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Bucket List Template

Last updated: September 20, 2024 by Nicole

What is a bucket list and how do you create one? Use our free bucket list template to create a bucket list that will transform your life!

Either print a blank bucket list template from the selection below or use our bucket list maker to create a printable list of things that you would like to do.

Bucket List Printable

 


Word / PDF

The PDF version is typeable. If you want to change the category titles then use the Word version.


DIY Bucket List Templates

Blank Template with Border – 101 Different Designs.

Print Template

Blank lists

  1. Click on the button with your planner size.
  2. Select your background design (101 designs available). To change the background, go to “select border” and choose any design. There are many different categories of borders. For example, if you want to make a cute bucket list then select a border from the selection of cute backgrounds.
  3. Select the checklist template (many options available. Click on planner inserts then “checklists”). Before you download the template, decide how many bucket list items you will have and choose the list that looks long enough. Then change the title.

You can change the background and customize each template with your name. You can also type the list online before you print it.

You can now either print the list and add the bucket list items by hand, or you can; add the list before you print (click on the “A” icon to add an item and drag it to the correct position).


Bucket List Design – Bullet Journal Style

Bucket List in bullet Journal style with a bucket doodle and a blank list
Make a bullet journal bucket list with our free bullet journal app. Here is a sample template but you can change the doodle and the list template.


Bucket List Ideas

Travel

These are the things I have already done and recommend:

  • Walk through Grand Central Station, New York – Marvel at the stunning architecture and iconic celestial ceiling of this historic transportation hub.
  • See a Broadway musical – Experience the magic of live theater with world-class performances in New York City’s Theater District.
  • Visit the Palace of Versailles in France – Wander through the opulent halls and stunning gardens of this royal château, a symbol of absolute monarchy.
  • Drink Beer at Oktoberfest in Germany – Join the world’s largest beer festival in Munich, celebrating Bavarian culture with traditional brews and lively music.
  • Visit the ancient city of Kyoto in Japan – Explore the serene temples, historic shrines, and traditional teahouses of this cultural heart of Japan.
  • Sleep on a houseboat in Holland or Belgium – Experience a unique and tranquil stay on the waterways, enjoying the scenic views from your floating accommodation.
  • Ride in a Gondola in Venice, Italy – Drift through the enchanting canals of Venice, soaking in the romance and history of the city from the water.
  • Visit the Colosseum in Rome, Italy – Stand in the shadow of one of the greatest architectural feats of ancient Rome, a testament to its grandeur.
  • Visit the Taj Mahal in India – Admire the stunning white marble mausoleum, a symbol of eternal love and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Visit the Great Wall of China – Walk along this ancient fortification, marveling at its scale and the breathtaking landscapes it traverses.
  • Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Explore the vibrant underwater world of the largest coral reef system on the planet.
  • Go on a road trip – Embark on a journey of discovery, experiencing the freedom of the open road and the diverse landscapes along the way.
  • Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France – Enjoy panoramic views of the City of Light from one of its most iconic landmarks.
  • Live in a different country for at least 6 months (I lived in Japan) – Immerse yourself in a new culture, gaining deeper insights and forming lasting connections.
  • Swim in the Dead Sea in Israel – Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the world’s lowest elevation on land.
  • Visit the White House – Tour the iconic residence and workplace of the President of the United States, a symbol of American democracy.
  • Visit the Iguazu Falls in Brazil / Argentina – Witness the power and beauty of one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world.
  • Eat Paella in Spain – Savor the flavors of this traditional Spanish dish, a perfect blend of saffron-infused rice, seafood, and meats.

These are the things I haven’t done yet but want to do:

  • Chase the Northern Lights in Norway – Experience the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis in Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands.
  • Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia – Wander through the ancient temple complex, one of the largest religious monuments in the world.
  • Cruise to Antarctica – Embark on an expedition to the White Continent, witnessing penguins, icebergs, and glaciers.
  • Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain – Undertake the spiritual and physical challenge of this historic pilgrimage route.
  • Visit the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – Explore the unique wildlife and stunning landscapes of this remote archipelago.
  • Attend the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand – Release a sky lantern and witness thousands of glowing lights float into the night sky.
  • Drive the Ring Road in Iceland – Circle the country’s dramatic landscapes, including volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls.
  • Visit Petra, Jordan – Discover the ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil – Immerse yourself in the biodiversity of the world’s largest rainforest.
  • Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia – Travel from Moscow to Vladivostok, crossing vast landscapes and experiencing diverse cultures.
  • Go on a Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania – Witness the Great Migration and Africa’s incredible wildlife.
  • Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru – Hike the Inca Trail to reach the stunning Lost City of the Incas.
  • Sail around the Greek Islands – Explore the idyllic islands of the Aegean Sea, each with its own charm and history.
  • See the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt – Stand in awe of the ancient wonders of the world.
  • Visit the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia – Walk on the world’s largest salt flat, a surreal and reflective landscape.
  • Explore the Ice Caves of Vatnajökull in Iceland – Venture into the blue ice caves formed under Europe’s largest glacier.
  • Experience the Midnight Sun in Svalbard, Norway – Visit during the summer months to see the sun never set in this remote Arctic region.
  • Swim with Whale Sharks in Mexico – Get up close with the gentle giants in the waters of Isla Holbox.
  • Attend the Holi Festival in India – Celebrate the festival of colors with a joyful and vibrant display.
  • Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia, Turkey – Float above the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys at sunrise.

