From the moment they receive that fateful acceptance letter to college to the day they’re gearing up for senior pictures, every freshman dreams of their graduation day.
One way to commemorate a journey of such massive academic progress, extracurricular activity, and overall exhaustion (aside from coming up with the perfect graduation outfit) is to put some time into a cool graduation cap decoration, transforming it from a basic ceremonial piece to a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
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Whether custom-made for purchase or built from scratch by the wearer herself, the following graduation cap ideas are striking and ingenious. See if you can glean some major #grad inspiration from our favorite examples below!
Funny Graduation Caps
1. This cap that’s, quite frankly, hilarious
Self-confidence + Taco Bell = one superb grad cap.
2. This Spongebob Squarepants joke
According to the maker of this grad cap, you get bonus points if you read it with the narrator’s French accent.
3. This one where Dory tells it like it is
It’s funny because it’s (kind of) true.
4. This cap combines pop culture with cold, hard facts
Let’s face it; student loans are way scarier than an army of White Walkers.
5. This witty B.S. grad cap
I was tiptoeing the line between enlightened and just plain punny.
6. This Mean Girls-inspired masterpiece
Regina George wore this grad cap, so I wore this grad cap.
7. The grad cap for when you’re cute but psycho
Who doesn’t love Louise from Bob’s Burgers? This one will crack everyone up.
Cute Graduation Caps
8. This simple and sweet topper
Minimalist design, witty graduation pun, Ariana Grande reference…I’m so f’ing grateful for this cap.
9. This cap tells it like it is
Paws down, I think @toshi_the_shiba’s cap is the best Shiba Inu cap I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen my share of good boy accessories.
10. This punny Hello Kitty drawing
Hellllooo, graduation!
11. This glittery Kawaii craft
See if you can spot Totoro and No-Face in this eclectic mix!
12. This is a gentle reminder that beauty and brains can go together
Who says you can’t be girly just because you majored in something “serious”? Be unapologetically you in this cap. (Bonus: It’s customizable!)
13. This witty, customizable masterpiece
The wording on this grad cap is 10/10 amazing, but even better is that it’s customizable. The artist offers the skin tone in light, medium, and dark, so if you have dark hair, this is the cap for you.
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DIY Caps
14. This intricate DIY design
Who said pre-health majors couldn’t be creative?
15. This handwritten statement cap
When you treat your graduation cap like a canvas, beautiful things happen. This is such an example.
17. This brush script grad cap topper
When the adventure is out there, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.
18. This DIY flower crown grad cap
This is the perfect graduation cap idea for any boho girl. It’s giving Coachella meets Elle Woods, and we aren’t mad about it.
19. This “hot” graduation cap idea
So hot in here!
Unique Designs
20. This rhyming, truth-telling Dr. Seuss cap
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
21. This travel-oriented grad cap
When travel is your ultimate passion, you just want the world to know it.
22. This Harry Potter masterpiece
No, we’re not crying; there’s just something in our eyes!
23. This unique take on graduation
The only thing it’s missing is the soundtrack: Pomp and Circumstance.
24. The perfect cap for any Beatles fan
And a little reminder that when one door closes, another one opens.
25. This pretty and punny piece of artwork
You’ll be looking sharp in this cactus-themed grad cap.
For Guys
26. This roaring 3D dinosaur cap
We have an inkling Ross from Friends would never take a break from wearing this nerdy grad cap.
27. This cap that’s perfect for a Drake fan
Any fan of Drizzy needs this grad cap topper, available to buy on Etsy. (No DIY required.)
28. This “Fresh” grad cap idea
If they don’t love The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I don’t want to know them.
29. The ultimate cap idea for gamers
Because really, what’s life except for a series of achievements?
30. This movie-themed topper
Here’s to you, graduate.
Disney Inspired
31. This custom-made acrylic design
Anyone else start humming the song as soon as they spotted the Pinocchio lyrics?
32. This Belle-inspired work of art
Perfect for theater majors, English grads, or just regular Disney enthusiasts, this graduation cap idea inspires wanderlust and VHS nostalgia.
33. This Little Mermaid-inspired cap
Us too, girl. Us too.
34. This custom Mulan top
We’re sure this grad looked beautiful after four years of adversity — oops, we mean college!
35. This Leslie Knope meets Mickey masterpiece
We can’t get enough of these cute Disney-inspired caps!
Girly Ideas
36. This cap screams #BlackGirlMagic
Can we admire some of that extraordinary #BlackGirlMagic just by appreciating this graduation cap decoration?
Yes, yes, we can.
37. This ode to Queen Bey
Speaking of Black Girl Magic, it doesn’t get much more magical than Beyonce herself. Pay tribute to this gorgeous cap with her words.
38. This beautiful collection of makeup products
Or should we say beauty-full?
39. This Legally Blonde number
We did it!
40. This Instagram addict
So true.
41. This pearly artwork
We’re not sure we’d have the patience to glue 1,500 little blue balls onto one cap, but kudos to this graduate for her amazing crafting skills!
42. This thankful cap
Just a reminder to you to thank your mom, dad, and anyone else who’s helped you become the person you are today.
Floral Ideas
43. The cap that’s got it all
When the first floral cap is this good, you know it’s only going to get better from here on down.
44. This motivational masterpiece
Again, hand lettering takes the stage with you as you prepare for a world of exciting possibilities after college.
45. This wanderlust sign
Featuring a quote by American novelist Jack Kerouac, Adeline’s design truly stands out with its impeccable calligraphy.
46. This appreciative and bilingual sentiment
Sometimes, graduation caps are the best way to show your loved ones how grateful you are for their support throughout college.
(In Spanish: “Thank you for planting a seed. Thanks, Mom and Grandma.”)
47. The sweetest cap you’ll ever see
This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…
48. This absolutely precious cap
Sometimes, you can say so much by writing so little.
49. This work of heart
Sunflowers and daisies, check. Motivational quote, check. One of the cutest graduation caps we’ve stumbled upon? Check.
50. This Shakespeare illustration
The Bard would approve of this cute graduation cap idea.
Now that you’ve been inspired by these truly spectacular graduation cap ideas, why not try making your own?
Epilogue: The Graduation Cap Ideas Challenge
It’s not a true College Fashion grad cap roundup without community input!
If you have a graduation cap you believe deserves an honorable mention, comment below with a picture of it so that we can admire it, too! Whether it’s your own heart’s labor or from the desk of a budding artist friend, we’re sure to think it’s the bee’s knees.
Seniors, are you excited to walk at graduation? Have you already made progress on your cap? Are you open to sharing a pic or two?
Comment below with an image of your DIY graduation cap. We want to see how creative our very own CF readers can be!
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2019; it was completely updated and revamped in 2023 with new photos and information.
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