Celebrate your grad this season with 39 of the best graduation party decorations
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Throwing your recent graduate a party is a great way to celebrate their accomplishments, but finding the best graduation party decorations for your home can make you feel like you’re the one getting schooled. From wall decor to tableware to things that will actually keep your guests entertained, even the most seasoned party thrower is bound to forget something ahead of the big event.
To help you check every box on your party-planning checklist, we’ve rounded up 39 graduation-themed decorations and activities that will get graduates, family and friends in full celebration mode.
Graduation party wall decor
Party My Way Custom College Bound Banner
Add a personalized touch to your party with this college banner. Customize it by adding your graduate’s school colors and letters. Whether your grad is on their way to a large university or a smaller college, you’ll help make sure every guest knows exactly where they’re headed next.
Spritz Congrats Script Foil Balloon Gold
Sometimes all you need is a simple balloon display to make a regular get-together feel more like a celebration. This shiny set of balloons spells out "Congrats," the perfect message for your grad, and comes with an included string for easy hanging. Plus, you can pair it with this additional Grad Cap and Balloon set from Spritz for an even more festive display.
Spritz Graduation Foil Balloon 'Class of 2024'
Alternatively, you can opt for the same shimmer Spritz balloon display but this time in a “Class of 2024” version.
Blueberry Sprinkles Graduation Photo Banner
Give your graduate a sentimental send-off with this photo banner cataloging each year of their schooling journey from kindergarten to senior year. Make use of school yearbook photos or personal favorites from each year for a display that is sure to have guests giggling.
Special Stationery Guest Signature Photo Graduation Foam Board
Maybe your grad got a yearbook at their high school graduation, but this memory board will let their family and nonschool friends join in on the fun too. It’s not only a cute activity for your party guests; it'll also make a nice keepsake you can have framed and displayed.
Patelai Glitter Star Garland Banner
Spruce up your walls or entryways with this set of 10 13-foot long strands of star garland. Choose from a selection of colors for whatever best matches your grad party theme.
Matthew and Mae Graduation Cap Garland Decor
Complete with colorful felt pom-poms, graduation caps and tassels, this adorable garland comes in four sizes up to 10 feet in length.
The Culture Club Gold Confetti Balloons
Balloons are an easy and affordable way to jazz up any celebration space. Pair these confetti balloons — which come in gold, pink, blue, red and silver color options — with your grad wall decor, spread them around the space as table decor or tie them down around the room.
Idaodan Balloon Arch Kit
A balloon arch can be used as a focal point to your space, a cute photo area or a welcoming entryway as your guests arrive. This kit will help you bring your balloon arch vision to life with an included hand pump, arch pole and weight bags. Just be sure to grab some balloons in your party’s colors to fully fill it out.
Partyprops Burlap Happy Graduation Banner
If balloons aren’t quite your style, go for this burlap graduation banner. With a more rustic feel, this banner will fit into any daytime grad party and is great for hanging across your fireplace mantel, entryway or even somewhere in your backyard.
College Flags & Banners Co. Pennant
These college pennants can double as decor and as party favors for your graduate's friends. Whether your grads are all headed to similar schools or spreading out across the country, you’ll be sure to find everyone’s school on College Flags & Banners Co.’s site. From HBCUs to state schools, military schools and private colleges, celebrate where all your scholars are headed next and let them leave the celebration with their own banner, which will look great displayed in their freshman dorm room.
SpeedyOrders Graduation Photo Booth Frame
Your party might be one of the final times your grad gets to see all their friends and loved ones in one place before the school year starts. A photo booth will help to make sure your celebration is not forgotten. This personalized photo booth frame will help everyone remember your grad’s special day and give you tons of fun photos to look back on.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11
And for photos your guests can take home as soon as the party ends, consider an instant camera like this Fujifilm Instax Mini. It also makes a great graduation gift to take to school once your grad’s party ends and will ensure they capture all the crucial campus memories of their first year.
Spritz Party Backdrop Gold
If you’re having an indoor celebration, grab this gold foil fringe for a more festive photo backdrop. Maybe even add in some 2024 number balloons to hold in the photo or pin up to the wall.
Lighting Ever Curtain Lights
String lights are great for adding a whimsical touch to your event, and they look especially nice if your grad party is taking place in the evening. These curtain lights can be added in as part of your photo backdrop or just hung around to add life to the general party ambience.
Svater Outdoor String Lights
For outdoor parties that plan to continue after dusk, the bulbs on these outdoor string lights are just the thing to help keep your guests illuminated while they drink, eat and chat.
Graduation party tableware decor
Lune Design Shop Graduation Party Guest Book
Let your guests share college wisdom and well wishes with this keepsake guest book, which you can have personalized with your graduate’s name and class year.
NCYP Glass Cards Box With Slot and Lock
Having a designated place for guests to drop graduation cards or other notes will help prevent them from getting misplaced once the party ends. Available in four finishes, this glass card box will help keep your cards secure and beautifully displayed at your event.
Aire White and Gold Disposable Party Dinnerware
No one wants to do dishes after a party. Save yourself some of the cleanup hassle with this dinnerware set of 125 pieces in cheerful white and gold. Enough to serve 25 guests, this set comes equipped with two different plate sizes, napkins, cups and cutlery.
