10 Fun Graduation Party Ideas

Graduation is right around the corner and today we’re bringing you 10 fun graduation party ideas. Whether you’re celebrating a high school or college graduate, these are sure to make lasting memories for years to come!

This post from 2017 has become a favorite among our readers, so we’ve updated it for 2019!

1. Get an Event Yard Card

Graduation is a huge achievement and deserves more than a small, store-bought card. Go big and get a gigantic yard card to commemorate your child’s accomplishments. If you’re in South Florida, contact Event Yard Card for more information, or order one from Esty.

2. Make DIY Confetti Balloons

Make confetti balloons to decorate your space. Grab some clear balloons, fill them with tissue paper confetti and inflate. You can even do this with huge 36” balloons for a really awesome décor element.

3.  Host a Dueling Tailgate Themed Party

A dueling tailgate graduation party features the colors and mascots of the graduates’ future universities. This is the perfect theme for twins or best friends!

4. Make DIY Tissue Paper Numbers

Add a special touch to your party with these easy DIY tissue paper numbers. (Yes, we know, it’s 2019!) Go with traditional black and gold or customize them to match the graduate’s school colors.

5. Create a “Souvenir” Guestbook

Have guests sign a special guestbook to make a unique “souvenir” that the graduate can take to college. A coffee table book full of photos of your home state or Dr. Seuss’ Oh The Places You’ll Go are the perfect choice.

6. Include a Photo Gallery

Create a photo gallery highlighting special moments in your child’s life. For a big, bold look, try engineering prints or purchase a pre-cut photo banner template (available from Etsy seller blueberrysprinkles) and just add your child’s annual school photos.

7. Host a Luau Themed Party

Celebrate the end of school and the beginning of summer with a backyard luau. This party, from Lia Griffith has great ideas and free printable invitations!

8. Incorporate Free Printables

Use printables to coordinate the look of your party and give it a stylish theme. Catch My Party has a great selection of free printables in a variety of colors.

9. Set Up A Walking Taco Bar

Serve a walking taco bar for a fun meal that everyone will enjoy. Cook up taco meat and prepare all the toppings, but instead of having traditional tacos, guests will pile everything into a small bag of chips (such as Fritos or Doritos). Get the recipe and more ideas from The Girl Who Ate Everything!

10. Plan Yard Games

Everyone loves a friendly competition! Keep guests entertained and laughing all night long with fun lawn games. This extensive list of games from The Dating Divas will get you started!

We hope these fun ideas help get the party planning started! If you’re looking for more great graduation ideas check out last week’s post Tips for an Unforgettable Graduation Party or head over to our Graduation Party Inspiration board on Pinterest. To make party planning easy, shop our Amazon Store.

Also, did you know that many of our favorite retailers offer dorm registries that can be found on RegistryFinder.com? A dorm registry is an easy and convenient way to get your graduate ready for college. First, grab a copy of our Ultimate Dorm Checklist. Then, get started on that registry! Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, and The Container Store offer a great selection of items for college living.