Graduation Caps/Cat Card: What to Write for a New Grad

Why the Caps/Cat Card Gives You Room to Be Yourself

The Graduation Caps/Cat Greeting Card from Frog & Toad Press is blank inside, so you're not stuck with someone else's words. That's a good thing: the best graduation messages sound like the person giving them, not like a Hallmark reject. The card's playful cover—graduation caps, cats, and the line “Caps? Cats? Who cares! You did it!”—sets a light tone, but the inside is yours to shape. You can go funny, sincere, or a mix of both, depending on your relationship with the grad and what they need to hear right now.

What You're Working With

• Graduation Caps/Cat Greeting Card: Blank inside (with a fancy sticker saying so) You have full freedom to write a personal message—no pre-printed text to work around.

  

• Graduation Caps/Cat Greeting Card: A2 100# 100% recycled white paper Sturdy, eco-friendly stock that holds up to pen or marker without bleeding through.
• Graduation Caps/Cat Greeting Card: A2 sized kraft paper envelope The included envelope fits the card perfectly and gives a rustic, casual look.

How to Write a Graduation Message That Lands

Follow these steps to turn a blank card into a message the grad will keep.

1. 1. Decide on your tone: Funny, sincere, or a blend? The card's cover is already lighthearted, so a funny opener feels natural. But if the grad is stressed or you're a mentor, a sincere note might mean more. You can also start funny and end sincere—that contrast often works well.
2. 2. Open with a line that fits the card: Reference the cover or the occasion. For a cat-loving grad, something like “I knew you'd graduate—cats always land on their feet” ties in the theme. Or keep it simple: “Congratulations! You did it!”
3. 3. Add a specific memory or compliment: Generic praise fades fast. Mention a moment you shared—a late-night study session, a class you both survived, or a time they showed perseverance. If you don't have a specific memory, name a quality you admire: “Your ability to stay calm during finals week was legendary.”
4. 4. Offer encouragement for what's next: New grads face a mix of excitement and uncertainty. A line like “Can't wait to see what you do next” or “Whatever comes next, you've got this” acknowledges the transition without adding pressure.
5. 5. Sign with warmth: Use your name and a closing that matches your relationship—'Love,' 'Best,' 'Cheers,' or 'Proud of you.' If you're close, add a small inside joke or a doodle.

Wording Prompts for Funny, Sincere, or Cat-Themed Messages

Stuck on what to say? Pick a direction and adapt these prompts.

• Funny graduation card messages: “You did it! Now you can finally sleep without dreaming about deadlines.” • “Congrats! You're officially too educated to be impressed by my jokes.” • “Caps off to you—literally. I'm keeping mine on for the photo.”
• Sincere messages: “I've watched you work so hard for this, and I couldn't be prouder.” • “This is just the beginning of something great—I believe in you.” • “Your determination inspires me. Congratulations on this well-earned milestone.”
• Graduation card for cat lovers: “You've got nine lives and one diploma—use them wisely.” • “The real question is: does your cat know you're a graduate now?” • “Caps? Cats? Who cares—you did it, and your cat is probably unimpressed. That's love.”

A Quick Etiquette Check Before You Write

Graduation cards don't have strict rules, but a few guidelines keep your message appropriate. If you're not close to the grad, avoid overly personal jokes or references to grades. Keep the focus on the achievement and the future. If you're giving a gift, you can mention it briefly, but the card shouldn't feel like a gift receipt. And if the grad is still job-hunting, skip questions like “What's next?”—they've heard it a hundred times. Instead, offer support: “I'm here if you want to talk through options.”

Making the Card Feel Personal

The blank interior is an invitation to be creative. If you're not confident in your writing, a short, heartfelt note is enough. You can also add a small doodle, a sticker, or a photo—just make sure it's flat enough to fit in the envelope. The card's kraft envelope and recycled paper give it a casual, eco-friendly vibe, so there's no need to be overly formal. Write in pen or marker; the 100# paper is thick enough to handle it without bleeding through. And don't forget to seal it with the included sticker—it's a small touch that adds charm.