Think outside the graduation box

This time of year, students of all ages are getting ready to graduate.

There are preschoolers moving on to primary, kids leaving elementary to attend junior high and high school students embarking on a whole new chapter — and their accomplishments are all being celebrated during a pandemic.

However, just because we can’t celebrate these milestones in a traditional way, with a little imagination, we can still make graduates feel special.

FOOD

Yummy goodies are the centrepiece of most celebrations and graduations are no different. For a graduate, a “Smart Cookie” station is a fun idea and a “Sweet Endings to a New Beginning” candy station is a fantastic option, too.

Specific treat ideas for a graduation candy station can include “So Long” suckers, candy class rings and boxes of Nerds. Serve a variety of candy (with pun-inspired labels) in dollar store glass jars. Add some additional interest by displaying the containers at different heights. Cake stands and stacks of books work well for this.

FUN

There are many celebrations being planned by schools and communities that are taking public health restrictions into account, but there are fun activities you can enjoy at home also.

An outdoor movie night with a high school theme would be fun. Setting up a graduation photo booth is a wonderful option, too. All you need is a simple backdrop made from balloons or streamers and a few inexpensive photo props.

I love the idea of cutting a piece of dollar store foam core to look like the outside of a Polaroid picture. You can add “Class of 2021” to the bottom and use the frame to take a variety of memorable selfies.

DIY

DIY details are what make a celebration memorable, so pay attention to the little things.

Add personalized labels to water bottles, add a “Words of Wisdom” label to a glass jar and have loved ones fill it with heartfelt messages or design special glasses for a celebration toast.

Consider crafting graduation cap glass toppers from black cardstock. You can even add a little tassel made from embroidery floss.

DECOR

When it comes to party decor, choosing a cohesive theme is the best place to start. You can decorate for a tropical theme, graduation movie night or backyard campout (complete with a campfire and s’mores). Or you can keep things simple by decorating with the graduate’s school colours.

Using pictures as decor is a sentimental favourite, too. You can create a cluster of framed photos or you can use pictures to create a photo wreath or garland. Covering the house with pictures of the graduate’s journey is a delightful way to commemorate the occasion.

With public health restrictions and gathering limits in place, small celebrations are likely to be the norm this year. However, if you want to include family and friends in a bigger way, you can always choose a virtual option. A Zoom graduation party with speeches, toasts, slideshows, presentations and musical performances could be really enjoyable.

I hope I have given you a bit of inspiration for celebrating the special graduates in your life. Think outside the box, spend some extra time on details that will make the occasion memorable and stay safe.