30 Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas That Are Simply Brilliant

Simple Grad Cap Ideas for 2021 Grads

Graduation can really sneak up on you. Which is strange, because it’s what most students have been looking forward since the first day of classes.

But when you have a bad case of senioritis…

The end of the school year passes by in a blur. Suddenly, tomorrow is the day you walk across that stage. And it finally clicks that you still haven’t decorated your grad cap.

Or maybe you simply procrastinated. That’s what got you through your high school and college career, so why would you stop now?

Whatever your reasons are for waiting until the eleventh hour:

The last minute graduation cap ideas in this post are here to help you out. 

 

30 Last Minute Graduation Cap Ideas

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1. Embrace dry humor

This quote on this cap is a little too accurate for my liking.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

“Grad cap is done. y’all gonna miss my ticket revenue next year.”
–@judd_connor

3. A quote from IASIP always hits the spot

Now someone’s asking the important questions.

4. The more obscure the reference, the better

I love Nacho Libre, but this is the first time I’ve come across this quote. It’s brilliant.

5. Wrap it before it’s a wrap

Wanna have the most couture cap on campus? All it takes is a little bit of ribbon and a flower.

6. Just put a pie on it

Not only is it your graduation cap decoration, but it’s also the perfect post-commencement snack.

7. Irony is your friend

I kinda like that it’s not grammatically correct. It really has those last minute vibes.

8. Show off what this has all been about

“Four years ago I switched my major to graphic design. Tomorrow I’ll finally be crossing the stage, and I decided last minute that I wanted to make a graduation cap for myself.”
–@nicholasirl

9. Sometimes a tweet says it best

As Cher once said…”what’s going on with my career”.

10. Less can be more

Nothing says “I’m done” like a short & sweet message.

11. Keep it real

“Last minute idea for my graduation cap.”
–@ProfXsavior

12. Spongebob is honestly a goldmine for ideas

The older I get, the more I identify with Squidward.

✅ What can I use to decorate my graduation cap? If I were you, I would use this glue and this brand of paint. See my other recommendations here.

13. Do whatever you want, because that’s what adults do

That’ll show your mom.

→ Related: 61 Funny Spongebob Themed Grad Caps

14. Thank the important people in your life

You know it comes from the heart because it’s hand drawn.

15. Feature your role model

Throw together a collage of your favorite icon. It’s a great way decorate your cap at the last minute.

16. Bring attention to your impending fate

Buckle up, because post-grad life is a bumpy ride.

17. Hide your anxiety behind a smokescreen of humor

No doubt, no doubt, no doubt.

18. Even notebook paper will work in a pinch

Last minute like everything else grad cap

There’s nothing more motivating than an 11:59 deadline.

19. Relive the past year’s drama

I don’t think James Charles is gonna live this one down for awhile…

20. Think of your cap as billboard

Like this last minute grad cap idea?

Here are the instructions for how to copy it (including the printable letters).

21. Humble brags are acceptable

You can always count on Trailer Boys for grade A content.

22. Share what’s on your mind

“Seriously though…”
–@7clonts

23. Find inspiration in your inspiration

I don’t think you could find a more timely Taylor Swift quote if you tried.

24. Your favorite past time

“Like everything else I do , last minute decorating.”
–@Becky_Tadildo

→ Related: 71 Life-Giving “The Office” Graduation Caps

25. Wear your heart on your sleeve cap

“Pretty satisfied for decorating my cap last minute.”
–@cortez__lex

26. When in doubt, use a crying celebrity

Using crying Kim’s face as your cap decoration is almost like stealing candy from a baby. But it is a guaranteed win.

27. Situational humor is appropriate

This is where being a fan of Arrested Development pays off.

28. Give your sponsor a shoutout

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Coffee won’t let you down.

29. Throw a bone to your favorite podcast

I’m sure this is an inside joke I don’t fully get.

30. Don’t hold back your feelings

You’re probably never going to see most of these people again anyway.

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Final thoughts on quick & simple graduation cap ideas

This concludes the list of simple grad cap ideas. Hopefully you found one that you can pull off at the last second.

Leave a comment to let me know how you ended up decorating your hat!

 

Recommended decorating supplies:

 

Related posts:

• 25 clever yet easy grad cap ideas that are anything but lame
• The best last minute halloween costumes for guys
• 35 mom graduation cap ideas to inspire your own design

 

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30 of the Best Last Minute Grad Cap Ideas