30 Graduation Cap Ideas

Toss It Like It’s Hot: The Tradition and Fun Behind Graduation Caps

There’s something undeniably iconic about the graduation cap. Also known as the mortarboard, it’s more than just a square piece of fabric perched on your head—it’s a symbol of achievement, growth, and the end of one chapter before the next big adventure begins. Whether you’re decorating yours with glitter and quotes, or just trying to keep it from falling off during the ceremony, the graduation cap is a rite of passage that every grad shares. In this post, we’ll explore the history, meaning, and most importantly—the fun ways to personalize your cap to make your big day truly unforgettable.

🎓 General Funny Graduation Cap Sayings:

“Game of Loans: Interest is Coming.”
“Now hotter by one degree.”
“I want my Netflix password back.”
“BRB… pretending this was easy.”
“Is this the real world? Can I log out?”
“They told me I could be anything… so I became exhausted.”
“I graduated, so now I’m like… smart and stuff.”
“What, like it’s hard?” (Elle Woods would approve!)
“Can I take a nap now?”
“Degree unlocked: Now accepting job offers and snacks.”

🧠 For Overachievers:

“Too legit to submit.”
“Summa Cum Laude, baby!” (Add sunglasses for flair)

🐾 For Pet Lovers:

“Did it for my dog/cat. They believed in me.”
“Professional cat cuddler, now with a diploma.”

A Quick Look at the History of Graduation Caps

That iconic square cap—officially called a mortarboard—is more than just a fun thing to toss in the air. It’s a tradition with roots that go back centuries.

Graduation caps trace back to medieval Europe, when scholars (often clergy members) wore robes and hats called birettas to signify their academic and religious standing. These square hats eventually evolved into the mortarboard we recognize today, named after the flat tool used by bricklayers.

By the 19th century, the cap became standard in academic dress, especially in the U.S. and U.K. The tassel—now a staple of the graduation look—also has meaning. Moving it from right to left during the ceremony symbolizes officially earning your degree.

While the tradition remains, today’s grads have added a modern twist by decorating their caps with quotes, jokes, and personal flair. It’s the perfect mix of history, achievement, and self-expression—capped off with a toss to the future.

🎓 “The Toss” 🎓

Caps on heads, robes flowing free,
A sea of smiles and memory.
The journey long, the work so steep,
The lessons learned, the dreams we keep.

We walked through halls with books in hand,
Not always sure we’d understand.
But late-night crams and caffeine highs
Have brought us here beneath wide skies.

That little cap, so flat and square,
Holds stories only we can wear—
Of fears we faced, of goals we met,
Of laughter, hope, and no regret.

And when we toss them to the sky,
They rise like dreams that learn to fly.
A symbol not of just “the end,”
But all the paths our hearts will send.

So here’s to caps, both tossed and worn—
To who we are, and who we’re born
To be beyond this fleeting stage—
A turning of the next bright page.

Budget-Friendly Graduation Cap Ideas

Decorating your grad cap doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are some fun, cheap ideas to make it stand out without breaking the bank:

Printable Quotes – Print a favorite quote or meme, cut it out, and glue it on.
Stickers & Washi Tape – Dollar store finds can add color and personality fast.
Craft Foam or Felt – Great for 3D letters, flowers, or symbols—cheap and lightweight!
Paint Pens or Sharpies – Simple and classic. Draw your design freehand.
Old Magazines – Cut out letters or pics for a fun collage-style cap.
Photos – Print small pictures of friends, pets, or memories for a personal touch.

Tip: Use double-sided tape or hot glue so nothing flies off mid-toss!