29 Easy Graduation Party Favors to Make or Buy in 2025
Graduation party favors aren’t essential, but they’re a thoughtful way to thank guests and mark the occasion with something memorable.
As the Harvard University blog once pointed out, celebrating small wins helps us push through big challenges. So when the big wins finally come, like finishing school, it’s worth making the moment count.
A party brings everyone together and a good party favor sends them home with something that captures the joy of the day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Jump to Section
- Simple Graduation Party Favor Ideas
- Personalized Graduation Party Favors
- Graduation Party Favors for Adults
- High School Graduation Party Favors
- College Graduation Party Favors for Guests
- DIY Graduation Party Favors
- Graduation Party Favors FAQs
Simple Graduation Party Favor Ideas
Start with the classics. These graduation party favors are easy to pull together and always a hit with guests of any age.
1. Candy
Grab a bag of the graduate's favorite candy to add to the graduation party favors. Or, mix a few types together to create a fun assortment that resembles a graduation cap. Jordan almonds are always a hit, and you can even get them monogrammed with your graduate's initials or the class year.
2. Fake Flowers
You can easily purchase faux flowers from any local craft store. Choose blooms in the school’s colors to match the graduation decoration ideas and tuck them into each graduation party favor bag.
3. Ducks in a Row
Some stores sell rubber ducks wearing graduation caps. Grab a bunch and use them as party favors.
4. Stick To It
It’s easy to personalize stickers with the graduate’s name, degree or class year. Print a batch and slip a few into each favor bag.
5. Speak Softly But Carry a Big Stick...
...of lip balm! Add a custom label with the graduation year or school name. Graduation party favors have never been more simple!
Personalized Graduation Party Favors
Looking for something a little more personal? These handmade or custom ideas let you show your gratitude in a memorable way.
6. Hand-Made Paintings
Miniature canvas paintings are a creative way to thank guests for coming. You don’t have to be a pro — just something personal and handmade goes a long way. If you’re feeling rusty, drawing Classes can help you brush up.
7. Thank You Notes
A handwritten note from the graduate adds a personal touch that never goes out of style. Slip one into each party favor to let your guests know how much their support means.
8. Stitched Up
Handmade gifts always feel special. Try sewing or knitting tiny finger puppets or dolls that look like the grad. They’re quirky, fun and make for whimsical additions to the party favors.
9. Baked Goods
Who doesn't love delectable baked items like cookies or pies? Decorate them with school colors or little graduation details for a sweet, personal sendoff. Bonus: They also double as clever graduation party food ideas.
10. Signature Scent
Design a customized candle or perfume scent and put a small sample in each of the graduation party favors for a unique and memorable keepsake. Play around with favorite scents or stick to a theme the grad loves.
Graduation Party Favors for Adults
Graduation isn’t just for kids. These grown-up party favor ideas are thoughtful, cheeky or celebratory — just like the guests.
11. “It's Never Too Late” Theme
Plenty of well-known people — from Shakespeare to Vera Wang to Samuel L. Jackson — found success later in life. Graduation party ideas like this are perfect for adult graduation party favors. Choose the grad’s favorite and use it to inspire the design.
12. Naughty Fun
From cheeky pasta to novelty gifts you'd expect at a bachelorette, there are fun ways to add a little humor to your adult graduation party favors.
13. Celebratory Drinks
Liquor stores sell mini “nips” of just about anything these days, including Prosecco and other types of alcohol. Put a little bottle in each party favor bag for a fun and distinctly adult souvenir.
14. Open and Heartfelt
Small bottle openers or corkscrews make great party favors for adults. Get them engraved with the class year or degree to add a personal note.
High School Graduation Party Favors
High school grads are heading off to something new, and these party favors reflect their next big adventure or favorite hobbies.
15. College Swag
High school grads usually get asked where they’re headed next. Cut down on the questions by adding college-themed goodies to the graduation party favors. Think socks, pens or lanyards from their chosen school.
