Every May, graduates worldwide prepare to take their short strut across stages to receive their diplomas. Balancing academics, extracurriculars and employment can very tolling on the graduates in our lives, and all of their hard work makes us proud, right? Let’s make them feel special by opting for homemade gifts instead of purchased stock graduation mementos that read “Congrats, Grad!” 

My boyfriend graduated from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey last weekend, and I could not be more thrilled to hear his name called and to see him receive the diploma he worked so hard to achieve. In preparing for this day, I wanted to give him something that was both sentimental and applied to his achievement, all while staying within my collegiate budget.


I searched the Web for some cute DIY graduation gift ideas and felt so inspired that I decided to make my own out of some cupcakes, frosting and chocolate! Yay, David!

Feel free to try some of these simple, DIY gift ideas. Trust me, your grad won’t be disappointed by your homemade goods or crafts that come from the heart (especially the ones involving food!).


Cupcakes: who would refuse these sweet treats?


The money frame: in the quantity and denomination of your choice.

Fresh baked cookies: always better than the bakery.

Personalized cards: cheaper and a lot more fun to make.

Lollipops: The hat is made out of a spray painted bottle cap and materials available around your home.

Fun photo props: perfect to supplement those timeless graduation photos.
Regardless of how you’re going to honor your graduate this spring, keep in mind that the most memorable gifts aren’t always those that require you to break the bank. Keep it simple!

Lovelies, which DIY gift would you give?

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7