A Trunk party is a fun and meaningful farewell celebration for graduating students as they prepare to go to college. It’s a way for family and friends to gather, share memories, and help the student get ready for this new stage.
In this blog, we at CustomAny created a list of 45+ creative ideas to make your Trunk party unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for unique decoration ideas, thoughtful gift suggestions, or fun and interactive games, let’s explore!
About Trunk party
A Trunk party is a celebration thrown for a student who is about to leave for college, typically just before they start their first year. It’s a way for friends and family to come together to support the student with gifts packed into a trunk.
The name “trunk” comes from the idea of packing up belongings in a trunk. It is a large storage container often used in the past, especially when students went off to boarding school or college.
Today, the term “trunk” is more symbolic, representing the student packing up everything they’ll need for college life. Hence, students are more likely to use suitcases, duffel bags, or other modern containers like large plastic bins.
10 ideas for level up the “trunk”
After knowing “what is a Trunk party”, you certainly know that the containers (often trunks or suitcases) are indispensable items. Let’s level up them for a perfect Trunk party with the following 10 creative ideas:
Personalized name tags
Attach custom name tags with the student’s name, college logo, or future dorm room number into suitcases for a personalized touch.
Chalkboard paint
Cover part of the trunk or suitcase with chalkboard paint, allowing guests to write messages, advice, or draw directly on the surface.
LED fairy lights
Wrap small fairy lights around the trunk to give it a soft, festive vibe and magical glow.
Sticker bomb it
Decorate the trunk or suitcases with fun travel, college-related stickers, or ones that represent the student’s interests.
Polaroid display
Attach Polaroid photos of the student with friends and family on the trunk using clips or decorative tape for a touchy addition.
Balloon bunches
Using helium balloons for a festive, eye-catching display.
Custom lining
Line the inside with colorful fabric or paper that suit the party’s theme or the recipient’s interest.
Decorative buntings or garlands
To make your trunk look playful, hanging pom-pom garlands or colorful bunting will be the perfect idea.
Washi tape design
It’s a creative, budget-friendly, and fun way to create personal Trunk party decoration. You can choose a theme, color scheme, or create fun patterns using colorful washi tape.
Surprise balloon pop
Let’s fill the balloon with confetti and hide it inside the trunk or suitcase to create a big surprise for graduates. In the trunk party, when students open the trunk, they can pop the balloon for an exciting moment.
10 Decoration Ideas for a Trunk party
Once you have creative ideas to decorate the “trunk” for your party, consider 10 Trunk party decorations below that will enhance the overall atmosphere of the event:
Graduation caps
Placing mini graduation caps as place settings for the trunk party. These make great keepsakes for guests, or you can turn them into small favor boxes filled with treats for something unique.
Memory table
Set up a table displaying memories from the student’s childhood and high school years. You can include items like photos, awards, and even old books or sports gear.
DIY banner
Craft a personalized banner using colorful cardstock or fabric that says something like “Welcome to [College Name].” This can be hung across the trunk.
Photo wall
Create a collage of high school memories or include images related to the student’s future major. For a fun twist, use custom photo stickers (like die-cut “big head” stickers) of the student or friends to add humor and personality to the wall.
Personalized signage
Create custom signs with motivational quotes, phrases, or even jokes that represent the student’s journey to college.
School spirit items
Incorporate the student’s future college mascot, logo, or school colors into the décor. You can use them on napkins, plates, or balloons,…
Farewell message board
Set up a chalkboard or canvas for guests to write farewell messages, advice, or inside jokes. It will be a keepsake for the student to take to college.
DIY banner
Create a banner that says something like “Off to College” or “Congratulations, Grad! Besides, you can customize the design by using the school’s colors or the graduate’s future college logo.
Dorm room display
Set up a dorm room corner with mini furniture like bed sheets, pillows, or posters featuring the college logo for an exciting reminder of what the student can look forward to.
College-themed centerpieces
Use items like mini pennants, books, or even mason jars filled with pencils as centerpieces.
15 thoughtful Trunk party gift ideas
If you are searching for interesting and unique gifts, here are 15 thoughtful college send off party ideas to consider:
College survival kit
Give the students a kit filled with essentials, such as
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- First-aid items
- Laundry supplies
It will be a practical yet thoughtful gift to bring to the Trunk party for college.
Customized planner
A personalized planner will help the student stay organized for their college schedules, assignments, and personal plans.
Personalized blanket
A cozy blanket printed or embroidered with their name or college logo will be the perfect gift for the student.
Books for the future
Choose books that will help with their studies or personal growth. It’s recommended to choose one that is relevant to their major or motivational reads.
Travel essentials kit
For the student who loves travel, kits with travel accessories like a neck pillow, luggage tags, a passport holder, are great college going away gifts.
Inspirational wall art
Give them motivational posters or wall art featuring quotes that inspire confidence, resilience, or ambition,
Photo album
Give a photo album for them to capture their college experiences.
Gift cards
Include gift cards to popular stores, restaurants, or coffee shops near their campus to help with daily expenses.
Experience gifts
Give them vouchers for experiences like concerts, sporting events, or cooking classes to enjoy during their time off.
Personalized water bottle
A reusable water bottle will be a both practical and eco-friendly gift. You can customize it with the graduate’s name or school logo using a transfer sticker.
Portable charger
Help them stay connected with a portable phone charger for long days on campus.
Dorm decor
Gift the graduate the dorm decorations like:
- String lights
- Posters
- Bedding
- Lamp
- …
These items will turn their living space into a cozy and comfortable place, which makes them feel like home.
Cooking essentials
A set of cooking utensils or a simple recipe book for quick meals will be a thoughtful, practical gift for their new lifestyle.
Journal
Give them a stylish journal where they can write down their thoughts, ideas, or class notes.
Laptop or tablet case
An attractive, durable case is an excellent choice for protecting their tech devices.
10 funny Trunk party Game Ideas
Games are an essential part of any party that keeps everyone engaged and excited. Here are top 10 funny college Trunk party games to keep the celebration lively:
Who knows the graduate best?
Test the guests’ knowledge by asking fun questions about the high school grad. Then, whoever gets the most right will win a prize.
Memory sharing
In this game, guests take turns sharing their funniest or most memorable moments with the graduate.
Guess that year
Show random pictures from the graduate’s high school years, and have guests guess which year the photo was taken.
Balloon pop game
To make this game more fun, it’s great idea to fill balloons with:
- Tasks/challenges
- Dares
- Funny questions
They can be related to high school or college life. Next, everyone takes turns popping a balloon and completing .
Two truths and a lie
Guests share 2 true stories and 1 false one from their high school days. Others try to figure out which is the lie for a surprising experience.
Memory book
Pass around a notebook for guests to write down funny memories, inside jokes, or advice for the graduate as they start college.
Major word game
Use words related to the graduate’s major and create a game of charades or Pictionary. Guests must act or draw the words for others to guess.
Photo scavenger hunt
Make a list of random, funny items or scenarios for guests to capture in photos around the party.
Karaoke time
Set up a karaoke station and have guests perform their favorite throwback songs from high school.
College survival tips
Guests take turns giving humorous survival tips for college life, from “How to sleep through an 8 AM class” to “The art of dorm cooking.”
Last thoughts
In conclusion, a Trunk party is more than just a farewell, it’s a celebration of new beginnings and memories. Hopefully, with these ideas, you can create an event that’s truly unique and personal.
Besides, if you are going to host any other themed parties and look for more inspiration, check out our other blog posts to make your celebrations truly special.
