Creating this graduation tree was a truly personal and meaningful experience, as I layered in items that celebrate my son’s journey. I began with his actual high school graduation cap as the topper, which instantly made the tree feel special, and then built around it using his university memorabilia, including pennants and pieces that represent his school and mascot. To fill everything in, I mixed in inexpensive graduation décor, blue and white tree picks, and the same blue mesh I used on the chinoiserie tree above—which just shows how versatile those base pieces can be. I also found a few cheap graduation cards that matched the color scheme and tucked them into the branches for extra personality and dimension. The end result feels full, fun, and completely customized, and the best part is this idea can easily be recreated using the colors, memorabilia, and theme of any university.
This graduation tree celebrates an important milestone using school colors, graduation ribbon, deco mesh, pennants, graduation signs, and meaningful keepsakes. It can easily be customized for any high school, college, or university by swapping in school-specific pennants, ornaments, and memorabilia.
Shopping List
| Item | Suggested Quantity | Purchase Link | Budget Notes |
| School Mascot or Sign | 1 | Use as a topper | |
| Royal Blue Deco Mesh | 2 Rolls | https://amzn.to/454XNKR | |
| Royal Blue Satin Wired Ribbon | 1 Roll | https://amzn.to/4ytEQyG | Creates the large loops throughout the tree. |
| Graduation Ribbon | 1 Roll | https://amzn.to/4fy8utW | Adds graduation-themed wording and contrast. |
| University Pennant | 2 | Use as decoration | |
| Graduation Signs | 2–4 | https://amzn.to/4gQ0t65 | Inspirational signs help fill larger spaces. |
| Blue Glitter Star Picks | 3–5 | https://amzn.to/4fkCcE8 | Adds sparkle around the base and topper. |
| Curly Blue Ribbon Spray | 3–5 | https://amzn.to/4wQymrW | Adds movement throughout the tree. |
| Graduation Ornaments | 3–5 | https://amzn.to/4fEwkoa | |
| Photo Ornament Frames | 2–4 | https://amzn.to/4htukkX | Display senior portraits or commencement photos. |
| Graduation Centerpieces | 1 Set | https://amzn.to/4wTCG9V | Can be used as tree picks. |