Whether your sweet little one is moving from preschool to kindergarten, your big kiddo is leaving elementary for middle school, or if you have a high school or college senior in the family, graduation at any stage is a major milestone!  Here are some ideas on how to celebrate your 2023 grads.  

Photo by Yan Krukau for Pixels

— Decorate your front door & yard: One trend that hasn’t slowed down is front yard decor like a collage of photos or fun congratulatory messages.  For festive yard signs, try Card My Yard, Lone Star Yard Greetings, and Sign Gypsies Austin. Or try these local spots for big balloon displays: Ballooms of Austin, Balloons Magic, or Starr of Texas.

— Treat Your Grad to Dinner: If you’re looking for something on UT Campus, check out the fine dining options at Carillon.  More places with graduation fun are Meanwhile Brewing, The Scarbrough, Mondola’s Italian Kitchen, and Trattoria Lisina.  If you’re celebrating with younger kids, check out our roundup of restaurants with playgrounds, and unexpected places with great kids’ menus.

A few more ideas for fine dining with the whole family:

— Create a Sentimental Video: You can call in the help of friends and family to send over photos they have of your child and create your own video or photo slideshow. Check out websites like Tribute or KudoBoard.

— Host a Graduation Party: For pre-school or elementary school graduations, you could have a shave ice truck come to you, like Kona Ice, or rent bouncy houses from places like Austin Bounce House RentalsAustin Moon WalksBounce Around AustinThe Bounce House PartySandi’s Moonwalks.  For a more sophisticated high school or college graduation, you can enhance your party with special themed treats from:  

Congrats to all the 2023 graduates!