These Creative Graduation Cap Ideas Will Make You Stand Out at the Ceremony

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It’s graduation day. You can’t believe it has finally arrived! You’re donning the customary gown. Your hair is just so. And you’ve picked out those earrings that perfectly complement your cap. Oh, that’s right—your cap! As you picture this day, maybe you’re noticing that your graduation cap could use a little special something, a decorative pop that’ll make you stand out from the crowd. Whether it’s you who’s graduating (or you’re gathering ideas for your graduating child), there are tons of ways to gussy up that cap, and ahead, we’re sharing 30 ideas that are sure to inspire you.

You can work your DIY magic and make it yourself using a tutorial, or if you’re not in the mood to be crafty, you can turn to lots of options, including printable toppers, buying one that’s already printed, or relying upon the amazing crafting skills of a pro who can customize the topper of your dreams. Flowers, quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some!

There are so many fun and exciting ways to celebrate your graduation that make it unique to you. You get to choose the perfect graduation outfit for pictures, the songs on the party playlist, and the meal you have after the ceremony. Yet another fun way to personalize this major achievement is by giving your graduation cap a decorative pop that shows off your personality. These creative graduation cap ideas will make you stand out from the crowd and perhaps even get a few laughs!

Whether you're the graduate or you're gathering ideas or making a graduation gift for your child, there are tons of ways to gussy up that cap. Ahead, we're sharing all the ideas that are sure to inspire you. You can work your DIY magic with an easy tutorial and let your creativity fly as high as your cap will at the end of the ceremony, or if you're not in the mood to be crafty, you can turn to lots of other options, including printable toppers, buying one that's already printed, or relying upon the amazing crafting skills of a pro who can customize the topper of your dreams. Flowers, photos, inspirational graduation quotes, favorite movies, sentiments about how excited you are be done—these ideas are all here, and then some!

Painted Graduation Cap

Let your dreams blossom with this hand-painted cap full of pretty florals! You can personalize it with your own quote and white, gold, or silver lettering.

'Change the World' Graduation Cap

Let this water color-inspired cap topper inspire you to be the change you want to see in the world. It can be personalized with your name, school, year, and your own photo.

'It Was Ruff But We Did It!' Graduation Cap

On graduation day, it's a safe bet that no one is prouder of you than your parents—but your pup might be a close second! Have your furry friend join in on the fun with their own adorable cap.

'I Did It!' Graduation Cap

Forget "we can do it"—you did it! Now say it loud and proud with this empowering Rosie the Riveter grad cap.

Modern Photo Overlay Graduation Cap

Have a graduation photo shoot and choose your favorite pic to display on your graduation cap! This neat design features an overlay of the word "graduate" along with your name and year.

Custom Vinyl Quote Graduation Cap

This bold, sparkly cap will make you "stand out" like the star that you are! The classic version reads, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out," but you can also customize it with your own quote.

SpongeBob Graduation Cap

Order up! Anyone who grew up watching SpongeBob SquarePants will instantly get this funny graduation cap inspired by the show's iconic time cards.

'She Believed She Could' Graduation Cap

This glittery black cap featuring beautiful faux florals in shades of pink and white will make anyone feel special on their big day. Reviewers love how responsive this designer is, and she offers plenty of room for customization.

Florals and Photos Graduation Cap

This sweet cap is made of memories—literally! Choose three favorite photos of you and your friends and family to include on this fun floral topper.

'With God, All Things Are Possible' Graduation Cap

Express your gratitude and faith with this glittery black cap featuring colorful flowers and a beautiful quote: "With God, all things are possible."

Taylor Swift Eras Graduation Cap

Celebrate entering your graduation era with this chic cap topper featuring a color block design. It's printable so it makes a great last-minute choice!

Baseball Graduation Cap

This one is for all the baseball players or fans out there! Knock it out of the park with this cute cap featuring a baseball-inspired design, your name, and your class year on a tiny jersey.

'I Chose My Path' Graduation Cap

This pretty custom cap is such a sweet choice for anyone who feels God guided their journey through school. You can personalize details like the hairstyle as well as the hair, skin, dress, shoes, and gown color.

'Holy Cow!' Graduation Cap

This might be the most a-moo-sing idea we've seen yet! Featuring cute spots and a fun pink font, this topper comes with double-sided adhesive so you can easily apply it to your cap.

Football Graduation Cap

The Drummond boys know a thing or two about playing football for their schools! If you're anything like them, go with this cap cover to show off your love of the game. You can grab it for several other sports, too.

Custom School Graduation Cap

Whether you're graduating high school or college, this personalized mortarboard is the perfect way to show your school spirit. Choose things like background color and lettering, then send the seller a logo photo so she can work her magic!

Graduation Cap Tassel

If you don't want to go all out with the decorations, but still want a touch of personality... replace your original tassel with one in a color of your choosing! With this one, there are more than 30 shades to choose from.

Pet Graduation Cap

Animal lovers, rejoice! Now you can carry your furry friend with you across the stage. Just send in a photo of your pet and choose your custom text then let this seller hand paint the sweetest topper for you.

