Graduation season is here, and with it comes the excitement of celebrating everything your graduate has accomplished! While the tradition of big, grand grad parties can be fun, they’re not everyone’s style and far from the only way to make the moment memorable. If it’s not their style, that’s perfectly fine. Whether they’d prefer to save money, keep things simple, or try something unique, there are countless ways to celebrate this milestone with the people who matter most.

Here are six unforgettable ways to celebrate a graduation:

Marquee letters spelling out 'GRAD' with white and gold balloons around it

1. The Classic Grad Party

This may sound a little contradictory, but hear us out: a graduation party can still be a great option, even if you want something more personal or budget-friendly. The mistake people often make is assuming every grad party has to follow the same formula of a huge guest list, expensive decorations, and over-the-top planning. Realistically, the celebration can look however the graduate wants it to, because it’s their graduation. Whether they invite their entire friend group, a few select besties, or even just their closest family, the celebration is most memorable because it’s authentic to them, not because it’s the most grand. If they do want a more classic grad party but finding the right decorations is too much of a hassle, Fête-in-a-Box is tailored exactly to that—from an instant camera to capture valuable memories and an elegant black shimmery backdrop to access to themed recipes, games, and activities. Apart from this, a memorable grad party may include:

Personalized touches like handwritten notes from loved ones or memory boards
A playlist filled with the graduate’s favourite songs
A meaningful, fun movie or game
A dedicated photo area to give your graduate the perfect backdrop to capture memories of this milestone—especially with Fête’s range of rentable backdrops ready to match your vibe, whether you’re looking for a floral spring look or a more simple, relaxed vibe.

Two suitcases and carry ons packed and ready to go for a trip

2. Go on a Trip

Graduation is the perfect excuse to make memories somewhere new–-and it doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive, or even far away trip. From a road trip with friends so that they can all celebrate their graduation together, or a family vacation to spend quality time together before their next chapter begins, there’s endless options. The experience itself is what makes it unforgettable, not how big or grand it is.

Gift basket with a teddy bear surrounded by candy and cash

3. Buy a graduation gift

For some graduates, grad parties and all similar events are too fleeting, or simply not fun. Some people aren’t party people, and that’s okay! A thoughtful gift can sometimes feel far more personal and lasting than a party. Instead of spending money on a large event, put it towards something they’ll truly love and value, be it practical or nonsensical (to you). It could be a laptop or down payment on a car, or something trivial like those fancy sneakers or an album. There’s a million things they could want, but only you know what they would actually love—if you need some recommendations, though, look no further! The St. Catharines HandMade Market in June will have a large variety of local, handmade goods that’ll let you both support a small business and find a unique gift for your grad! Graduates who appreciate artisanal, environmentally conscious clothing will love Shannon Passero's unique collection. For a university or college graduate, you could check out a local variety of wines and sips at Niagara Benchlands.

Concert with star shaped confetti in the sky

4. Have an Outing

I promise this is different from a trip—not every celebration needs to be a full vacation or elongated trip. Sometimes, a simple outing with the people who matter most can be just what your graduate needs. It’s a chance to celebrate their achievements in a more relaxed, personal way, without the pressure or attention of a large party. Plan a nice dinner, have a beach day, visit an amusement park, or go see a concert or show together; whatever best fits your graduate. The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is a great option for local outings to see various shows!

Illustration of boy saying "Today is my favorite day of the year! Yes Day!"

5. Have a “Yes Day”

If you have the money for the party but your graduate would rather not have any kind of party or event, a perfect alternative can be a “Yes Day”. Instead of planning a celebration for them, you hand over the reins and allow them to design their ideal day from start to finish. Every little detail is up to them—from what you eat for breakfast and dinner to how the day is spent. They can pick anything, from having a shopping spree (be it local, like in Downtown St. Catharines’ various unique shops, or nonlocal, like a big mall in Toronto), tickets to a concert or amusement park, to even visiting their favourite burger place three times in one day. Just make sure to set any limits at the beginning of the day instead of blindsiding your graduate later; this makes the day more stress-free for both of you.

6. Make an Amazon Wish List

If your graduate has lots of family and friends eager to celebrate them (and spend some money along the way), but they’re not interested in having a big party, an Amazon wish list can be a great alternative. That way, loved ones get a meaningful way to show their support while helping your graduate prepare for their next chapter. The wish list can have anything from practical items like dorm or apartment essentials and school supplies to things they’ve been wanting for a while but didn’t want to splurge on.

6 Unforgettable Ways to Celebrate Graduation