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Graduation gifts: different DIY ideas for graduation presents.

Presents for graduation: 5 ideas for DIY graduation gifts

Graduating from high school is an important milestone that should be celebrated! Parents, grandparents, relatives and friends usually want to honour this achievement with a special gift. If you're looking for a creative and original graduation gift idea, we've got just the thing for you: five inspiring DIY ideas for graduation gifts that are easy to make and guaranteed to be remembered. Use our craft ideas to make a personalised gift that shows how proud you are of this great achievement.

Graduation present ideas: money in a chocolate box.

Graduation gifts: a special gift wrapped as a box of chocolates

Graduation from high school means starting a new chapter in one’s life with big plans such as moving into one’s first home, starting university, travelling and much more. Many high school graduates can realise these dreams with financial support. You can contribute by gifting some money in a unique way. Check out our original gift ideas to make sure your money gift is extra special.

DIY graduation gifts: fill your box of chocolates with cash

All you need is an empty chocolate box, some banknotes and coins. You can be creative when filling the box. Roll banknotes into small cylinders, fold them into butterflies or make tiny parcels and accordions. Coins are perfect for filling round hollows or for decorating the folded notes. Use these techniques to create a unique graduation gift that is useful. Your attention to detail will let your loved one know that you put a lot of time and thought into their gift.

Tip

What are good graduation gifts?

There are no limits to your creativity when thinking up a graduation gift! Consider what suits your loved one’s personality and future plans. Giving money is a popular choice, as it can be used for many things such as travelling, studying or new purchases. Alternatively, vouchers or practical items for the new stage of your loved one’s life are also suitable.

Graduation gifts: a glass filled with money, topped with a DIY graduation hat.

Presents for graduation: money in a glass with a homemade graduation hat

Simple, creative and suited to the occasion: a mason jar with rolled-up banknotes topped with a homemade graduation hat. There is no overlooking that this gift simply screams graduation. We'll show you how you can make this graduation gift in no time at all.

Gifts for graduation: craft materials for making a special graduation present.

Materials for this graduation gift idea

  • A clean and empty jar

  • Banknotes

  • Ribbon

  • Black craft paper and some cardboard

  • Yellow wool and a needle

  • A paper fastener

  • A ruler, pencil and a pair of scissors

  • Glue and adhesive tape

Craft instructions for your graduation gift

1. Prepare the notes for your graduation gift

Roll up the banknotes and tie them up with ribbon. Put them to one side for now.

2. Make the tassel for the graduation hat

  1. Think about how big you want the tassel to be and cut out a piece of cardboard to the desired length.

  2. Wrap yellow wool around the cardboard about 40 times.

  3. Cut a 30 cm length of woollen yarn, thread it between the cardboard and the wool and tie it to the top edge of the cardboard.

  4. Cut the wool at the bottom of the cardboard and remove it.

  5. Wrap another piece of yarn 1 cm below the top end around the tassel, knot it tightly and hide the ends by pulling them into the tassel with a needle.

Money as a graduation gift: how to make a graduation hat to decorate your gift.

3. Make the graduation hat for your graduation present

  1. Cut a square out of black craft paper that generously covers the opening of your jar.

  2. Now make the rim of the hat from a strip of craft paper:

  • Measure the circumference of the jar rim and add 1 cm. Cut out a strip of this length and the desired hat height + 1 cm width.

  • Fold over the bottom centimetre of the strip and cut small tabs into the folded edge.

  • Roll up the strip, overlap and glue the ends together and attach the tabs to the hat square with glue.

3. Attach the tassel:

  • Cut a small hole in the centre of the square, thread the tassel through it and secure it from below with adhesive tape.

  • Cover the hole from the outside with a paper fastener, which you can insert from above.

4. Fill the glass and decorate it

Fill the jar with the banknotes you have prepared and place the graduation hat on top. Your graduation gift is ready to be handed over!

Tip

How much money should you give as a graduation gift?

The amount of money you should give as a graduation gift depends entirely on your own financial means. There are no fixed rules, so you should give whatever feels right for you. It's not the amount that's important, but rather the gesture. A lovingly wrapped cash gift for graduation shows your appreciation and recognition of your loved one’s achievements. If you are unsure about what amount is appropriate, you can ask your circle of friends who are also planning on attending the graduation ceremony. This is also a good opportunity to plan joint graduation gifts.

Graduation gift ideas: a gift basket for a new life chapter.

Graduation gift idea: a gift basket to celebrate the start of a new life chapter

After graduating from school, many young people embark on a new phase in their lives. A lot of graduates move to another city to start university and want to stand on their own two feet. To help them get started and give them an original graduation gift, you can create a gift basket filled with useful items for their adventures ahead. For example, a small gift basket is ideal for moving into your first home:

  • A small set with a chopping board, kitchen knife, wooden spoon and peeler

  • Spices (e.g. salt, pepper, paprika), oil, pasta or rice

  • Multitool or mini tool set for small repairs

  • Dishcloths in neutral colours or as a set

  • Cosy blanket or cushion for their new home

  • Snacks for the start of their studies

  • Small house plants or succulents

  • Vouchers for the nearest supermarket or pizzeria in their new city

  • Slippers, warm socks or a bathrobe to make their new home more cosy

  • A rucksack or bag for everyday university life

Tip

Instead of a classic basket to package this gift, you can also use a laundry basket, which can then be used straight away in their new apartment.

Put together the perfect gift for graduation
Graduation present ideas: make a wreath from vouchers and money.

Graduation gift ideas: a personalised wreath for graduation

A wreath made from vouchers and money is a gift that is practical, decorative and full of creativity! Combine different vouchers for things such as a favourite shop, an online shop or a new restaurant with banknotes and lovely decorative elements such as colourful bows, small photos or inspirational quotes to create a unique and personal gift.

Graduation gifts: how to make a wreath as a graduation gift

All you need is a round embroidery hoop and some clothes pegs. Attach the vouchers, banknotes and decorations to the frame. Voila! You’ll have an instant graduation gift that will make a lasting impression!

Graduation gift ideas: a high-quality ballpoint pen as a present.

Presents for graduation: a high-quality ballpoint pen

Sometimes it's the little things that count, such as a high-quality ballpoint pen as a graduation gift. This present will not only remind your loved one of their successful graduation, but also symbolises the start of a new chapter full of opportunities and possibilities.

A quality pen can be a faithful companion for many years, whether for your first lectures, taking important notes or your future career. Choose a high-quality, timeless model and have it personalised with an engraving such as your name, year of graduation or a short message. This turns a practical item into a personalised memento that is sure to put a smile on your loved one’s face.

Conclusion: creative graduation gifts to remember

Your graduation gift will show your loved one that you appreciate them. It will also support them on their way to a new stage in life and/or in realising their dreams. Practical little helpers for everyday life, personal mementoes and money are all great graduation gifts. Be creative and take some time to make a graduation gift that stands out and will always be remembered.

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