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)
dripping
A modern technique that kids and adults can try together! One type of dripping technique, called “blowing,” involves placing thinned paint on paper and blowing through a straw or with your mouth to enjoy the unique patterns and trails that form by chance.
Part of its appeal is that no two patterns can ever be exactly the same, and you can express individuality through your choice of colors and the strength of your breath.
In the video, we introduce the basic steps and fundamentals of dripping.
Be sure to use it as a reference!
desk calendar
A calendar that can be used throughout the year makes a great gift as a keepsake.
In this idea, you cut thick paper into tag shapes and decorate them by attaching origami paper and date sheets.
You can choose seasonal patterns for the design, but using memorable photos would also be lovely.
Create a front and back cover, gather everything with a binder ring, and finish it as a calendar.
Punch a hole at the bottom of the back cover and attach a string with a paper clip.
By flipping the front cover to the back and securing it with the paper clip, the calendar can stand on its own.
Handmade Gifts for Graduates! A Collection of Heartfelt Ideas (31–40)
Cherry-blossom-themed display
Perfect for graduation season! How about gifting a cherry blossom–themed display that’s fun to look at? Just put pink sequins and liquid laundry starch (or glue) into a clear, sealable bag and clamp it in a display stand—that’s it.
Tape any excess bag to the edge of the stand to keep it in place.
It looks beautiful as a decoration, and the squishy texture makes it a simple, soothing stress reliever, too.
Try decorating the stand itself for an even more festive finish.
snack bag
Turn snacks into a memorable gift! Tape together store-bought snacks to make a bag.
Prepare snacks that come in small pouches or individual wrappers, such as hanging types.
You’ll make three parts: the box that forms the bag body, the lid, and the strap.
Create the box and lid using your favorite snack bags, matching their sizes as you go.
For the strap, fill a rolled, tube-shaped piece of clear film with individually wrapped candies, tying ribbons or similar between each candy.
When you give the gift, be sure to fill the inside of the bag with snacks, too!
coaster
Coasters that add a splash of color to your time at home are easy to make using only supplies from a 100-yen shop.
All you need are a coaster base, clay, tiles, and paint.
First, color the clay with paint however you like.
Then press it into the base so it’s flat, and embed the tiles wherever you prefer—that’s it! By changing the shapes, colors, and arrangement of the tiles, you can create different variations.
The bases also come in various shapes like circles and squares, so try finding one that matches your image.
Stamping
A simple, easy-to-understand, and easy-to-try technique! Stamping refers to a method where you apply ink such as paint to a stamp (a mold) and press it onto paper, fabric, and so on to transfer the pattern.
You can also use familiar materials for the molds, so it seems you can create interesting works by using recycled items like plastic bottle caps or cardboard, cross-sections of vegetables, or uniquely shaped objects.
Also, the amount of water appears to be a key point, so it’s best to adjust it as you work.
Stencil
Simple and easy to try! Stenciling is one of the printmaking techniques where paint or ink is applied through the cut-out areas of a template called a stencil sheet and rubbed in to create an image.
It’s perfect for expressing letters and patterns uniformly and repeatedly.
The video carefully explains the basics of the stencil technique and each step of the process.
It also covers tips and points to watch out for when printing on items like T-shirts.
Depending on the combination of fabric and dye, you can enjoy a variety of nuances.
Be sure to take this opportunity to give it a try!