Easy DIY Dollar Store Photo Centerpiece for Graduation

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Looking for a simple and frugal graduation table decoration idea? This sweet little DIY photo centerpiece was a huge hit at my son’s kindergarten graduation party, and it cost me less than $2 to make.

This dollar store photo centerpiece is cheap, easy, fun and can be used as party decor to celebrate your college, high school, or kindergarten graduate! It’s perfect for all ages and party scenarios!

Using just a white Dollar Tree frame, some ribbon I had on hand, and colorful construction paper, I made a festive, personalized centerpiece that added such a special touch to our celebration.

It’s perfect for displaying on your dessert table, as a party keepsake, or even as a cute gift for the grandparents!

What You’ll Need

• 1 white 4×6 or 5×7 picture frame (I got mine at the Dollar Tree)
• Ribbon (any color that matches your party theme)
• Construction paper in 2–3 colors (match your school colors)
• Tape or glue
• Scissors
• A black marker or pen
• A recent photo of your graduate
• Optional: stickers, glitter, or other embellishments

How to Make a DIY Graduation Photo Frame Centerpiece

Step 1: Prep Your Frame
Pop your photo into the frame—bonus points if it’s your kindergartner in their little graduation cap (or full grown senior grad, I’m just not there yet y’all)! You can use a white frame for a clean look, or paint one to match your theme.

Step 2: Cut Your Pennant Banner
Cut four small triangles out of your construction paper. These will be your little pennant flags. I used bright colors to make them pop, but you can totally customize this to your color palette.

Step 3: Write the Graduation Year
Using your marker, write each number of the grad year (e.g., 2-0-2-5) on each triangle. Feel free to add glitter, doodles, or stickers—whatever feels fun!

Step 4: Attach the Banner
Cut a small length of ribbon to string your pennants on. I taped each triangle to the back of the ribbon so they dangled evenly. Then, tape each end of the ribbon to the top of the frame, so it looks like a mini banner hanging across the photo. So cute and festive!

Step 5: Display It!
Set it on the party table, by the cake, or use a few as graduation party centerpieces on each table. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your celebration, without spending a ton of money.

Why I Love This DIY:

• It’s incredibly budget-friendly
• Takes just 10 minutes to make
• Adds sweet photos of the graduate to your party decor
• Doubles as a keepsake or gift
• Can be customized for any grade or age—not just kindergarten!

Final Thoughts

This little frame might be simple, but it was honestly one of my favorite decorations at our party. It’s the small, thoughtful touches that make a celebration feel extra special. Plus, I love that it didn’t take a ton of time (or money!) to put together.

More Frugal Graduation Party Ideas

• DIY Pizza Graduation Money Gift – A fun way to gift money to the grad!
• DIY Red Gift Basket – The free printable tag pulls the whole gift together and makes it perfect!
• DIY Teal Gift Basket – This DIY Teal Gift Basket is such a fun way to tell someone they’re awesome!
• DIY Your Future is Bright Gift – A cute printable tag and graduation gift or party favor idea.
• Graduation Desserts – Be party ready with these fun and simple graduation dessert ideas!

If you’re planning a graduation party on a budget, this is the perfect DIY to try—and one your party guests will definitely notice and love.

Let me know if you make one too! I’d love to see how you customize it for your graduate.