Spritz Graduation Grad Cap Table Cover
Table covers will help protect your tables from spills, scratches and other misfortunes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t also be festive. This disposable cover is adorned with mini grad caps, so whether you're outfitting a picnic, a folding table or a living room table, the reason for celebration will be loud and clear.
Folkulture Tablecloth
If you’re looking for a tablecloth that doesn’t scream “grad," grab one of these Folkulture tablecloths, which come in a variety of brightly colored patterns perfect for summer or garden-style outdoor parties.
Bluekate Table Skirt
To make your snack table look more cohesive, dress it with a table skirt. Not only is this a great way to keep extra party supplies stashed out of view, but it will also help your party look a little more polished, even if you threw everything together last minute.
I00000 Gold and Green Disposable Dinnerware
For dinnerware that feels a little more upscale than traditional partyware, try this green and gold set. Perfect if you’re planning a sit-down-style party meal, this set can accommodate up to 30 guests and can be hand-washed for extra uses or disposed of after the event ends.
Party City Black, Silver and Gold 'Celebrate the Grad' Party Kit
If you don’t enjoy the mixing, matching and planning of party decor, you can always grab this Party City kit. Complete with plates, cups, napkins, confetti, a table cover, balloons and banners, this kit will cover all your party and decorating basics to make sure your grad knows this celebration is specifically for them.
Goodluck 14-Ounce Glitter Plastic Cups
For a glassware-free grad party, plastic cups are a must for serving drinks. This pack of 50 cups is designed with a subtle glitter shimmer and a 14-ounce capacity that's perfect for water, soda, mocktails and more.
Happy Party Decor Graduation Cake Topper
Whether you're making a cake from scratch or picking one up for the party, this graduation cake topper will add an extra flair of decoration and pizzazz to your dessert.
Custom Cake Image 4 U Custom Graduation Diplomas
For personalizing cupcakes or other celebratory sweet treats, these edible diploma toppers are an excellent addition that will really wow your guests and take your treat table to the next level. Customize them for high school or college graduations with your grad’s name, school, degree and class year.
Antimbee 4-Tier Clear Cupcake Stand With Gold LED String Lights
And of course you’ll need something to help beautifully display your cupcakes and treats. This cupcake stand is made of sturdy acrylic plastic and comes with LED string lights so you can make your display truly dazzle.
Friday Night Graduation Cupcake Stands
If you’re looking for a stand that’s specifically graduation themed, grab this three-tiered cardboard version that can be wiped off and stored flat until you need to use it again.
Love and Luxe Handmade Custom Text Donut Wall
If cupcakes and cakes aren’t really your thing, then how about a donut wall? Prop up this donut wall, which holds up to 16 standard sized donuts and can be personalized with a saying of your choice, and let your guests feast their eyes on this mouthwatering display before grabbing a treat for themselves.
Spritz Graduation Lunch Napkins, 20-Count
You’ll definitely need something on hand for your guests to keep their hands and faces clean while they snack. Pick up a pack or two of these adorable napkins to keep on your snack table.
ElegantTime Bud Vases
Flowers make a great decor choice for any of your spring and summer gatherings and are also a great way to bring some vibrance and life to indoor events. Before you pick up your bouquets, grab this set of 10 colorful vases. Scatter them around your event space, display them as a group or even use them as table centerpieces.
Posh Setting Plastic Serving Bowls
While you probably have some loose kitchen and mixing bowls on hand, having dedicated serving bowls will help your graduation party feel a touch more polished. This set of five serving bowls is ideal for setting up snack bars of candy, fruit, chips and more.
Krafting Moments Shop Trays
If you want to go the extra mile with your serving setup, these letter and number trays are a great addition. Spell out classics like "grad" or "2024," or use your graduate's initials or the letters of their future school. They also stand on their own if you’d prefer to use them simply for display instead.
Graduation party activities
Spikeball
Keep your energized grads entertained during the party with this Spikeball game. Easy to set up, the game can be played on any terrain, making it great for parties and for breaking out on their college quad or during a weekend tailgate.
Jumbo Pong
While your grad might not quite be of age to hit the real pong tables just yet, they can get some practice reps in early with this supersized backyard version.
American Cornhole Association Backyard Vintage Stripes Cornhole Boards
If your grad party is in a backyard or park with a lot of outdoor space, setting up a game of cornhole is perfect for getting grads, parents, friends and even siblings involved in the festivities. These American Cornhole Association boards are made with a weather-resistant finish, so you won’t have to worry about them getting ruined by dew, dirt or other light outdoor elements.
$74 at American Cornhole Association
KanJam
Another backyard favorite, KanJam is a Frisbee-throwing game that will have the competitive spirit of your grad and all their friends dialed up to a 10.
Ultimate Ears Boom 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Whether your event is outdoors or inside, you’ll definitely want some music playing to set the right vibe. The UE Boom 3 is our pick for the best portable Bluetooth speaker, and its long battery life will make sure your party is never without some jazzy tunes. If you have more than one UE Boom speaker, you can connect them all together via the Ultimate Ears app so that no corner of your party lacks good music.
$119 at Amazon
$120 at Best Buy
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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