Graduation Lei Ideas: Money Leis, Ideas for Guys & Double Braided Styles

Whether you're making one at home or ordering for a class, the right graduation lei idea makes the difference between a nice accessory and the highlight of the photo. Here are the styles graduates actually search for this season.

Money Leis: The Graduation Gift That Doubles as Cash

A money lei is a braided ribbon lei woven with folded dollar bills — popular for birthdays and graduation alike. The graduate gets a keepsake and real cash. To make one: fold bills into accordion strips, weave them into the braid every 10–15cm, and finish with a tassel. Amazon sellers like Hotop sell pre-made money leis for around $10, but making your own lets you control the amount and the ribbon colors.

Prefer to skip the folding? Our standard braided ribbon lei gives you a clean base, and you can pin bills or charms to it.

Graduation Lei Ideas for Guys

Guys tend to prefer cleaner, more structured leis. The most popular male styles:

• School-color double braid — two-tone ribbon in the school's colors, worn over the gown.
• Bold color combos — navy/gold or maroon/white photograph well against black gowns.
• Year-printed wreath — a braided honor wreath with "2026" print and cap accent — structured and classic.
• Layered with honor cord — lei on top, honor cord underneath for the achievement look.

Double Braided Ribbon Lei with 3 Colors

The most requested factory style is the double braided lei with 3 colors — thicker than a single braid and perfectly balanced for school color combinations. We weave it with three ribbons (e.g. maroon/white/maroon) for a fuller, rounder look. It's available in all six standard combos and any custom color set — see school color leis.

More Ideas to Steal

• Match the gown trim — choose ribbon colors that echo the hood or stole.
• Add a class-year charm at the center point — cheap, personal, photogenic.
• Give one to family — parents and siblings love matching leis in the stands.
• Order early — for a whole class, order by March for May/June ceremonies (see our bulk buying guide).

Shop the full range in our graduation leis collection, or tell us your colors and we'll weave it — request a quote.