Graduation theme
An adventure party
Maps, a passport stamp at the door, and somewhere new to go.
Adventure invitations
Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.
Ideas for your adventure party
Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.
Decor
- A big world map as the backdrop, with sticky dots on places the guest of honor has been and wants to go
- Old suitcases stacked as a side table, with a compass on top
- Paper hot-air balloons hanging over the food table
- A passport station at the door with a stamp pad and a paper passport for each guest
Food
- A tasting trail of snacks from around the world: hummus and pita, mini empanadas, spring rolls and sliders
- An in-flight snack basket of pretzels, shortbread and mini juices
- Drinks named for destinations, like sparkling lemonade "Amalfi" and ginger-mint "Marrakech", with a bottle of bubbly for adult guests to toast
- A fruit and cheese picnic board
Cake
A round cake in map blue with fondant continents, topped with a small paper plane or a compass.
Favors
Optional. Something small and edible travels best.
Colors
DeepBrightPopSoft
Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.
Activities for your adventure party
How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.
Passport stamps
Give each guest a paper passport at the door. Set up four or five stations, like the food, the photo corner, the cake and a game, each with a washable stamp and ink pad. Guests collect a stamp at each stop, and a full passport earns a small prize.
You’ll need: Paper passports, Washable stamps and ink pads, A small prize
Pack the suitcase relay
Teams line up, each with an open suitcase at the finish. One at a time, players run to a pile of travel gear, take one thing (a sun hat, flip-flops, a big scarf, a pool noodle), and pack it. The first team with everything packed and the suitcase zipped wins.
You’ll need: Suitcases, 1 per team, Large travel gear, like hats, scarves, flip-flops and pool noodles, 4 per team
Paper plane contest
Everyone folds a paper plane from the same size of paper and decorates it with a destination. Fly them across the room from a tape line, away from other people, and measure each flight with a tape measure. The furthest flight wins, and the best-looking plane gets a vote prize.
You’ll need: Paper, Markers, Masking tape, A tape measure
Mark a wish on the map
Hang a big world map. Each guest sticks a dot on a place the guest of honor, or the baby, should go someday, with a name or a message on a sticky note. Read a few aloud, and keep the map as a gift.
You’ll need: A large world map poster, Sticky dots, Sticky notes, Pens
Shop the adventure look
Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.
What to do and when
The plan for a graduation party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. See the full baby shower plan.
6 to 8 weeks out
- Compare dates with other grads' families
- Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
- Set a budget and choose your big two
- Write the guest list
- Choose a theme or a look
- Lock in the location and a rain plan
- Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
4 to 6 weeks out
- Decide on music and one main activity
- Book rentals if you need them
- Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
- Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
- Send the invitations
- Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A round cake in map blue with fondant continents, topped with a small paper plane or a compass.
- Ask helpers and give them roles
- Make one contact and confirmation list
2 to 3 weeks out
- Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: A big world map as the backdrop, with sticky dots on places the guest of honor has been and wants to go
- Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: A tasting trail of snacks from around the world: hummus and pita, mini empanadas, spring rolls and sliders
- Make a photo board or slideshow
- Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Passport stamps: collect one at every station
- Follow up on RSVPs
- Build your one-stop shopping list
The week before
- Confirm every vendor
- Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
- Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
- Write the party-day schedule
- Send the final party note
The day before
- Pick up the cake and set up what you can
- Pack a party-day kit
- Charge devices and share the run sheet
- Make the final weather and space call
Party day
- Set up an hour before
- Run the party and finish on time
- Reset the space and check for left-behind items
After the party
- Share photos and settle any remaining balances
- Send thank-yous
- Save photos and notes for next year
- Leave a quick note for your future self
Party-day run of show
For a 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.
- Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
- Doors openGreeter welcomes guests and points them to the guestbook.
- Food out all afternoonFood lead keeps trays full and drinks cold.
- Toast to the graduateThe host gives a two-minute toast.
- Cake and group photoPhotographer gets the group shot before cake.
- Last guests and wind-downSetup crew starts packing up quietly.
- Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.
Free adventure printables
Print at home on letter paper or card stock.
