Photo: Crafts by Belen
In the past, the humble graduation hat was merely part of the customary and ceremonial “cap and gown” ensemble. Today, however, it has been transformed into a canvas for crafty graduates looking to show off their amazing crafting skills and go out with a bang. Ceremonies are made all the brighter and more entertaining thanks to the crafty grads' premeditated graduation cap ideas—which include clever, comical, and creative designs.
This collection of quirky caps ranges in style, concept, and inspiration. Many reference pop culture staples spanning well-known films, iconic television shows, and beloved childhood cartoon characters. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some convey political and social undertones with inspirational graduation quotes. Still, a large portion of these caps simply act as “thank you” notes to those who made it all possible: friends, family, and, of course, coffee.
In the last couple of years, with politics seeming to seep into every aspect of life, there has been a surge in political activism shining through graduates’ crafted caps. Students who are immigrants or whose parents have migrated from another country are proudly expressing how their family’s dreams are coming to fruition. Many people migrate to another country in order to lead a better life for their families, and education is one of the many privileges they seek out. As a result, these accessories are more than fancy headgear to them—they’re a symbol of success and a platform to show pride in their accomplishments.
Scroll down to see 65 graduation cap ideas.
We've selected some of the best graduation cap decoration ideas.
Inspiring Graduation Caps
“On to the next chapter.”
Photo: holacrafty
“We must go on and take the adventure that comes to us.”
Photo: Amy Ferguson
“Where life plants you, bloom with grace.”
Photo: Grad Caps by Breezy
“She was unstoppable. Not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them.”
Photo: naatscreations
“Mommy did it.”
Photo: baileyshea.jpg
“She came, she saw, she conquered!”
Photo: Tyla Made It!
“I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it.”
Photo: creativitay_
“I'm a savage, classy, bougie, graduate.”
Photo: Krafted Swell
“I'm standing here today because you helped me fund my way.”
Photo: designsbyyerallin
“My future is booked.”
Photo: craftshleyco
“Oh, the places you'll go.”
Photo: randpajoescandycompany
“Adventure is out there.”
Photo: foreverpetalsbyvee
“You can find me in New York City.”
Photo: knsiemering
“Next stop the academy.”
Photo: allaboutawallflower
“Rose to the occasion.”
Photo: jennifer.maker
“Don't touch my crown.”
Photo: jewels.creationz
“And so the adventure begins.”
Photo: Amber
“Do better better.”
Photo: Lauren Law
Movie and TV Show Themed Graduation Cap Ideas
The Flash: “Some things happen because we make them happen.”
Photo: allaboutawallflower
The Princes Diaries: “Me? A Graduate? Shut up!”
Photo: hofstrau
Star Wars: “Never tell me the odds.”
Photo: melissalovesdisney
The Little Mermaid: “The little graduate.”
Photo: emmaclairree.art
Disney: “No one graduates like Gaston.”
Photo: busybusymrsb
Lion King: “Hakuna matata.”
Photo: lvoekat
The Wizard of Oz: “You've had the power all along my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”
Photo: abeauty_and_abeast_
Harry Potter: “Life opens at the close.”
Photo: bettescustoms
Mean Girls: “Get in loser, we're graduating.”
Photo: k.rosedesigns
“This does put a smile on my face.”
Photo: catzfuhdays
The Office: “Bears. Beats. Bachelors Degree.”
Photo: csuebalumni
Spongebob: “5 years later…”
Photo: kasta.art
Spongebob: “Thousands of tears later…”
Photo: Backs_People_Up
New Teachers
“Teacher in Training”
Photo: customcouturebyemiah
“Teaching is a work of heart.”
Photo: craftshleyco
Math and Science Graduate Cap Ideas
Biology/Pharmacy: “Knowledge is one hell of a drug.”
Photo: customcouturebyemiah
Accounting: “I've been accounting down the days.”
Photo: drashbecappin
Dentistry: “Holy molar, I flossin did it.”
Photo: Alexis Young
Biology: “When it comes to global health, there is no ‘them', only ‘us'.”
Photo: PaintItBetter
Psychology: “It's been dope, but I'm psyched to get outta here.”
Photo: studiokiera_
Psychology: “Psyched for grad school.”
Photo: uncappedcreations
Biology: “Medicine owes Black people the level of transparency and care that it renders to others.”
Photo: Bria Bowen
Funny Graduation Cap Ideas
“Ight Imma Graduate.”
Photo: studiokiera_
“My diploma runs on Dunkin'”
Photo: kimscustomcaps
“I don't even go here!”
Photo: vivsrivs
“Bye, Mr. Anderson. I'm graduating…tardy or not.”
Photo: butrflysoul
“Now hotter by one degree.”
Photo: briannedanielle_
“Hire me.”
Photo: letterbyline
“Thanks, pizza. You've stuck with me through thick and thin crust.”
Photo: whatisgoingonrightnow
“Goal digger.”
Photo: bee_creative_event_planning
“Yikes. So what now?”
Photo: simplysaavy
“Can I take a nap now?”
Photo: jayandjes.inc
“Thank u, next.”
Photo: d.i.y.holic
“Because ‘coffee' isn't a major.”
Photo: aww.sam
Immigrant Graduates
“Immigrad.”
Photo: anaextina
“Proud product of immigrants.”
Photo: meticulouscrafts
“My parents crossed the border so I could cross this stage!”
Photo: kcaguilar02
“They migrated so I graduated.”
Photo: LaVozdeAztlan
“I am my ancestors' wildest dreams.”
Photo: __killak
“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.”
Photo: drea.oz
Art Graduate Cap Ideas
Design: “Interior Design.”
Photo: popwithlo
Photography: “Licensed to shoot”
Photo: le_le_lines
Masters Graduation Cap Ideas
“I mastered it to change the world one word at a time.”
Photo: Kallli June
“She believed she could, so she mastered it.”
Photo: Ana Ojeda
Graduates with Dogs
“I worked hard so my dog can have a better life.”
Photo: emsgemscreations
“I hope my dog is proud of me.”
Photo: theplannergal_19
“Because Dog Mom isn't a career.”
Photo: theredheadedcamel
Congratulations, class of 2023!
This article has been edited and updated.
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