Walk out of a graduation ceremony, especially in Hawaii or on the West Coast, and you might see a grad buried in so many leis they can barely turn their head. It’s a joyful sight, and it’s a tradition worth understanding before you join in. Many grads also celebrate with meaningful graduation songs during their parties and ceremonies.
This guide covers what graduation leis mean, the four main types (flower, candy, ribbon and money), how to make them yourself, what they cost, and when to hand them over.
Quick answer: A graduation lei is a garland given to a graduate to show love, pride and congratulations. Give it right after the ceremony or at the grad party, place it over the grad’s shoulders (don’t toss it), and pick the type that fits your budget: fresh flowers, candy, ribbon or money. A simple DIY lei usually runs about $5 to $25 in supplies (estimate).
What graduation leis mean (and where the tradition comes from)
The lei is a Native Hawaiian tradition. Traditionally, a lei is a gift of aloha: love, respect, welcome and honor, given from the heart.
Over time, the custom spread across the Hawaiian Islands and onto the mainland, where many families now give leis at graduations. Piling on several leis is a way for family and friends to say, “We’re proud of you.”
If your family or community isn’t Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, you’re still welcome to take part. The key is doing it with understanding and respect.
How to use leis respectfully
- Learn what a lei means before you give or wear one. It’s a gift of love, not just a costume piece.
- Place the lei gently over the grad’s shoulders, resting on the chest and back. Don’t toss it.
- Accept a lei graciously. Many people consider it polite to wear it for a while rather than take it off right away.
- Don’t wear leis as a joke, a costume or a party-theme prop. Graduation is the right moment for the real meaning.
- If a Hawaiian or Pacific Islander friend or family member offers to teach you, listen and say mahalo.
- Follow your school’s ceremony rules. Some venues limit what grads can wear or carry.
A lei isn’t a prop. It’s a hug you can wear.
The four types of graduation leis
Most graduation leis fall into four categories. Here’s how they compare.
| Type | Best for | Typical cost (estimate) | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh flower lei | The classic, ceremony-day look | $15 to $60+ each | A day or two |
| Candy lei | Fun, kid-friendly, grad party | $5 to $20 in supplies | Edible, so about a week or until eaten |
| Ribbon lei | A keepsake in school colors | $8 to $30 in supplies | Years |
| Money lei | Practical gift and keepsake | Face value of the bills plus about $5 to $10 in supplies | Until spent |
Flower leis
These are the traditional choice. Fresh blooms like orchids, plumeria, carnations or tuberose are strung or braided into a garland.
Order from a local florist or lei maker a week or more ahead for graduation season, since demand spikes in May and June—the same time you’ll want to order your cap and gown. Keep fresh leis in a cool spot, and a lightly misted bag in the fridge helps them last until ceremony day.
Candy leis
Candy leis are the crowd-pleaser. Wrapped candies are tied or taped onto a ribbon or string, and the grad gets a snack with the sentiment.
They’re a great fit for younger siblings and cousins to make, and you can match the candy to school colors.
Ribbon leis
A ribbon lei is made from folded or braided ribbon, often in school colors. It won’t wilt, so it doubles as a keepsake for a dorm room or shadow box.
Ribbon is also a good option if the grad has flower allergies.
Money leis
A money lei folds or rolls bills into flowers or twists them into a garland. It’s a gift and a photo moment in one.
Not sure how much to tuck in? Our guide on how much money to give for graduation has 2026 ranges by relationship.
Pick the lei that matches the person: flowers for tradition, candy for fun, ribbon for keeps, money for college.
How to make a graduation lei at home
Making leis is a great family project. Here are the basic steps for a candy or ribbon lei, which are the easiest.
Supplies
- Wide ribbon or twine (about 40 to 50 inches per lei)
- Wrapped candy, mini-bills, silk flowers or extra ribbon for decoration
- Tape, glue dots or a hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Optional: school-color ribbon, name tags or a small tassel
Candy lei, step by step
- Cut a length of ribbon long enough to fit loosely over the head with a little slack (about 40 to 50 inches).
