Graduation parties are beautiful celebrations of your graduate’s past and future. To help you make the most of this important milestone, the experts at giftster.com have compiled this collection of graduation party essentials:

Graduation party planning

In addition to a guest list, location, and time, there are some graduation party essentials you’ll want to incorporate into your plans for the celebration. These items help make sure the party is fun for your grad and the guests.

• Party theme: A few decorations, like balloons in your grad’s favorite color, help to create a festive environment for a celebration. Fun graduation party themes include “Smart Cookie” or “Donut You Forget About Me.”
• Food and drinks: Even if you don’t plan to serve a full meal to guests, young adults tend to be hungry. Provide plenty of snacks and drinks so everyone stays happy. Pizza, BBQs, or taco bars are easy ways to serve large crowds if you want to provide a meal. 
• Games and activities: Older kids are pretty good at socializing, but it’s always good to have some card games or board games that appeal to young adults. If the party is outside, consider lawn games or sports equipment. And don’t forget that younger relatives might need age-appropriate activities, too.

Gift essentials

Since your graduate is ready to start a new stage in his or her life, whether a new job or higher education, party guests are very likely to want to provide gifts. Here are some essentials to make sure gifting is easy for everyone.

• Graduation gift registry: A gift registry, on a wish list maker like giftster.com, makes it easy to share the items your grad needs most. Creating a wish list is simple, and purchased gifts can be hidden from your grad so presents are a surprise. Graduation gift ideas
• Gift table: Your graduate may choose not to open their gifts at their party. But it’s a good idea to have a place for guests to set down boxes, bags, and cards when they arrive. 
• Thank you cards: Don’t forget to provide your graduate with thank you cards. Handwritten notes may be becoming rare, but a heartfelt thank you is always a thoughtful gesture for others’ generosity.

Memorable moments

Graduation is a big milestone in your son’s or daughter’s life. Help them remember how they got so far with these essentials that make a big emotional impact.

• Photo booth: With some props, a background, and a polaroid camera, your graduate and their guests can take dozens of fun photographs at the party. They make fun party favors and mementos.
• Slideshow: Collect digital photographs of your grad with friends, relatives, and neighbors through the years. Use these to create a picture slideshow to project on a wall at the graduation party. 
• Guest messages: Provide a piece of poster board, wood, large printed picture, or book that all of the guests can sign with well-wishes for your grad. It will be a keepsake item for years to come.

Happy graduation!