Handmade Gifts for Graduates: A Collection of Heartfelt Ideas
Are you thinking of giving a heartfelt, handmade gift for the special milestone of graduation? In this article, we’ll share handmade gift ideas perfect for someone important who’s about to graduate! The beauty of handmade gifts is that they can express gratitude in ways store-bought items can’t—whether it’s for a friend or a mentor who has supported you.
We’ve picked a wide range of ideas, from easy projects for beginners to creations you can take your time crafting.
Make the graduation unforgettable with a one-of-a-kind gift found nowhere else in the world!
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Handmade Gifts for Graduates! A Collection of Heartfelt Ideas (21–30)
mug
If you want to give a practical present that anyone would be happy to receive, how about a handmade mug? You could make one from clay with pottery, but if you’d like something a bit easier, hand-drawing a design is recommended.
Prepare a plain, oven-safe mug and use special pens that bake on to draw a portrait, favorite illustrations, or a message.
After that, just heat it at the specified temperature for the specified time, and it’s done!
silk screen
Let’s try one of the printmaking techniques! As the name suggests, silk screen printing is a method where ink is pushed through the open areas of a mesh—such as silk or nylon—to print.
Its appeal lies in the fact that you can print without reversing the image, achieve vivid colors and uniform color fields, and print on various materials and even curved surfaces, including paper, fabric, and boards.
In the video, they gather tools from a 100-yen shop and introduce the basics of how to print with silk screen.
Be sure to check it out for reference!
string
A piece made with the string-pulling technique—fun to make as well—would make a great graduation project keepsake.
Apply several colors of your favorite paint directly onto a hemp cord.
Use a water-dampened brush to spread the paint.
Place the cord between a sheet of drawing paper that has been folded to make a crease, and hold it firmly with one hand.
With your other hand, pull the cord out from between the paper to create a pattern.
The design changes depending on the colors you use and how you pull the cord.
The fact that no two pieces are the same is one of this project’s charms.
Once it’s finished, you can paste in memorable photos or write a message.
Besides a graduation project, it also works great as a card.
Graduation Certificate Made with ResinNEW!
@arthega.resin ✨ Un pedacito de este gran logro hecho eterno en resina 💜 #graduacion2025#regalosgraduacion#resinapersonalizada#hechoamanoconamor#recuerdoespecial#resinaespaña#hechoencasa#memoryinresin#arthegaresin
♬ sonido original – ARTHEGA || Diseño en resina
A resin graduation certificate also makes a great interior decoration.
Pour resin into a mold and use letter stickers or graduation-themed illustrations to create the certificate.
Once the design is finished, cure it with a UV or LED light to complete it.
Since resin is basically transparent, add glitter or gold leaf if you want a more festive certificate.
Decorating the edges with bijou parts is also recommended.
Since it’s a special piece, try creating original wording, too.
Carving
A technique that refers to sculpture in general! One feature is that you can use not only wood, stone, metal, and leather but also familiar materials like soap, vegetables, and fruit.
By carving away material, you can create three-dimensional shapes and patterns.
The appeal lies in enjoying a wide variety of expressions depending on the purpose and material while making the most of each material’s characteristics.
In the video, the basics of soap carving are introduced, and it summarizes the steps and key points up to the completion of a piece.
It’s recommended to try it as a graduation keepsake!
Herbarium ballpoint pen
If you’re looking for an eye-catching gift that can be used every day, how about a herbarium ballpoint pen? You can buy craft ballpoint pens at 100-yen shops, and with just the filling materials and herbarium oil, anyone can make one easily.
First, decide on the design you want and gather parts that fit the size of the pen.
Classic parts include sequins, holograms, beads, and alphabet stickers.
Note that you can’t use fresh flowers, rubber items, or metal.
bleeding painting
It nurtures a sense of color and imagination! “Bleeding painting” (wet-on-wet painting) is a technique where you layer watercolor paint diluted with water or use water-based markers on materials like pre-wetted drawing paper, enjoying how the paint naturally bleeds and spreads across the surface.
Its features include color blending, serendipitous color shifts and patterns, and soft, gentle gradients—making it a technique enjoyable for both children and adults.
In the video, they create works using three watercolor colors, sponges, fabric, and drawing paper.
It’s simple and easy to incorporate, so it could be great for a graduation commemorative project.