- Lay it flat and tie a knot at each end to form a loop later.
- Attach candy pieces along the ribbon with tape or glue dots, spacing them evenly.
- Fill any gaps with smaller candy or flat ribbon bows.
- Tie the ends together, then trim and add a bow in school colors where they meet.
- Store flat or hung up until ceremony day.
Money lei, step by step
- Start with crisp bills. Newer bills fold more cleanly.
- Fold each bill accordion-style, then pinch the middle and wrap with a small piece of floral wire or a rubber band.
- Fan out the edges so each bill looks like a flower or bow.
- String the bill-flowers onto a ribbon, spacing them evenly, or glue them onto a ribbon base.
- Add silk leaves or ribbon between bills for fullness.
- Attach a card telling the grad what the money is for.
Pro tip: Make candy and ribbon leis a few days ahead, but wait until the night before for flower leis. Keep money leis flat in a folder so the bills don’t crease in strange places before the big moment.
DIY cost breakdown
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Ribbon (several yards) | $3 to $10 |
| Candy (one or two bags) | $4 to $12 |
| Silk flowers or accents | $3 to $10 |
| Tape, glue or wire | $2 to $5 |
| Total for one DIY lei | About $5 to $25 |
These are rough estimates and vary by store and quantity.
When to give graduation leis
Timing makes the moment. Here are the best windows.
- Right after the ceremony: The classic. Wait in the lobby or on the lawn with the lei in hand.
- At the grad party: A great spot for candy and money leis, with photos by the cake table or banner.
- At the family dinner: Quiet, personal, and a good time for a handwritten card.
- At senior pictures: A flower or ribbon lei makes a fun prop. See our senior pictures ideas for more.
Check the venue first. Some schools don’t allow flowers or gifts on the floor of the ceremony, so plan to hand leis off outside.
For parents and class officers
Coordinate so you’re not all buying the same thing. A quick group text or shared sign-up sheet keeps grads from drowning in 14 identical leis.
Class officers planning a send-off can find more ideas in the senior class officer playbook.
Matching family shirts make big photo groups pop next to the leis. If your whole crew, club or team wants coordinated gear, you can get a quote on custom class shirts printed in bulk.
Pairing leis with the rest of graduation day
Leis look best when the whole outfit works together. Think about how the lei sits with a gown, stoles and cords.
- Wear the lei over the gown, not under it, so it’s visible in photos.
- Keep the lei length short enough that it won’t snag on graduation stoles or graduation cords.
- Coordinate lei colors with your graduation cap design for a polished photo.
- Running late? Our Graduation Ideas guide covers the rest of your Jan to June checklist.
Planning the after-party too? Peek at graduation party ideas and graduation party decorations for places to display leis, like a photo corner or gift table.
Custom group orders
Grad party banners, yard signs and family shirts
Custom graduation yard signs, party banners and matching family tees, printed for your date. Tell us what you need and get a free, no-obligation quote.
Key takeaways
- A lei is a Native Hawaiian gift of love and respect. Learn the meaning before you give or wear one.
- Four main types: flower, candy, ribbon and money. Choose by budget, season and keepsake value.
- DIY leis typically cost about $5 to $25 in supplies (estimate).
- Place a lei over the grad’s shoulders, don’t toss it, and give it right after the ceremony or at the party.
- Check venue rules, and coordinate with family so grads get a nice mix instead of duplicates.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to give a lei if I’m not Hawaiian?
Yes, if you do it respectfully. Understand the meaning, give it as a gift of love and honor, and don’t use it as a costume or joke.
How many leis should a graduate get?
There’s no set number. Many grads receive a handful, and some wear a tall stack. Quality and meaning matter more than quantity.
How long do fresh flower leis last?
Usually a day or two. Keep them cool and lightly misted in a bag in the fridge until ceremony day.
Can I wear a lei during the ceremony?
It depends on your school. Many schools prefer leis be given after the ceremony, so check the guidelines first.
What’s the cheapest graduation lei to make?
A ribbon or candy lei is usually the lowest cost. Expect about $5 to $15 in supplies for a simple one (estimate).