16. Favorite Hobby
Is the grad into skating, baking or sewing? Add a small item that reflects their interests — mini skateboard keychains, baking tools or sewing kits are easy to personalize.
17. Tagged Bags
Attach a tag with a simple thank you note and a quick line about what’s next for the grad. It’s an easy way to add a personal touch.
18. Mini Travel Journals
On the other hand, if the graduate is taking a gap year to travel or work, toss in a tiny journal or two. It’s a great symbolic gift and doubles as a fabulous graduation gift idea for the graduate.
19. Inspirational Quotes
Including inspirational quote booklets in the party favor bags is a thoughtful favor and a nice nod to the next phase of life ahead.
College Graduation Party Favors for Guests
Mark the end of college with favors that nod to big achievements and even bigger plans. These ideas are playful, practical and fun to personalize.
20. Disposable Cameras
Photos make the best souvenirs. Disposable cameras are budget-friendly and let guests help capture candid memories from the celebration.
21. Degree-Related
Now that the grad has earned their degree, don’t be shy about showing it off. Add a small item that nods to their field of study into the graduation party favors for a fun surprise for the party guests.
22. Gotta Wear Shades
The old lyric still works: 'My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.' Add sunglasses or a travel-sized sunblock to goody bags for a sunny, tongue-in-cheek favor.
23. Mapped Out
College is done, and the world is next. Include mini maps, keychain globes or travel-themed gifts in the graduation party favors to reflect the grad’s next adventure.
24. Achieve-Mints
This pun never fails. You can even add some fun sticker labels to boxes of Tic-Tacs that say “Achieve-Mints” to give your guests a little chuckle when they open the graduation party favors.
DIY Graduation Party Favors
Crafty types will love these ideas. Making your own graduation party favors adds a personal touch that guests will remember.
25. Crocheted Goody Bags
Making the bags themselves is a fun way to add to the graduation celebration. Sew, knit or crochet them for a handmade touch guests will appreciate.
26. Wise Advice
Everyone loves the charm of fortune cookie wisdom. So why not try making your own? You can bake them into cookies or print strips of paper with one-liners for each goody bag — your call.
28. Envisioning the Future
When planning for the future or deciding what the next steps are, people often create a vision board. Include a copy of the graduate's vision board in the graduation party favors, laminated or framed, for an inspiring, personal touch.
27. Magnetic
Homemade magnets are easy to craft and customize. Add the class year, graduation date or the grad’s name for a favor that’s personal and budget-friendly.
29. Goal Oriented
Goal-setting checklists are a meaningful way to mark a new chapter. Include mini goal-setting checklists in the goody bags to encourage guests to set their own post-grad goals.
Graduation Party Favors FAQs
Still planning the details? Here are answers to common questions about graduation party favors, from what to include to how much to spend.
Do You Give Favors at Graduation Parties?
The real question is, why not? Graduation parties are like any celebration — they often include cake, cards, music and plenty of good conversation. Adding graduation party favors is a simple way to make the event feel even more personal.
What Do You Put In Graduation Goodie Bags?
Start with your budget, then think about what fits the graduate’s story. Are they heading off to college, taking a gap year or starting a new job? Tailor the gifts around that next step. Even small, thoughtful items can feel special with the right context.
What Is the Cheapest Food To Serve at a Graduation Party?
Homemade dishes are usually the most affordable since you can buy ingredients in bulk. If you're on a tight budget, consider a potluck — it’s a great way to share the cost and get guests involved.
What Are Good Graduation Party Gifts?
Think practical or personal. If the graduate is moving out, useful items for their next home are always appreciated. If you share a special memory, a gift that reflects it can be a heartfelt touch. Creativity goes a long way, no matter the price.
Graduation isn’t just about the diploma. It’s about the people who helped make it happen. Thoughtful graduation party favors are a simple way to thank your guests and give them something to remember the day. Whether you go handmade, humorous or heartfelt, it’s those small details that make the celebration feel complete.
For even more fun graduation party ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
