Graduations don’t always have to be celebrated with a party. It’s completely normal for graduates to not want to have a party and to celebrate their graduation in alternative ways.
Some people are more introverted and the attention and fuss of a big party wouldn’t feel like a celebration at all. Other people, would just prefer doing something more meaningful and intimate for their special milestone.
As a college student who graduated recently, I’m one of those graduates that was unable to have a party. I had to look for alternative ways to celebrate my graduation without having a party.
With that being said, here are 15 ways to celebrate your graduation without having a party and some meaningful gift ideas for graduation.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
15 Fun Ways to Celebrate Graduation Without a Party
1. Weekend Getaway With Friends
Instead of throwing a party, rounding up a few friends and taking a little weekend getaway is a great way to celebrate your big achievement. Going on a getaway with those who are closest to you, will guarantee some awesome memories that you will remember for a very long time.
Whether it’s going to a cottage, taking a road trip to a different city or camping, a weekend getaway is a very fun time. Graduating is a big achievement that deserves to be celebrated and there’s no better way to celebrate it than with the people closest to you.
2. Restaurant Dinner With Close Friends and Family
Having a big event isn’t for everybody, so having a dinner at a nice restaurant with your close friends and family is a nice way to celebrate the special occasion. Whether it’s a nice steakhouse, a hibachi restaurant or your favorite local restaurant, is a good way to celebrate without it being an over the top party.
Having a dinner with those who matter most to you, will be more meaningful than having a big party.
Consider grad decorations for the table and even a few party gifts for your guests!
3. Live Event (concert, sports team, comedian)
A great way to celebrate your graduation is by going to see a live event. Live events are always special and are guaranteed to be forever memories!
Whether it’s going to see your favorite musician, sports team or comedian, going to a live event is a really fun experience. Every live event that I’ve ever gone to has been a great experience and I know I’ll always cherish the memories.
Here are some live event Recommendations:
- Festivals
- Musicians
- Comedians
- Sports Team
- F1 or Nascar Race
4. Spa Day
If you’re a girl, a spa day is a great way to celebrate your graduation in style. Planning a spa day with a family member or close friend is a relaxing way to celebrate this special milestone.
Oftentimes, people think that you have to throw a big graduation party but parties aren’t for everyone. There is nothing wrong with wanting to relax and have a nice spa day.
5. Luxury Car Experience
If you’re a guy and love cars, try doing a luxury car experience. Now, it’s easier than ever to rent a nice car with car rental websites like Turo.
On Turo, you can sort through different cars and choose the one you would like to rent. There are plenty of options, here are a few recommendations:
- Tesla Model S
- Mercedes C63 AMG
- Mustang Fastback
- Audi R8
- BMW i8
Renting a car for a day or even the weekend is a really fun way to celebrate your graduation. You get to drive your dream car, pick up friends and create life long memories.
6. Graduation Vacation
A vacation for the whole family is an awesome way to celebrate. Graduating is not only a special milestone for the graduate, but for parents as well.
Instead of spending money on throwing a big graduation party, put it towards a family vacation. A family vacation is a great way to see new parts of the world, enjoy nice weather and relax.
Going on a cruise or an all-inclusive is a great way to have a stress free vacation. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of cruising as it really does make the best family vacation.
You get to travel to multiple different places, you get to eat great food , you get to disconnect from the real world and just relax.
If you’re interested in going on a cruise and you’re not sure what to wear, check out this article: What to Wear on a Cruise for Teenage Guys
7. Volunteer Project
What better way to celebrate your own achievements, milestone and good fortune than by giving back to others in your community. Whether it’s helping at the local homeless shelter, spending time with the elderly or even organizing a special fundraise or collection, this is a meaningful way to celebrate your graduation.
Here are some ideas:
- Create a fundraiser or collection of socks, blankets and food for the homeless.
- Raise money for a local daycare so they can buy playground equipment.
- Volunteer with your family or friends for Habitat for Humanity, where you will be part of a group helping to build a home for a family in your neighbourhood near you.
8. Graduation Breakfast
Doing something big for graduation isn’t for everyone, but it doesn’t mean that the milestone can’t be celebrated in a special way. Having a graduation breakfast is a great way to celebrate while not having an over the top event.
Eating your favorite breakfast foods with your favorite people is a nice way to celebrate this special achievement.
9. Day at a Waterpark or Theme Park
Consider doing a day at a waterpark or a theme park with a few friends or family. You can do this as an alternative instead of a big graduation party.
Theme parks and water parks are loads of fun! Depending on where you live, there should be a theme park or waterpark nearby.
If it’s a bit far, take the road trip it’s going to be worth it. This is a great way to spend the day, create awesome memories and most of all to have fun!
