Celebrating Graduating Seniors

With temperatures warming and the end of spring approaching, seniors everywhere are anxiously awaiting the end of yet another school year and semester. With this season of change, comes the exciting time of year for graduation ceremonies, parties, senior pictures, gift giving and more.

Whether you are planning a celebration to honor your graduating senior or need some ideas for graduation gifts for friends or family, there are many fun and creative ways to celebrate their successes. Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get started:

Set a Budget. As with any time of celebration, it is best to first start with a party planning list and budget. This will help you determine the number of invites to send out and the number of guests to expect, so you know how much food and favors you’ll need for the actual event, and how elaborate or simple you need to make it to stay within budget. Regardless of cost, there are many fun and unique ways to celebrate your senior. Look for creative ways to present food and other party décor. For example, roll paper napkins and tie with a small ribbon to resemble the look of a diploma. Your creativity can take you far!

Senior Photographs. Many graduating seniors take senior pictures to capture and commemorate this special time in their lives. Showcase these pictures and use as part of the party décor with a framed photograph of your senior. You can also go through old photographs and try to find pictures of your senior and friends from years past. It can be fun to see the transformation from a toddler or graduating kindergartener to a graduating senior about to enter the world of adulthood. Consider using both beautiful round picture frames and/or an antique picture frame to create a different effect for the different times in their lives.

Gifts for the Graduate. When it comes to gift ideas, the possibilities are endless. Money is often a popular and well sought after gift for graduating seniors about to embark on a new chapter of life. Whether it be college, a new job or just moving out of their parents’ home, monetary gifts can make great gifts for anyone in this stage of life. Instead of filling a card with some dollar bills, try using a creative approach to giving money. Roll or fold dollar bills and fill an empty chocolate tray with bills and coin, create a “money pizza” with bills sprayed out in a circular shape with “coin pepperonis” on top and give in a clean pizza box, or create a “money tree” by using some rolled bills and a few items from your craft store. If the graduate is an accomplished athlete, consider giving a jersey display case with their letterman jacket or jersey to commemorate their years of playing the game. For those on a tighter budget, a simple journal or decorative item for the graduate’s next home or room is another great gift idea.

Graduation Celebration. When it comes time for the actual ceremony and celebration, remember to have fun and enjoy the moment. The day is about honoring the successes and accomplishments of your senior, so savor the day!