Keep graduation’s focus on the graduate, not the big-box store, with these simple, meaningful, and eco-friendly handmade graduation cards and gift embellishments.
I have a high school graduate this year (YAY!!!), and wow, have I been tempted to buy all the cute graduation-themed stuff! Tbh I had to start controlling myself last November, because all the cute New Year’s Eve stuff ALSO had my kid’s graduation year on it–so timely! So darling!
So wasteful!
I’ve tried hard my kid’s whole life to model thoughtful purchases and meaningful celebrations, and I’d hate to blow it now. So feel free to piggyback on all my research as I’ve sought out the perfectly handmade, perfectly eco-friendly graduation cards, gift accessories, and keepsakes. From preschool graduates to PhD candidates, maybe you’ll find YOUR next graduation craft here, too!
Graduation Cards and Gift Embellishments
vintage book page tassel. Add this DIY tassel to any card or gift, handmade or store-bought. For bonus points, upcycle an old textbook from the graduate’s academic specialty.
positive quote cards. Use these as gift embellishments or gift tags, or use them as graduation cards.
bright future card. Keep it super simple with just the printable card and a sentiment, or add color and embellishments. For bonus points, whip out the markers and let a kid embellish this card!
gift card holder. The cutest thing about this graduation cap gift card holder is that you can customize the colors to match your graduate’s school! If you’re also including a wrapped gift, try making it from the same wrapping paper.
Mason jar lid topper. Whether it’s candy, a homemade brownie mix, or just a jar of gift cards, this DIY graduation cap topper makes it fit the theme! Look for empty Mason jars in your local Freecycle group.
Congrats card. The free printable design is super simple, which means it’s perfect for every graduation from kindergarten through PhD! If you have doodle skills, you can give it additional embellishments yourself.
money holder. There’s room in this graduation card for a handwritten note AND some money! Here’s a slightly different craft specifically designed for gift cards. Whichever you chose, your favorite graduate will be set up for their future!
customizable printable card. You can customize the inside and outside of this graduation card, AND download and print it for free! Here’s another style from the same website. I love the ability to also print the inside blurb, because my handwriting is so messy, sigh…
crocheted graduation cap applique. Add this to a handmade card or use as a gift topper. This is such a cute way to stashbust that you might even find yourself making extra for future graduates. That second-grader only has a decade to go!
gas money card. This free printable card is best suited for high school and college graduates, since you’ll be using it to give them gas money! This would be a cute first gift right before you surprise your favorite graduate with a new-to-them car.
graduation cap gift box. Turn any round gift box into a graduation cap, or grab some cardboard and DIY your own!
six pack holder. It’s for SODA.
crocheted graduation cap Mason jar lid cover. Cover up that boring Mason jar lid with your fancy crochet skills!
graduation cap bottle toppers. These paper graduation caps are a cute and easy way to fancy up a bottle of wine or soda.
OMG card. There are a couple of cards included in this free download, but I am IN LOVE with the OMG card.
crocheted graduation cap garland. This would make the cutest gift topper! Or, tie it around a bottle or jar to fancy up a gift set.
printable card. Just add a few easy embellishments to this printable card, and you’re done!
crocheted mini graduation cap. Use this as a gift topper or to give a stuffie, gift basket, or other practical present a little graduation cap of its own!
printable money holder. This money holder will keep cash or checks safe, and it couldn’t be simpler to print and assemble
P.S. If you’re actually looking for graduation GIFTS, not crafts, check out this list of 20 go-to graduation gifts here!