'Someday Is Today' Graduation Cap

Glitter, faux flowers, and stitched letters that read "Someday is Today" come together to make this pretty pick. We bet you'll receive so many compliments on the big day!

Leather Graduation Cap

How amazing is this one? The leather is hand tooled and painted with your customized design for a unique graduation cap that's sure to make your milestone even more special.

Graduation Cap Decoration Kit

With this nifty kit, you can embellish your cap to your heart's desire! It includes seven sheets of rhinestone stickers, five sheets of glitter alphabet stickers, nine bow accessories, and ten glitter glue pens. Now all that's left to do is bring your idea to life!

Collage Graduation Cap

You can really match your mortarboard to your unique personality with a collage-type design. Cut out numbers, images, or pictures from magazines (or print your own) then decorate around them.

Get the tutorial at Mad In Crafts.

DIY Faux Flower Graduation Cap

Whether you're allowed to glue onto your cap directly, or start with a protective topper, it’s time to get out the glue gun to create this flowery cap.

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DIY Foam Letter Graduation Cap

It doesn't get any easier than foam letters spelling out a sweet sentiment on your graduation cap.

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DIY Paper Flower Graduation Tassel

If you’d like to add a small something to your tassel (or add a pretty tassel to your plain cap), work your DIY talents and make this vibrant, flowered version.

Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.

DIY 'Now What?' Graduation Cap

Still haven't decided what's next for you? That's okay! Embrace your blank slate with this DIY graduation cap that says "Now What?" in bold letters.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

Custom Graduation Cap

Let’s say you have a lot of ideas for your graduation cap, but no actual time to execute them. Have a crafting aficionado make one for you. Calligraphy? Painted flowers? Sequins? The sky’s the limit with this decal!

Graduation Cap Decoration

If you want to use your graduation cap as an opportunity to thank your parents for all their support over the years, this adorable topper is for you.

'The World Awaits' Graduation Cap

For a graduation cap that shows how excited you are about the future (while showcasing charming flowers and sequins), you can follow this tutorial.

Get the tutorial at Craft Box Girls.

Mary Poppins Graduation Cap

A graduation cap is a prime chance to proudly display your very favorite quote. If this one from Mary Poppins strikes a chord, apply it to your cap!

'Mean Girls' Graduation Cap

We’re getting a kick out of this graduation cap topper that’s an homage to the movie Mean Girls.

'Hire Me' Graduation Cap

You never know where you'll meet a prospective employer. Put your confidence on display with this cute polka dot lettered hat.

Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.

DIY Flower-Themed Graduation Cap

This graduation cap theme can be made in less than 30 minutes! All you need is a Cricut Maker, a few tools, and flowers galore.

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.

Tassel Charm With Memorial Photo

Perhaps you’d like to honor a beloved family member or friend with your graduation cap. In this case, you can purchase this customized photo charm to add to your tassel.

'Worth the Hassle' Graduation Cap

Was the tassel worth the hassle? You bet it was! And you can let everyone know with this ready-made topper.

Custom Painted Graduation Cap

Choose your desired quote, a description of the design you’d like, and your preferred font and color for the text, and watch your vision come to life with the help of a professional.

'That’s All Folks!' Graduation Cap

If you’re a nut for cartoons, especially old-school ones, look no further than this funny “That’s All Folks!” cap topper for graduation day.

DIY Butterfly Graduation Cap

You’re about to take flight, and this graduation cap may just inspire you to spread your wings.

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.

Graduation Cap With Quote

To honor your hard work and dedication during all those years of school, look to this topper with an all-too-appropriate quote.

Photo Graduation Cap

We’re betting this graduation cap will make your parents cry! Customize it with favorite family photos, your name, and your graduating year.

DIY Iron-On Graduation Cap

To add a vinyl design to your graduation cap that’s sure to stand out against the solid hue, follow these handy steps.

Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair.

Family Love Graduation Cap

To thank your mom, siblings, and anyone else who’s important in your life, you can turn to this completely customizable creation.

Map of the World Graduation Cap

The world really is waiting for you out there, and you can show it with this topper decorated with a map of the world.

Graduation Cap Bow

For a bit of a twist on a graduation cap decoration, ponder a sweet-as-can-be bow to add on the day.

'Hamilton' Graduation Cap

You're young, scrappy and hungry and you did not throw away your shot! Give a nod to the hit musical Hamilton on Graduation Day with this inspirational cap idea.

'I Can Do Anything' Graduation Cap

This confidence-sparking cap knows just as well as you do that there's nothing you can't do!

DIY Sprinkles Graduation Cap

You might just look as if you’ve been dipped in ice cream and sprinkles with the help of this delightful cap!

Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.

Embroidered Graduation Cap

For a keepsake you’ll cherish forever, enlist an artisan to craft an embroidered topper for your big day, splashed with flowers and a lovely quote.

“I Can Show You the World” Graduation Cap

Learn how to make this golden, glittery cap (complete with the cutest quote!) by using this tutorial.

Get the tutorial at Mariah Cooke.

'Game Over' Graduation Cap

This goes out to all the gamers out there! You’ve finished the final level, and you can prove it with this “Game Over” graduation cap topper.

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