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 decorations.
This collection of quirky decorated caps ranges in style, concept, and inspiration. Many reference pop culture staples spanning favorite movies, iconic television shows, and beloved childhood cartoon characters. On the opposite side of the spectrum, some mortarboard 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 and dedication are coming to fruition with a decorated cap. 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 a custom cap to them—they’re a symbol of success and a platform to show pride in their accomplishments and celebrate their big day.
Inspired to enhance your cap topper before graduation day? Let your creativity sparkle by using materials like beautiful faux florals (attach with hot glue), sequins, colorful fabrics, and rhinestones. For more inspiration, scroll down to see 70 graduation cap ideas.
We've selected some of the best graduation cap decoration ideas for your special day.
Inspiring and Inspirational Quotes Graduation Caps
In Your Graduation Era
“On to the next chapter.”
“We must go on and take the adventure that comes to us.”
“Where life plants you, bloom with grace.”
“She was unstoppable. Not because she did not have failures or doubts, but because she continued on despite them.”
“Mommy did it.”
“She came, she saw, she conquered!”
“I dream it, I work hard, I grind 'til I own it.”
“I'm a savage, classy, bougie, graduate.”
“I'm standing here today because you helped me fund my way.”
“My future is booked.”
“Oh, the places you'll go.”
“Adventure is out there.”
“You can find me in New York City.”
“Next stop the academy.”
“Rose to the occasion.”
“Don't touch my crown.”
“And so the adventure begins.”
“Do better better.”
Movie and TV Show Themed Grad Cap Ideas
Snoopy: Good Times Ahead
The Flash: “Some things happen because we make them happen.”
The Princes Diaries: “Me? A Graduate? Shut up!”
Star Wars: “Never tell me the odds.”
The Little Mermaid: “The little graduate.”
Disney: “No one graduates like Gaston.”
Lion King: “Hakuna matata.”
The Wizard of Oz: “You've had the power all along my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself.”
Harry Potter: “Life opens at the close.”
Mean Girls: “Get in loser, we're graduating.”
“This does put a smile on my face.”
The Office: “Bears. Beats. Bachelors Degree.”
Spongebob: “5 years later…”
Spongebob: “Thousands of tears later…”
New Teachers
“Teacher in Training”
“Teaching is a work of heart.”
Math and Science Graduate Cap Ideas
B.S. Environmental Science
Biology/Pharmacy: “Knowledge is one hell of a drug.”
Accounting: “I've been accounting down the days.”
Dentistry: “Holy molar, I flossin did it.”
Biology: “When it comes to global health, there is no ‘them', only ‘us'.”
Psychology: “It's been dope, but I'm psyched to get outta here.”
Psychology: “Psyched for grad school.”
Biology: “Medicine owes Black people the level of transparency and care that it renders to others.”
Funny Graduation Cap Ideas
“Holy Cow I Graduated”
“Ight Imma Graduate.”
“My diploma runs on Dunkin'”
“I don't even go here!”
“Bye, Mr. Anderson. I'm graduating…tardy or not.”
“Now hotter by one degree.”
“Hire me.”
“Thanks, pizza. You've stuck with me through thick and thin crust.”
“Goal digger.”
“Yikes. So what now?”
“Can I take a nap now?”
“Thank u, next.”
“Because ‘coffee' isn't a major.”
Immigrant Graduates
“Immigrad.”
“Proud product of immigrants.”
“My parents crossed the border so I could cross this stage!”
“They migrated so I graduated.”
“I am my ancestors' wildest dreams.”
“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.”
Art Graduate Cap Ideas
Design: “Interior Design.”
Photography: “Licensed to shoot”
“Educated Latina”
Masters Graduation Cap Ideas
“I mastered it to change the world one word at a time.”
“She believed she could, so she mastered it.”
Graduates with Dogs
“I worked hard so my dog can have a better life.”
“I hope my dog is proud of me.”
“Because Dog Mom isn't a career.”
Congratulations, class of 2025!
This article has been edited and updated.
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