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This DIY candy lei is a budget-friendly gift for grads and takes just a few minutes to put together! Here's how to make your own!
Easy Candy Lei DIY – A Fun Grad Gift!
Graduation season is here, and this DIY candy lei is an easy, affordable, and thoughtful way to say “congrats” to your favorite grad—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love candy?
The best part? You don’t need to be a crafting pro to make one. With just a few supplies and about 15 minutes, you’ll have a colorful candy lei that’s perfect for gifting at any graduation party, ceremony, or celebration.
Getting ready to celebrate your graduate with a party?
Here's how to throw a grad party at home – the good, bad, and ugly!
 What You’ll Need:
- Plastic wrap
- Your grad’s favorite candies (I would try to pick all one size for consistency. So, all fun size candy bars or all full size)
- Curling ribbon (pick their school colors!)
- Scissors
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How to Make a DIY Candy Lei:
- Start by cutting a long piece of plastic wrap—around 3 feet long is a good starting point. You want it long enough to form a necklace once the ends are tied together.
2. Lay the plastic wrap flat on a table and place your candies in a single row down the center. Leave about an inch of space between each piece of candy—this is where you'll tie the ribbon.
3. Carefully fold the top and bottom edges of the plastic wrap over the candies to form a tube. Roll it tightly enough to hold everything in place but not so tight that the plastic tears.
4. Using your curling ribbon, tie a double knot between each candy to keep them in place. Once you’ve tied all the sections, give the ribbon ends a quick curl with your scissors for a fun, festive touch.
5. Tie the two ends of your lei together to form a complete circle. You can use more ribbon to create a bow where the ends meet for extra flair!
If you want to add more and spoil your grad, you can also tie dollar bills to the lei in between the candy!Â
Not only is this candy lei super cute and customizable, but it’s also budget-friendly and a hit with grads of all ages. Plus, it’s a great last-minute DIY project if you’re short on time but still want to give something handmade and meaningful.
If you loved this project and want more grad gift ideas, be sure to check out these other blog posts:
How to Make a DIY Graduation Money Pizza Box (Easy Gift Idea!)
Graduation Candy Gift – With a Hidden Cash Surprise (PERFECT for a Last Minute Gift)!
This would be fun to do!!
Fun idea!