean franchise, then you’ll surely want to do this graduation cap design.
Undeniably, our furbabies deserve the best life they can ever have and this graduation cap expresses this heartwarming motivation so well!
To those who have yet to decide what to do in their future, this graduation cap is a clever and funny way to make a statement out of it!
The Office is a sitcom that’s filled with funny quotes and memes that would suit your graduation cap so well! If you’re an Office fan then this should definitely be one of your top graduation cap designs.
Whether you’re an avid or casual gamer, you’ll certainly appreciate this Pacman-themed graduation cap idea!
As someone who can be quite forgetful, this Dory-themed graduation cap is both adorable and funny!
If you want to go for an inspiring quote for your graduation cap, you’ll definitely love this classic and elegant design.
With Mulan as one of my favorite Disney characters, I totally love the idea behind this graduation cap! This is so ideal if you finished a Nursing program or are in med school.
When it comes to hilarious yet motivating quotes for your graduation caps, Michael Scott has your back!
If you’re an avid fan of Friends (because who isn’t?!), then you might appreciate this graduation cap idea!
For those who are missing someone and wish they were able to attend your graduation ceremony, you can always opt to dedicate your graduation cap to them!
As a coffee lover, this graduation cap really made me laugh. Because when everything seemed like falling apart during my studies, caffeine always saves the day.
Here’s a motivating and inspiring quote that you can never go wrong with! If you wish to see changes in the world, remember that change always starts with you.
Let’s be honest, High School Musical definitely made us think that high school was all fun and singing songs.
If you ever need something uplifting during the most stressful times of your academic journey, then this quote is quite perfect for it!
Ariana Grande fans will surely love this glamorous and cute graduation cap referencing Ari’s popular song.
Here’s another Scooby-Doo reference you might like if you’re thinking of doing a Scooby-Doo-themed graduation cap.
If I were to redo my graduation cap, this is something I would definitely do! It’s so funny and witty.
If you’re part of the Familton or simply a theatre kid, then you should definitely consider doing a Hamilton-themed graduation cap!
If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward graduation cap that sums up your academic life, this is for you.
The Simpsons have so many memes and quotes that you can easily put on your graduation cap. So here’s one with Homer in it! This is one of the classic graduation cap designs that everyone will love.
After graduation, I’m sure many of you are itching to work in the company of your dreams. So this line from Grey’s Anatomy really expresses that feeling well. Plus, everyone loves Grey’s graduation cap designs!
Hopefully, these decorating graduation cap ideas gave you lots of inspiration! Happy graduation!