Five Graduation Shadow Box Ideas

Graduation is a very special time, and one attached with many memories. If you want to make a special gift that’s away from the usual gift cards, cash or circular picture frames filled with recent photographs, a shadow box can display much more than a picture.

There are several different objects you can put in a rectangular shadow box, but if you are looking for some great graduation themed ideas, see below.

Fill it with letters from friends and family. If you want to remind your graduate how much they are loved as they enter this next step into adulthood, have friends and family write encouraging notes on small pieces of paper or cards. Arrange these within a shadowbox frame around something from their alma mater such as a school letter jacket or a yearbook.

Frame their graduation outfit itself. You may have to wait to give this gift after the fact, but if they can keep their cap and gown, it makes for a great filler for a shadow box. Be sure to add any awards or special decorations they get to wear showing honors that have been achieved, or even decorate the top of their cap for them to show their class year and school symbol with a monogram or stickers.

Make inspirational wall art. Using etching cream and stencils, paint an inspiring quote that means something to you or your graduate on the outer glass. Then fill the box with a centered graduation cap, and acceptance letters or other achievements to show how proud you are of them. Using etching cream will keep the writing light enough not to take away from the contents of the box, which will add an artistic touch.

Use a unique shape shadow box as a part of a longer word art. If you have a particular school that your graduate has decided upon, spell out the initials using the first letter as your shadowbox. Then fill the box with colors, stickers or emblems from that school as a show of pride. It can be the school they have just graduated from or one that they have chosen to further their education.

Make a sports-themed box. If you don’t want to include a graduation cap (or if they are not allowed to keep them), then try putting together a box that highlights the best parts of their school days at their alma mater. A sports-themed box can include everything from a jersey to their cleats, photographs and newspaper clippings of victories. You can even add a small trophy if you have a 5-inch deep or more shadow box, or medals they may have received at championship games.