Education has always been a serious matter, but sometimes humor and creativity can give traditional concepts a playful twist. This is exactly where novelty degree come in. Unlike genuine academic diplomas, novelty degrees are humorous, entertainment-focused documents designed for fun, decoration, or gifting. They are not official credentials but can bring laughter, serve as conversation starters, and make for memorable gifts at parties or special events.
In this article, we’ll explore what novelty degrees are, their uses, benefits, popular types, and tips for ordering one.
What Is a Novelty Degree?
A novelty degree is a custom-made certificate styled to resemble a diploma but created purely for entertainment. They often mimic the design of traditional academic documents with decorative fonts, seals, and formal layouts, but the content is playful or personalized.
For example, a novelty degree might read:
- “Doctorate in Coffee Consumption”
- “Master of Remote Control Operations”
- “Bachelor of Napping”
These certificates are designed to be humorous, lighthearted gifts or décor pieces, not to mislead or falsely represent someone’s education.
Common Uses of Novelty Degrees
1. Gag Gifts
Novelty degrees are popular as birthday or holiday presents. They’re perfect for friends or family members who enjoy a good joke.
2. Office Humor
In workplace settings, novelty degrees can be used to celebrate an employee’s quirks or talents—such as a “PhD in Office Pranks” or a “Bachelor of Spreadsheet Wizardry.”
3. Celebrations and Parties
They make fun additions to retirement parties, bachelor or bachelorette events, and family gatherings.
4. Decorative Display
Some people enjoy framing novelty degrees as quirky decorations for home offices, dorm rooms, or recreational spaces.
5. Team-Building and Icebreakers
Companies sometimes use novelty degrees as lighthearted awards during team-building exercises, boosting morale and encouraging laughter.
Benefits of Novelty Degrees
1. Humor and Entertainment
The primary purpose of novelty degrees is fun. They bring smiles and laughter, especially when customized with inside jokes or personal quirks.
2. Personalization
They can be tailored with a person’s name, the “degree title,” and even funny course listings that reflect someone’s personality.
3. Affordable Gift Idea
Novelty degrees are inexpensive compared to traditional gifts, but they carry high sentimental and comedic value.
4. Creative Keepsakes
As customized documents, they become memorable keepsakes that recipients can hold on to for years.
5. Lighthearted Recognition
They give people recognition for their quirks or talents in a way that’s playful and flattering rather than serious.
Types of Novelty Degrees
- Humor Degrees
- Playful titles like “Master of Procrastination” or “Doctor of Dad Jokes.”
- Pop Culture Degrees
- Inspired by movies, TV shows, or hobbies (e.g., “Bachelor of Star Wars Trivia”).
- Pet Degrees
- Fun certificates for pets, such as a “Master of Fetch” diploma for dogs.
- Relationship Degrees
- Romantic or playful gifts for partners, such as “PhD in Loving You.”
- Workplace Degrees
- Office-themed awards like “MBA in Coffee Breaks” or “Doctor of Team Spirit.”
How to Create or Order a Novelty Degree
1. Choose a Theme
Decide what the degree should celebrate—whether it’s someone’s hobby, personality, or humorous trait.
2. Pick a Design
Many novelty degree providers offer customizable templates styled like real diplomas, complete with decorative borders and seals.
3. Add Personalization
Include the recipient’s name, the novelty degree title, and sometimes a mock institution name, like “University of Awesomeness.”
4. Select Printing Options
You can order digital files for printing at home or request professional prints on parchment-style paper for a more polished look.
5. Frame It for Extra Impact
A framed novelty degree makes the gift look even more impressive and ready for display.
Ethical and Responsible Use
While novelty degrees are fun, it’s important to use them responsibly. They should never be presented as real credentials or used to mislead employers, schools, or organizations. Their value lies in humor, not in pretending to hold actual academic qualifications.
When used appropriately, novelty degrees are harmless and entertaining. They highlight someone’s talents or quirks in a way that brings joy without confusion.
Examples of Novelty Degree Ideas
For Friends: “Doctorate in Group Selfies”
- For Parents: “Master of Bedtime Storytelling”
- For Coworkers: “Bachelor of Water Cooler Conversations”
- For Students: “PhD in Surviving Final Exams”
- For Pets: “Doctor of Barkology”
These creative twists make novelty degrees versatile gifts suitable for many occasions.
Conclusion
Novelty degrees bring a humorous and personalized touch to celebrations, offices, and everyday life. They are designed not to replace genuine diplomas but to entertain, amuse, and create lasting memories.
From gag gifts to fun office awards, novelty degrees highlight personality traits, hobbies, and inside jokes in a playful way. With countless design options and customization opportunities, they can be tailored for any recipient or event.
For those looking to celebrate achievements—whether silly or serious—in a fun and creative manner, novelty degrees are a perfect choice. They add laughter to milestones, strengthen bonds through humor, and create keepsakes that spark smiles for years to come.
