BIG party ideas for your little grad

We don’t want to make you too sentimental… but wow, they really do grow up so fast! Their first graduation?? Where did the time go? Whether you’re celebrating your little one completing pre-school or graduating from elementary school, this is such a special accomplishment — for them and for you. 

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In the mood to celebrate this milestone? We sure are. Here are some creative themes you can customize to fit your little one’s unique interests! Don’t forget to take some photos — they don’t stay this little forever! 

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For preschool and Kindergarten graduates…

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“Mom, I made it” 

Consider this the cutest craft party ever! Set up an interactive arts and crafts station where little ones can decorate a picture frame with their school photo or a photo you take and print at the party! This party works with any craft you like — so feel free to pick one that you’ve had saved on Pinterest for ages… or one that uses some of the random supplies you found piling up around the house! 

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Tots & tots 

Nothing makes a party truly sizzle like toddlers and tater tots! Use this playful theme for your little spud and get ready for some serious fun. The snack part is easy — tons of tater tots, of course! But the party game is where it gets really good… bury some grocery store potatoes in an inflatable kiddie pool filled with kid-safe garden soil and let them enjoy digging for Yukon gold!

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All grown up 

These floral festivities are a kid fave and a total parent-pleaser. Plan a backyard or park garden party with lots of flowers as decor, and give everyone a packet of flower seeds as a party favor! Pre-make a tray of pudding dirt cups (with lots of gummy worms) to really bring the mini gardener vibe to life! Plus, in our experience, a flower crown making station is always a hit (for both kids and parents). 

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One smart cookie 

This cookie decorating party is too sweet! Celebrate your smart cookie with a party you can set up in the comfort of your own kitchen. Invite friends over to bake from scratch or decorate pre-made cookies — depending on how hands-on you want to be. For a little something to take home, your kid will love handing out goodie bags with adorable brain-shaped erasers and extra cookies that you can buy ahead or pre-make and tie up with a ribbon!  

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Hot dog, you graduated! 

There’s just nothing quite like a school’s out, summer’s on pool party. If your little one is too pool for school, throw them a totally festive summer BBQ with all the classics — colorful beach balls, their own lemonade stand (with a DIY cardboard sign that says “[First Name]’s Lemonade”), and loads of hot dogs! Plus, if your little one loves Mickey Mouse, you can absolutely add a darling Disney element to this party with a Mickey Mouse Invitation. Hot dog, indeed!

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Class of 2037… and beyond

Jump scare — we’re in the future. If your little one’s high school graduation year is giving you *slight* sticker shock… lean into the futuristic feels with an extraterrestrial party that is totally ahead of the game. Think holographic and sparkly decor, robots and aliens everywhere, and you can even wrap your dining table in tin foil for a super silver setup. Want to get your little one involved? Ask them what snacks they think they’ll eat in the future… then try your best to recreate the creative concept they come up with! 

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Graduation Par-tea

They’re top of the class… so, let’s say “top of the morning” to a brunch tea party celebration. Welcome guests into a pastel palace decked out with organza draping (you can buy this by the foot and reuse it for all kinds of events — or for playing dress-up!) and tiered displays of mini sandwiches and little cookies. Then, sip to summer while guests mingle and round it all out with a “tea bag toss” game! 

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Our little princess is growing up 

You are cordially invited to enjoy this idea for a royal graduation! Roll out the pink (or purple…or any color, really) carpet and celebrate your powerful princess. Sub traditional grad caps for grad tiaras, and let your little ones bedazzle their own paper crowns, too! Life hack… the brown paper from grocery store bags makes a great sturdy crown base for light decor and glitter galore! 

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For your elementary schooler… 

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How Far I’ll Go 

What says “school’s out for summer” more than a tropical Moana themed party? If your little one loves this Disney movie, using the lyrics of one of its smash hit songs is so fitting for this phase of their life! Decorate with clear vases full of blue glass marbles and seashells, and bring the tropical vibes to life with pineapple juice served in coconut cups! We do apologize in advance for the fact that this song will be stuck in your head for the next five days… worth it. 

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Picture your future 

If there’s one thing parents always tell us, it’s that they wish they had more photos from when their kids were in elementary school! We get it — once they hit this age, their schedules get so busy with sports practice and after school activities, it’s hard to keep up with snapping photos all the time. How about a party that is fun for them, and helps all of your parent friends get a sweet photo memento from this stage of life? Set up a photobooth area or selfie station, then use a Polaroid camera or an instant printer to print a photo of all of your guests. Tie it all together with a table for magnet picture frame decorating with foam letters and other cute add-ons. Activity and party favor… ✅

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In my middle school era 

In our books, Miss Taylor is the gift that keeps on giving. Say goodbye to elementary school with a Swiftie grad party to welcome their next era — middle school (scary). 

Of course, having a classic friendship bracelet station is a must. But we’ve got an idea for another fun craft… let friends decorate their own album cover (wait… do kids these days know what albums and records are?) with pre-printed photos of Taylor, pictures of your guests, and other fun stickers and sparkles (we’re talking totally bejeweled). End the night with some karaoke, and you’ve got a grad party to remember.  

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Oh, the places you’ll go 

How simply Seussian! This party theme is particularly popular… and for good reason. Play on the iconic title “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” with plenty of bright decor and whimsical activities. Try a game of bingo with all rhyming words, or have friends sign your kiddo’s copy of their favorite Dr. Seuss book as if it’s a yearbook! Last but certainly not least… set up a photo station where guests can write what they want to be when they grow up (AKA… where they want to go!) and take a photo of them holding it! (Psst… the sign can read “It’s my last day of elementary school and I want to be a ________ when I grow up!”) Sound like your kind of party? Get started with this Dr. Seuss invitation.

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Taco ‘bout a future 

It’s unlike us to get through an entire list of parties without at least one focused on food… well, we certainly wouldn’t have a complete grad party roundup without this one! Make it a fiesta with a build-your-own taco bar that is sure to delight hungry friends and the pickiest of eaters alike. Plus, turn a tray of homemade or store bought cupcakes perfectly on theme by alternating these adorable taco and grad cap cake toppers! 

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Grad-jama party 

There’s just nothing quite like a classic pajama party. Include all the PJ party itinerary essentials: a dance party to the perfect summer playlist, fort building, and an ice cream sundae bar. Then, give it a special graduation spin with details like DIY printed diplomas as placemats at dinner, mani pedis with nail stickers of their grad year, or a letter writing station where they can write notes to their future self. Don’t sleep on this one if your little grad is getting A’s and catching Zzz’s! 

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So, ready to plan a grad party? Get started with a custom Invitation or read through our grad party checklist to get the full rundown on where to begin. Oh, and from all of us at Evite… congratulations!