Graduation Gift Ideas to Make with Your Laser (and a Little Heart)

Graduation season is full of excitement, memories, and the promise of big things ahead—and it’s also a great opportunity for makers to create meaningful, personalized gifts that stand out. Whether you’re prepping for craft markets, gifting your own graduate, or taking custom orders, these project ideas use Cerulean Tides materials to craft keepsakes that are equal parts practical and sentimental.

1. Cash Savings Box

Graduates have goals—help them save for what’s next! Our favorite version of this box uses frosted black acrylic for the main panels and gold mirror acrylic for that luxe finish. Want it temporary and reusable? Design it with slide-together panels or a plug on the bottom. Want it tamper-proof? Secure it permanently with your favorite glue to avoid that “just one bill” temptation. It’s an ideal gift and looks fantastic on a graduation gift table.

2. Money Tree Display

This one always gets people talking. Create a money tree using 1/8" acrylic or finished Birch for the main tree silhouette and the middle section to hold the rolled bills and bottom stand layer —then cut out a cap to match the graduate’s school colors. For the personalized piece, use DualTite adhesive to layer a coordinating acrylic color of their name or graduating year. Guests can roll up bills and tuck them into the slots during the party or present it pre-filled as a heartfelt gift.

3. Personalized Gift Envelope Box

Make envelope collecting simple and stylish with a custom gift card/envelope box. This is perfect for graduation parties, keeping all those sweet cards and congratulatory notes organized in one place. Use Pre-dyed Plywood to match the party theme—and don’t forget to personalize it with a name or class year!

4. Graduation Cake Topper

Top off the celebration—literally—with a custom cake topper! We recommend using clear acrylic as it's the only food-safe option. If you're using any other acrylic colors or specialty materials, wrap the stick/stem portion in saran wrap and slide a straw over it for safe food contact. Design with flair: graduation caps, names, school mascots, or class years all make great elements.

5. Large “Well Wishes” Sign

Capture the moment with a large GRAD sign—customized with a cap design and plenty of blank space for guests to write words of encouragement, advice, or memories. Cut it from glossy colored acrylic, which ever matches the school colors, display it at the party, and let guests do the rest with a permanent marker. It becomes a beautiful keepsake filled with love and wisdom.

Materials We Recommend:

• Acrylic – in frosted, mirrored, clear, and vibrant solid colors

• Pre-dyed Plywood – bold, beautiful, and ready for laser use

• Finished Birch & MDF Core Plywood – perfect for signs and boxes

• 3M & DualTite Adhesive Sheets – strong hold for layered designs

All available at CeruleanTides.com—stock up now so you're ready for grad season and ahead for summer crafting!

Colorful supplies. Endless potential. Happy Making!

– The Cerulean Tides Team