You can make simple, beautiful graduation leis at home using ribbon, candy, or money; the basic idea is to create a looped or braided strand and add meaningful decorations in school colors.

What is a graduation lei?

A graduation lei is a garland worn around the neck to honor and celebrate the graduate, inspired by Hawaiian lei traditions but now common across the U.S. and online graduation photos.

People make them with flowers, ribbon, candy, money, or paper medallions, often matching the school colors and adding the graduate’s name or year.

Quick Scoop: Basic methods

Here are three popular ways to make graduation leis at home.

1. Easy ribbon lei (no sewing)

This is one of the most common styles you see at high school and college graduations now.

You’ll need:

  • 2–4 rolls of satin or grosgrain ribbon in school colors (about 5 yards each for an adult-sized lei)
  • Scissors and a lighter or clear nail polish (to seal ends)
  • Optional: button or charm to finish the end.

Basic 2‑ribbon box braid steps (simplified):

  1. Cut two long ribbons in different colors, tie them together with a tight knot at one end, leaving a small tail.
  1. Make a loop with ribbon A, then pass ribbon B through that loop and tighten gently to form the first “box.”
  1. Repeat: create a loop with the ribbon that just came through, pull the other ribbon through, and snug each “box” so they line up neatly.
  1. Continue until you reach the desired length (usually long enough to slip over the head comfortably).
  1. Tie off the end with a secure knot, trim the extra ribbon, seal cut edges, and add a decorative button, bow, or charm over the knot if you like.

This style looks polished and works well if you want something that will last as a keepsake.

2. Candy lei

Candy leis are very trendy for younger grads and are often recommended as a fun, affordable option close to graduation day.

You’ll need:

  • Assorted wrapped candies (or small snacks)
  • Long piece of clear plastic wrap or poly tubing
  • Curling ribbon or yarn in school colors
  • Scissors

Steps:

  1. Cut a long strip of plastic wrap, about 3–4 inches wide and long enough to go around the graduate’s neck with extra space for tying.
  1. Lay candies in a row along the center, spacing them an inch or two apart.
  1. Fold the plastic over the candies and roll it into a tube so the candies are enclosed.
  1. Tie curling ribbon between each candy section to create “segments” and to secure everything in place.
  1. Join the ends of the tube and tie together with more ribbon to complete the lei.

You can mix in mini toys, small notes, or printed “Class of 2026” circles to personalize it.

3. Money or paper flower lei

Money leis are popular on DIY and party channels because they turn the gift itself into the decoration.

You’ll need (simplest version):

  • Dollar bills (or any denomination), all folded the same way
  • String or ribbon
  • Optional: a cheap flower lei from a dollar store to serve as the base

Simple method using a store-bought flower lei:

  1. Get an inexpensive artificial flower lei and a stack of bills.
  1. Fold each bill into a narrow accordion or fan shape and wrap tape or a small ribbon around the center so it forms a bow-like “petal.”
  1. Attach each folded bill around the existing lei by taping or tying it around the string between flowers.
  1. Work your way around until the lei looks full and balanced.

Paper or cardstock medallion leis are another option where you cut circles or scallops from cardstock, then glue on letters, numbers, or school logos and string them along a ribbon or braided lei.

Simple step‑by‑step example (ribbon lei)

Here’s one beginner‑friendly example laid out clearly.

  1. Measure and cut
    • Cut two ribbons about 5 yards each for an adult and knot them together at one end.
  1. Start the braid
    • Make a loop with ribbon 1 and pinch it between your fingers.
    • Thread ribbon 2 through that loop to form the first “box,” then gently tighten.
  1. Continue the pattern
    • Always make a loop with the ribbon you just pulled through, then insert the other ribbon and tighten.
 * Keep the “boxes” even by pulling both sides snug but not so tight that the lei gets stiff.
  1. Check the length
    • Hold it up to your chest occasionally to see if it’s long enough to go over your head comfortably and sit mid‑chest.
  1. Finish neatly
    • When done, tie a firm knot at the end, trim extra ribbon, and seal the cut ends.
 * Tie a bow, button, or medallion over the knot to hide it and add a focal point.

Tips, trends, and fun add‑ons

DIY lei tutorials recently highlight mixing textures (ribbon plus paper flowers, charms, or medallions) and matching school colors for Instagram‑ready photos.

Ideas to personalize:

  • Add cardstock circles with the graduate’s name, school, and year, using a cutting machine or scissors and glue.
  • Mix in small tokens: mini tassels, charms, or printed school logos tied onto the lei.
  • Layer leis: many grads wear multiple ribbon, candy, and money leis at once for a fuller look.

If you’re short on time, starting from a dollar‑store flower lei and adding money or small decorations is one of the fastest ways to get a gift‑worthy result.

SEO bits (for your post)

  • Focus keyword: how to make graduation leis (use in your title, first paragraph, and one subheading).
  • Add related phrases like “DIY graduation lei,” “ribbon lei tutorial,” and “money lei for graduation” naturally in headings and bullets.
  • Keep paragraphs short, use numbered steps and bullet lists for each style to improve readability on mobile.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.