10. Shopping Day
Whether you’re a guy or girl, doing a shopping day and picking up new clothes, shoes or jewelry is a great way to celebrate your graduation. If you’re going off to college, you are going to want a new computer or iPad, or even furniture for your dorm room.
Graduating is the end of a chapter in many student’s lives, so it’s the perfect time to improve your style and get prepared for the next part of your life.
If you’re going to college, check out this article: 27 College Desk Essentials Every Student Needs
11. Plan a “Yes” Day
A “yes” day is one of the best ways to celebrate graduation without a party. In order to have a “yes” day, it may require a bit of planning.
For those who don’t know, a “yes” day is when the graduate gets to do whatever they want and their friends and family have to say yes! Of course, the graduate can’t be overly demanding, but this can make for a very fun day.
Whether if it’s going out to eat, going on a bike ride or going to see a movie, this can be a great way to celebrate the special occasion.
12. Virtual Gathering
Over the last few years, virtual gatherings have become very popular. If you want an easy graduation celebration, then you can always host one on ZOOM.
Nowadays’s, most people know how to use ZOOM, which means that it’s easier than ever to host a virtual gathering.
If you have family members or friends that live in different states and countries, they can attend the virtual graduation celebration.
You can get creative by telling everyone beforehand to prepare a drink!
13. Have a Video Game Night
If your graduate is into gaming, then try planning a video game night. A video game night is a fun way to celebrate graduation and to have fun.
Among high school guys and girls, gaming has become extremely popular. Many high school student would rather game with their friends than have a big graduation party.
In order to having a video game night, all you need is a gaming console, a TV and snacks!
14. Slumber Party
Whether you’re in high school or college, having a slumber party is always a good time. Inviting some close friends over for a sleepover is the perfect way to celebrate the special occasion and have fun!
Graduation is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. So it’s important to celebrate with those who were closest with you during those years.
A sleepover will be a fun memory and an easy way to celebrate graduation without a party.
15. Purchase a Gift Instead
Instead of throwing a party, getting a special gift is a great way to celebrate the special achievement. Nowadays’s, many graduates prefer receiving gifts, instead of having a big party.
Throwing a big graduation party requires a ton of work and it can be very stressful. A gift makes the graduation process a lot more seamless and more enjoyable.
Here’s a list of amazing graduation gifts: 20 Unique Graduation Gifts That Every Graduate Needs – Boys & Girls
5 Meaningful Gifts for Graduates
If you’re looking for a meaningful graduation gift, here are some recommendations:
Watch
A watch makes for a great graduation gift as, a watch can last for a very long time. As you enter the next chapter in your life, having a nice watch will be a great accessory to wear.
If you’re looking for a meaningful graduation gift, then a watch is perfect.
Here are three different watches at separate price points:
Inexpensive: Invicta
Affordable: Michael Kors
High-End: Apple Watch
iPad
If you’re going to college you may want to consider getting an iPad. The iPad has become the ultimate device for students as they have made it super easy to write notes and complete assignments directly from the iPad.
As someone who just recently graduated, I know first hand that many students now use the iPad in college. It’s a more affordable alternative to an expensive laptop and it has the same capabilities.
Recommended: iPad (see price on Amazon)
If you’re interested in finding out more about the iPad, check this out: Should You Buy an iPad For College Instead of a Laptop?
Related: 10 Cheap iPad Accessories That Are Actually Worth it
Cologne or Perfume
Cologne for guys and perfume for girls, is a great graduation gift. Fragrances last a long time and are very useful when going to college or when working at a job.
Here are some popular recommendations:
Cologne:
Perfume:
Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris for Women
Car
If you’re graduating high school and you don’t yet have a car, you may want to look into one. Whether it’s asking for money to put towards a car or getting the old family car, getting a car for graduation is a great gift.
As you get older, you will need a car to go to school, work or to see friends. A car is a great gift that will add a lot of convenience to your life.
College Gift Basket
A college gift basket filled with college essentials makes for a really nice graduation gift. Going to college is a big change and it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
Once you’re in college you will have to become more independent. Getting a college gift basket is a great way to get college essentials that will make your life easier.
Here are some items that can go in a college gift basket:
Portable Shower Caddy (see price & reviews on Amazon)
Related & Recommended Posts
- Best Gifts for High School Guys They Will Actually Like
- Best Shoes College Guys Should Wear (by a College Student)
- Best Shoes for Teenage Guys
- 10+ Ways to Make Your Teacher Like You in College
- How to Meet Guys in College if You’re Shy – College Advice
Final Thoughts on Best Ways to Celebrate Graduation Without a Party
Graduating is an important milestone that deserves to be celebrated! Having an expensive and over the top party isn’t for everyone and many students like to celebrate in different ways.
In this post, I share 10 graduation party alternatives and recommended gifts that graduates will appreciate.
What are your plans for graduation? Please let me know in the comments below.