Clever Graduation Guest Book Ideas

A diploma is more than just a sheet of paper for a student. It’s a confirmation of the hard work they’ve put in over the years in order to accomplish their academic goals. Graduations mark the end of an era, which is why a proper celebration is warranted and should not be overlooked.

Grad parties can come in many different forms, but they are generally dependent on education level and age of the graduate. In any case, having a guest book for the event demonstrates the support they have from their inner circle and community before they transition into the next phase of their life. We’ve collected unique graduation party guest book ideas that are diverse and entertaining, which may provide the right spark to start the party off right.

If you’re hosting a graduation party, don’t forget to send out the perfect graduation party invitations to family and friends.

1. Playing Cards

Custom playing cards

A customizable set of playing cards can serve as the unique graduation guest book idea you are looking for. Add your favorite photos of the graduate to the back of the deck, then have each guest sign one accompanied by a fun note. Whether you use them to play Go-Fish, Gin Rummy, or Poker, you’ll have a blast finding out which card turns out to be the lucky one.

2. College T-Shirt

Grey t-shirt with photo of a girl graduating on it

Graduating high school and moving away from home can be an intimidating time in a young person’s life, which is why this college t-shirt idea is such a great alternative to a traditional guest book for your next grad party. It could even become their lucky shirt to wear when rooting on their team for the big games! Order a college t-shirt or make a custom t-shirt from Shutterfly with their school name on it and have your party guests sign it to send them off to college with well wishes.

3. Photo Guest Book

Graduation photo book

Instead of leaving out a plain, traditional notebook to be signed by guests at your graduation party, you may want to consider upgrading to a custom photo album for the graduate. Insert an assortment of fun photos, ranging from baby photos to senior portraits, that your guests will be able to build upon with their personalized notes and quotes. Just like their yearbooks, your graduate will be able to return to the memories for the rest of their lives.

4. Celebration Photo Boards

graduation photo boardA fun idea for your graduation guest book is to have your party guests write their messages on the back of a celebration photo board. Celebration photo boards are a unique photo display party decoration that allows you to showcase pictures for any occasion. Customize a board with graduation photos and school memories and let your friends, family members, and loved ones write their well wishes on the back so you can save it as a special keepsake for years to come.

5. Art Prints

Two graduation art prints

Create a wow-worthy photo display that doubles as a DIY graduation guest book with custom art prints. Turn your favorite image into a grad guest book by letting your guests sign each art print on the back or front. You can customize this unique party supply item by adding text, borders, and a collage of photos.

6. Photo Prints

a group of girls taking a selfie in their graduation caps and gowns

Celebrate graduation day in a fun and unique way with a photo print setup for your guests to use as a guest book signing station. Print out photos of them in their graduation cap and gown and pictures of their favorite school memories for your guests to look at during the party. Leave out markers and pens so that your partygoers can sign the backs of the photos with their guest book messages. This simple graduation guest book style makes party planning easy, and it also works for any and every party theme. Other photos can be displayed as tabletop prints as one-of-a-kind graduation party centerpieces that you can keep forever.

7. Graduation Posters

Graduation posters

Custom photo posters are clever graduation party ideas when searching for a guest book. These printable posters are easy to customize to make completely your own. Add your favorite photos and custom text like their graduation year and school name to your posters. Have your guests sign the back so you can hold onto their piece of wall art and the well wishes from your friends, family members, and loved ones for years to come.

Graduation Party Decor

graduation photo board and bunting banner

Along with graduation guest book ideas, we provide everything you need to host the perfect party. Shutterfly offers graduation party supplies that are perfect for celebrating your grad’s incredible achievements. Some graduation party decor options you can customize include:

  • Yard signs: A graduation yard sign with their photo and graduating year is a great way to celebrate your student. Double-sided printing makes it easy to spot in every direction, so your guests will know right where the party is.
  • Banners: Fun party decor options include graduation signs in the form of bunting banners and vinyl banners. Bunting banners are great for hanging indoors while vinyl banners work for both indoor and outdoor graduation parties.
  • Selfie frames: Make any grad party a success with a photo booth prop. Our selfie frames can be customized to honor your grad and your guests will love posing for photos with them.

Graduation Gifts

A selection of custom graduation gifts like pillows, blankets, and photo books

If you’re attending a graduation party, make sure you don’t show up empty handed. We offer a range of personalized graduation gifts perfect for every unique style and personality. From coffee mugs and photo blankets to canvas prints, Christmas ornaments, and more — you can find graduation gifts for her and gifts for him they’re sure to love. Whether they’re graduating high school, college, grad school, or vocational school, our collection of personalized gifts are both thoughtful and practical.

Graduation Cards

2023 graduation cards

Get your celebration started with custom graduation cards. Before your graduation day, make sure to send out graduation announcements to share the exciting news with loved ones. If you’re hosting a celebration, let your guests know the details with graduation party invitations that come in a vast array of styles and themes you can customize to make your own. After the celebration, share your gratitude for everyone who attended your party or ceremony with graduation thank you cards. We’ve got you covered with graduation cards for every type of degree, grade level, and type of ceremony.