DIY Graduation Mason Jar Gift for the Class of 2026
Make some graduation mason jars to celebrate your grad! Each graduation centerpiece’s mason jar can be filled with anything.
Graduation gifts can be tough, but this idea is a guaranteed hit for any grad. These mason jars turn cash into fun little “diplomas” with a cute graduation cap on top.
Best of all, you likely have most of what you need, just grab a mason jar (Ball jars are a favorite for their size and value).
Hip Tip: I have also seen this used as a fun idea to use at the graduation party to collect helpful advice for the graduate. Instead of money, have a sign that says “Leave your best advice for the graduate.” Then, have some post-its, or notes and a pen for guests to leave encouragement!
Try this easy hack to customize your graduation mason jars!
You’ll also need cardstock paper to create the graduation cap. We recommend choosing a color paper that matches your grad’s school for an extra personal touch. The more personalized, the better! ❤️ I have personally made this idea as a gift a few times in the past to take to graduation parties, and it’s always a hit!
Graduation Mason Jar
PrintSupplies Needed
- Mason Jar
- One Piece of Square-Shaped Cardstock Paper (larger than the lid)
- Rectangle-Shaped Cardstock Paper (long enough to fit around rim of lid)
- Double Sided Tape or Glue
- Crepe Paper (streamers) for Tassel
- One Small Button
- String or Twine
- Scissors
- Money for Mini Diplomas
- Balloon Curling Ribbon
- Gold Coin Chocolates (optional)
Directions
1
Tape or glue paper to the top of the lid. Also, attach a strip of paper around the lid.
2
Wrap some crepe paper around a pen several times.
3
Then slide off the pen and tie a tight knot towards the top, leaving a two-inch piece of string attached.
4
Use scissors to cut tassels.
5
Attach string to the button and glue or tape to the middle of the hat. Use a pen to roll paper money “diplomas”, securing them with curling ribbon.
6
Place gold coins and money in the jar and screw on the graduation hat lid.
7
Give to a well-deserving graduate or display as a centerpiece!
Congrats, grad! 🎓
What’s great about this DIY is it can also serve as a centerpiece! Simply swap out the dollar diplomas for candy, confetti, or any other graduation fillings you can think of. You may want to save the dollar diplomas for your grad and not use them as a centerpiece. 😆
The little Congrats Grad sign I have is from Dollar Tree (purchased in 2024), which is a smart resource for graduation supplies! They have some cute graduation stuff right now.
One of our Hip readers was gifted something similar to these graduation mason jars, and it’s something she says truly touched her heart and she will never forget!
I love this. I just created one after seeing this post for my son graduating middle school this month. I filled it with eight $1 bill “diplomas” since he is graduating 8th grade and added some chocolates. I already had a Mason jar and already had a plastic graduation cap cake topper that fit perfectly on top. Cost $10.24 total between the cash and the chocolates 😁
Oh how fun! Congrats to him Tricia! <3