Calling All 2023 Graduates! Stand Out From the Crowd With 25 Decorated Graduation Cap Ideas
You put in the work, graduate, and it paid off. You're finally graduating! Since the entire class of 2023 will be cloaked in the same exact cap and gown, the best way to stand out in the crowd on graduation day is to decorate your graduation cap with something that shows off your personality.
Whether you use your graduation cap to thank mom and dad (or whoever helped make getting your degree possible), highlight one of your favorite inspirational quotes, or to crack a joke or two, decorating your graduation cap is one of the best parts of the big day. (Especially if you're the creative type who loves to DIY!)
Keep reading for 25 graduation cap decoration ideas for graduation day 2023!
And if you need more graduation day inspiration, check out personalized graduation gifts, our top picks for graduation food ideas, and messages to write in a graduation card.
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How To DIY a Decorated Graduation Cap
Lots of graduates-to-be choose to decorate their graduation cap DIY-style. After all, it's cheaper! If you choose to DIY your grad cap, more power to you. Parade put together a brief list of all the art supplies you might need to bring your graduation cap to the next level.
Grab a Hot Glue Gun
Gorilla Dual Temp Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit with 30 Hot Glue Sticks
A staple in any DIY-er's craft closet, a mini hot glue gun will come in handy for adhering scrapbook paper, foam or any other fun decor you may want to add to your grad cap.
Related: 40 High School Graduation Gifts From Parents
Use Scrapbook Paper
Fun Express Rainbow 12 x 12 Scrapbooking Paper Paper - Bulk 100 Pack - DIY Craft Supplies for Kids and Adults
Speaking of scrapbook paper, this 100-piece set makes a great backdrop for your personal design.
Embellish With Gold Washi Tape
CIAJIE Foil Washi Tape,2 Rolls 5/8" x 393 inches(15mm*10M) Washi Tape, Masking Tape Craft Supplies Tape for Scrapbooking DIY Craft DecorativeFoil Washi (Gold)
Washi tape is always a good idea. It features vibrant designs, cute patterns, and makes a cute border on your grad cap.
Feature Graduation Stickers
YUJUN 52PCS Graduation Stickers,Class of 2023 Graduation Scrapbooking Self-Adhesive Stickers Decals Label for Graduates High School College Graduation Party Favor Celebration Decorations Supplies
Don't forget the stickers!
25 Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas
1. Nevertheless She Persisted Graduation Cap Decal
GRADWYSE Aluminum Graduation Cap Topper Cap Decorations, Nevertheless She Persisted (Black)
For the student that overcame it all and still came out on top come graduation day, there's this simple but big-statement "Nevertheless, She Persisted" decal.
2. 'The Diploma' Toy Story Decorated Grad Cap
Toy Story Diploma Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
The Claaaaaw may be the thing that ruled the three-eyed aliens' world in the Toy Story franchise, but in your world, it was the Diplommaaa that ruled everything. And you know? The Diplommaaa chose you!
3. She Doesn’t Even Go Here Anymore Graduation Cap Topper
Personalized She Doesn't Even Go Here Anymore Graduation Cap Topper - Printed Grad Cap Topper For Class of 2023 - Funny Graduation Decoration
Say it louder for the people in the back, Mean Girls fans!
4. Happily Ever After Graduation Cap Topper
And She Taught Happily Ever After Printed Graduation Cap Topper - Personalized Future Teacher Grad Cap Topper For Class of 2023
Because today is just the start of your happily ever after—perfect for future teachers!
5. Preschool or Kindergarten Graduation Cap
chiazllta 24 Pcs Graduation Cap Sticker Craft for Preschool Kindergarten Kids 2023 DIY Stickers for Grad Cap Hat Congrats Grad Stickers Set
Graduating preschool is a BIG accomplishment and even the littlest of graduates deserve a fun cap topper, too!
6. The End Is the Beginning Grad Cap Topper
Handmade Graduation Cap, Graduation Cap Decorations, Graduation Gift, Cap Decorations for Graduation (Pink, White)
A beautiful statement to make as you embark on your next journey.
7. With God, All Things Are Possible Graduation Cap
Tassel Toppers Handmade Graduation Cap Topper - With God All Things are Possible Grad Cap Graduation Gifts Graduation Cap Decorations, Grad Cap Topper, Decal
And you made it!
