It’s graduation season! Cue the proud tears, the tassel flips, the awkward cap photos, and the oh-so-many milestones. Whether your graduate is headed off to college, trade school, the military, a new job, or just figuring out their next right step, it’s a moment worth celebrating.
And what better way to honor the moment than with a card that actually gets it?
We’ve rounded up a collection of the funniest, sweetest, and most meaningful graduation cards made by small businesses who understand that growing up is weird, emotional, empowering, and definitely not one-size-fits-all. These cards come from progressive makers and shops across the country, and every single one helps you say “You did it!” in a way that feels right.
We’re Feeling It, Too
This year, both Erin and Kate—the founders of Little Blue Cart—have children graduating. Kate’s oldest son is graduating from high school, and Erin has two graduations to celebrate with one daughter graduating from college and the other from high school. Fun fact: our high school graduates attended elementary school together in Japan. So yeah, we’re right there with you, deep in the feels. We’ve been flipping through baby photos, crying at Google Slides presentations, and wondering how time moves this fast (seriously, someone explain it).
We know what it means to look at a graduating kid and feel a thousand things at once—joy, pride, nostalgia, anxiety, hope, and a little heartbreak. That’s why this roundup is close to our hearts. These aren’t just cards—they’re snapshots of everything we want to say to our kids (but would definitely get choked up trying to say out loud).
Why Shop Small for Graduation Cards?
When you shop small, you’re not just buying a piece of folded paper. You’re investing in creativity, intention, and meaning.
These cards were designed by artists who remember what it felt like to walk across that stage. Who understand how complicated growing up can be. Who craft each card with thoughtfulness and joy—not with a corporate mandate to appeal to “everyone everywhere” but with a real human heart behind every message.
Buying a graduation card from a Little Blue Cart small business means:
✨ You’re supporting progressive makers who align with your values.
🖋️ You’re giving a card that doesn’t sound like it was written by a robot in a cubicle.
💙 You’re keeping your money out of mega-corps and putting it into the hands of real people doing meaningful, creative work.
Plus, our directory is full of women-owned, BIPOC-owned, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. So every card comes with a little extra magic.
The Roundup: Our Favorite Graduation Cards
For the Classic Grad: Hats Off! You Did It! Card
From: Wild Cat Party & Gift
For the Grad With a Goofy Sense of Humor: Weird Hat & Wizard Robe Card
From: Five Dot Post
For the Artistic Grad: Hand-Drawn Congratulations Card
From: GoSendLove
For the Smart-Ass Grad: ConGRADulations Letterpress Card
From: Ladyfingers Letterpress
For the Slacker Grad: C’s Get Degrees Letterpress Card
From: Ladyfingers Letterpress
For the Swiftie Grad: In Your Graduation Era Card
From: Mango Illustrated
For the Bookworm Grad: Book Stack Graduation Greeting Card
From: NovelHeARTS
For the Grad Who Deserves Something Special: Your Amazing Future Starts Now Gift Card Holder
From: Party Happier
For the Sentimental Grad (& Their Parents): Graduation Cap Photo Banner
From: Party Happier
For the Grad Who May Not Know What’s Next: The Sky is the Limit Card
From: Pretty Peacock Paperie
For the Grad Who Overcame Challenges: Damn Good Job Card
From: Wyldwood Creative
Graduation Is a Big Deal—So Let’s Celebrate Differently
In a world that pushes fast, cheap, and disposable everything, giving a thoughtful card from a small business is a tiny act of resistance. It says: I care. I see you. I want this moment to be real, not generic.
And honestly? Our grads deserve that. They’ve navigated a world full of uncertainty—pandemics, school shootings, social media pressure, political chaos—and they’re still out here, dreaming big and stepping forward. That’s worth more than a $4 card from a gas station. It’s worth something real.
So whether you’re celebrating your own graduate, a best friend’s kid, a neighbor, or a student you mentored, we invite you to shop small for graduation this year.
And while you’re at it, take a moment to soak it all in. Write something meaningful. Share a memory. Cheer them on with your whole heart.
Because this isn’t just a moment—it’s the beginning of something beautiful.
