20 Graduation Gifts You Can Make Yourself

As the title suggests, the new grad is going to have to smash this gift in order to get out the cash. Once youâ ve cleaned out a clear wine bottle, roll up bills in different denominations that add up to the amount of money you want to gift. Put all of the bills in the wine bottle. Super glue the cork back into the top. Type up a simple label, print on sticker paper, and apply on the bottle. Let the grad have fun smashing the bottle (in a safe way) to get out their gift.

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Smash a Bottle for Cash

Celebrate one of life’s greatest achievements with a smash! Clean out a clear wine bottle, remove the label, and fill the bottle with rolled up bills. Super glue the cork to the top and print out a new label to adhere to the bottle. Allow the grad to have some fun and smash the bottle safely to obtain their gift.

Black Wall Hanging With Tassels and Pictures

Photo: Fashionlush

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Make Simple, Elegant Wall Decor

Learn how to make this minimalist wall hanging for the stylish grad to display in their new dorm or apartment. Select photos of their closest friends, family and/or favorite pet for a personalized touch they will cherish forever.

White Coffee Mug With Adventure Awaits Vinyl Decal

Photo: Dawn Nicole Designs

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Customize a Coffee Mug

Use a hand-lettered cut file to create an inspirational coffee mug for the adventurous grad. The options are endless. Vinyl works great on tote bags, too.

Cookies in Wrappers and Boxes With Ribbon and Labels

Photo: Caramel Potatoes

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Bake Homemade Cookies

Does your grad have a major sweet tooth? Satisfy that craving by baking their favorite cookies. If you lack the baker’s touch, opt for prepackaged cookies and an adorable themed label for whichever option you choose.

Cup Decorated for Graduation With Candy Bars

Photo: Crafts 'n Coffee

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Assemble a Candy Bouquet

If you're looking for another way to please the sugar lovers, this candy arrangement is a great gift that can be easily customized with the grad’s favorite candy. Choose embellishments that match their school colors and personality.

Photo: The Happy Housie

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Create World Map Magnets

Use old, unused maps to make these cute and easy map magnets for the grad who longs to travel the world. Let them remember where they came from by including a magnet with their hometown or state.

Three Jars With Homemade Scrub, Body Butter and Foot Soak

Photo: PopSugar

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Make a Homemade Spa Kit

Finals are stressful. Treat the grad to a spa day with a homemade spa kit, which includes a peppermint scrub, peppermint whipped body butter and a peppermint foot soak. Try substituting lavender or another essential oil scent that helps soothe and relax the weary soul.

Mason Jar With Monogram, Colored Lid and Straw

Photo: Yesterday on Tuesday

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Represent Their School Colors With a Mason Jar

Turn a plain Mason jar into a drinkable glass to sip on sweet tea or another preferred beverage. Add a monogram and include the grad’s school colors for the straw and lid. Wrap the jar in school colors with tissue paper and ribbon for an additional festive touch.

Soda Bottles With Graduation Caps and Personal Labels

Photo: Evermine

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Personalize Soda Bottles

Remove soda bottle labels and replace them with personalized labels to congratulate the grad. Choose their favorite soda or sparkling juice and decorate a bottle carrier to match the color theme. Top the bottles with a mini graduation cap and tassel as a finishing detail.

Colander Gift Basket With Kitchen Accessories

Photo: Beba Photography; Tiny Prints Blog; Design and Styling By: Tana Nelson

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Put Together a Gift Basket

Make a gift basket the grad will actually use. Grab a colander and fill with kitchen basics such as pasta, a cutting board, a coffee mug, measuring spoons and dish towels. Include stationary or a notebook to jot down recipes.

Wooden Craft Box Looks Like Graduation Cap

Photo: Crafts Unleashed From Consumer Crafts

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Decorate a Wooden Craft Box

Paint a wooden craft box and attach a tassel to the lid using a tie tack post and cotton embroidery floss to resemble a graduation cap. The box can be filled with money, a gift card or another gift of your choosing.

Mason Jar With Paper Graduation Cap and Rolled up Dollar Bills

Photo: Hip2Save

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Fill a Mason Jar With Dollar Diplomas

Looking for a gift that’s easy and cost efficient? We’ve got you covered. Take a plain Mason jar, roll up dollar bills, tie with ribbon to resemble diplomas, put inside the jar, and adorn with a paper graduation cap. Chances are, you have these basic craft materials on hand already.

Photo: Landeelu

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Get Crafty With a Handmade Card

A cute and clever way to celebrate the graduate, this punny card is a great idea for the last minute gift givers. Attach a gift card or money to the back and seal inside an envelope.

Light Bulb With Crinkle Paper, Gift Tag and Money

Photo: Happy Mothering

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Use a Light Bulb to Hold Cash

Impress everyone with a creative, more unique way to give the gift of money. Add crinkle paper shred in a color of your choice and roll up cash to fit inside an empty, crafting light bulb. Complete the craft with a gift tag with a fun message to the graduate.

Photo: Wellnesting

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Fill a Box With Memories

Is your best friend graduating? Consider painting a wooden box and filling it with a few of your favorite shared mementos. It’s easy to forget those little moments, but a collection of photos, ticket stubs and other memorabilia will help them remember the fun times for years to come.

Graduation Decorated Mason Jar With Wood Blocks Inside

Photo: Club Chica Circle

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Paint Wooden Blocks to Form Message

Everyone loves a good puzzle. Buy small wooden blocks, paint each side a different color and write your custom, congratulatory message in permanent marker. Place the blocks in a decorated glass jar and let the grad decode the message.

Photo: The Country Chic Cottage

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Design an Owl Mason Jar

Just like your grad, owls have a reputation for being wise. Honor the grad with this witty owl Mason jar made out of a basic materials: paper, string, paint, bottle caps, felt and googly eyes. Fill the jar with cash, a gift card or another thoughtful gift.

Photo: Left on Peninsula Road

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Repurpose a Pineapple Can

Find a fruit can with a pop top lid for this fun, surprise-in-a-can gift. After thoroughly washing the can, adhere the printable label. Fill with paper shreds and your chosen gift and seal it tight with super glue. Don’t forget to add a note of congratulations.

Pink Tassel Necklace and Red Tassel Cuff

Photo: Brit + Co

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Create a Layered Tassel Necklace and Cuff

Put your jewelry making skills to use with this matching tassel necklace and cuff. The subtle nod to the big day will translate perfectly for everyday wear!

Wood Plaque With Dr. Seuss Theme Handlettering

Photo: Walnut Hollow

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Turn a Wood Slice Into Artwork

For anyone with an artistic flair, this cute and inspirational display would be the perfect accessory for the grad’s new dorm or apartment.