8. Kanye Graduation Decorated Grad Cap
Graduation Album Cover Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
Ye might have been a College Dropout but he actually received an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago back in 2015. Either way, the rapper/producer's artwork for the album Graduation will always be an iconic grad cap topper idea for his biggest fans.
9. Graduation Cap Memorial Photo Charm
ARHTF Graduate Memorial Photo Charm Tassel Memorial Charm Class of 2023 Graduation 2023 DIY in Memory Mortarboard Decoration for Cap and Gown Ceremony Charms (silver)
Looking for a more subtle way to decorate your grad cap? The Graduation Cap Memorial Photo Charm hangs alongside your cap's tassel and has two locket-like spots where you can place a photo of your loved ones.
10. Philippians 4:13 Graduation Cap
Tassel Toppers Philippians 4:13 Grad Cap Decorated Grad Caps
Bible verses are a popular choice for many grads who chock some of their success up to a higher power.
Related: 30 Best 8th-Grade Graduation Gifts
11. Blank Customizable Printable Grad Cap Sticker
Blank White Adhesive Grad Hat Topper Sticker - Easy to use Graduation Cap Decorations - Printable with Inkjet or Laser Printers - Personal Size (5 Pack)
Get extra creative and personal with this DIY element.
12. Spongebob Graduate Cap Topper
Four Years Later Grad Cap Tassel Toppers
Shout-out to the narrator of SpongeBob SquarePants because man, this degree feels like it's been taking forever!
13. Hamilton Graduation Cap Topper
Tassel Toppers Hamilton Broadway Show Decorated Grad Cap
And just like Alexander Hamilton... the world will know your name!
14. Be Fearless Graduation Cap Topper
Set Your Soul on Fire Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
Stay just as passionate no matter what you do next.
15. The Best Is Yet To Come Graduation Cap Topper
GRADWYSE Aluminum Graduation Cap Topper Cap Decorations, The Best is Yet to Come (Black)
Great things are ahead!
16. Graduation Floral Cap Topper
30 Pcs Stick Flat Back Roses Floral Stickers Adhesive Backed Roses Yellow Sunflower Heads 3D Butterfly Stickers for Graduation Cap Decoration Home Decor Craft Art Decor
These adhesive flowers will make your cap stand out in the best way.
17. Butterfly and Floral Graduation Cap Add-ons
53 Pcs Graduation Cap Decorations Set, Adhesive Grad Hat Topper Sticker, Glitter Alphabet Letter Number and Diamond Stickers, Backed Roses Floral Stickers, 3D Butterfly for Grad Cap (Silver, Pink)
These gorgeous additions will be perfect to top off your cap.
18. Law Student Graduation Cap Topper
Big Dot of Happiness Law School Grad - Future Lawyer Graduation Cap Decorations Kit - Grad Cap Cover
Graduating law school? You're an absolute rockstar!
19. If You're Reading This I Graduated Drake Decorated Grad Cap
Tassel Toppers If Youre Reading This Grad Cap Decorated Grad Caps
For the Drake fans who just can't let his 2015 album title (and artwork) go.
20. That's All Folks Decorated Grad Cap
That's All Folks Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
Congrats, you Looney Tune!
Related: 10 Best Dessert Ideas for Your Grad Party
21. Now Hotter By One Degree Graduation Cap Topper
GRADWYSE Once Upon A Time Handmade Graduation Cap Topper Graduation Gifts Graduation Cap Decorations, Now Hotter by One Degree Black
Where's the lie, though?!
22. Onto the Next Adventure Graduation Cap
YKYENR Graduation Cap Topper, Onto The Next Adventure Adhesive Grad Cap Cover, Inspirational Grad Hat Topper For Graduation, Decorations, Party Favors & Supplies-A08
Your story is long from over. It's just beginning!
23. Oh, the Places You'll Go Graduation Cap Topper
Oh the Places, Dr. Suess Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
A Dr. Seuss book—and sentiment—that's become especially heralded by graduates.
24. Nelson Mandela Graduation Cap
Nelson Mandela Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
And it's finally done!
25. The Force Is Strong Graduation Cap Topper
Star Wars Grad Cap Topper, Grad Cap Decorations
Star Wars fans can't pass up this stellar graduation cap topper idea.
Next up, make the perfect playlist with 60 graduation songs.