Sport and Fitness

  • Learn a new sport – Whether it’s swimming, tennis, squash, or baseball, pick up a new sport and develop your skills.
  • Achieve a challenging physical goal – Work towards accomplishing something you’re currently unable to do, like completing a triathlon, marathon, half marathon, 150 sit-ups, a 3-minute plank, or 30 push-ups.
  • Climb a mountain – Set your sights on summiting a specific mountain, whether it’s a local peak or a famous one like Mount Everest or Kilimanjaro.
  • Try an extreme sport – Embrace the adrenaline rush of skydiving, bungee jumping, or earning a scuba diving license.
  • Reach a healthy BMI – Focus on achieving and maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range for your health and well-being.
  • Attend the Olympics – Experience the thrill and global unity of the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
  • Learn a martial art – Develop discipline, strength, and self-defense skills by mastering a martial art like karate, judo, or taekwondo.
  • Run a Color Run – Participate in a fun and vibrant 5K race where you get doused in colorful powder at each kilometer.
  • Learn to Surf – Master the art of catching waves and riding them to shore in a beautiful coastal location.
  • Complete a Tough Mudder – Challenge yourself with an endurance event that involves running, obstacle courses, and lots of mud.
  • Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding – Balance on a paddleboard while navigating calm waters, offering both a workout and a peaceful experience.
  • Go on a Multi-Day Hike – Embark on a challenging trek, such as the Appalachian Trail or the Camino de Santiago, that spans several days.
  • Compete in a Spartan Race – Test your strength and stamina with this obstacle course race that combines running, climbing, and carrying heavy objects.
  • Learn to Ice Skate or Rollerblade – Glide across the ice or pavement with grace, improving your balance and coordination.
  • Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Take on the ultimate challenge of summiting Africa’s highest peak.
  • Learn to Ski or Snowboard – Hit the slopes and master the techniques of skiing or snowboarding in a winter wonderland.
  • Compete in a CrossFit Competition – Push your limits in a high-intensity CrossFit event, testing your strength, speed, and endurance.
  • Ride in a Century Ride – Cycle 100 miles in a single day, whether as part of an organized event or a personal challenge.
  • Try Rock Climbing – Scale indoor or outdoor climbing walls, building strength and problem-solving skills.
  • Learn to Kayak – Paddle through rivers, lakes, or coastal waters, enjoying the tranquility and upper-body workout.
  • Run a Charity 5K or 10K – Combine fitness with philanthropy by participating in a race that supports a cause you care about.
  • Attend a Major Sporting Event – Experience the excitement of live sports by attending a World Cup, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, or another iconic event.
  • Take a Yoga Retreat – Immerse yourself in a yoga practice in a serene setting, focusing on flexibility, strength, and mindfulness.
  • Learn to Dance – Master a new dance style, such as salsa, ballroom, or hip-hop, improving both fitness and rhythm.
  • Scuba Dive in a Shipwreck – Explore the depths of the ocean by diving in a sunken ship, experiencing marine life and history.
  • Go Whitewater Rafting – Navigate the rapids of a fast-flowing river, combining teamwork with thrilling adventure.
  • Participate in a Bike Tour – Join a multi-day cycling tour that takes you through scenic routes, either locally or internationally.

Helping Others

  • Make a difference in someone’s life – Find a way to help someone without them knowing, create care packages to drop off at a homeless shelter, donate an organ, or tutor someone in need.
  • Do something memorable for someone else – Volunteer at a local organization, give an anonymous donation to someone in need, or help an unemployed person find a job.
  • Rescue an animal from a shelter – Save a dog, cat, or any other animal from a shelter, giving them a loving home.
  • Feed a homeless person – Provide a meal for someone in need, either by directly offering food or through a local charity.
  • Mentor a young person – Guide a young person through their educational or career journey, offering advice and support.
  • Sponsor a child’s education – Financially support a child’s education, providing them with opportunities they might not otherwise have.
  • Organize a community cleanup – Bring people together to clean up a local park, beach, or neighborhood.
  • Donate blood regularly – Give the gift of life by becoming a regular blood donor.
  • Volunteer at a food bank – Spend time sorting and distributing food to those in need at a local food bank.
  • Participate in a charity run or walk – Raise funds and awareness for a cause by participating in a charity run or walk event.
  • Host a fundraiser – Organize an event to raise money for a cause you’re passionate about, such as a bake sale, auction, or charity concert.
  • Become a Big Brother or Big Sister – Join a mentoring program that pairs you with a child in need of a positive role model.
  • Teach a skill to others – Share your expertise in a particular skill, such as cooking, coding, or photography, by offering free classes or workshops.
  • Visit a nursing home – Spend time with elderly residents who may not receive many visitors, providing companionship and brightening their day.
  • Plant trees in your community – Help combat climate change and beautify your neighborhood by organizing or participating in a tree-planting event.
  • Help build a home with Habitat for Humanity – Volunteer your time and effort to help build homes for families in need.
  • Donate clothes and toys – Give gently used clothes, toys, and other items to those in need, especially during the holiday season.
  • Advocate for a cause – Get involved in advocacy work, whether it’s for human rights, environmental protection, or another issue close to your heart.
  • Cook meals for a family in need – Prepare and deliver meals to a family going through a tough time, offering comfort through homemade food.
  • Support a local business – Help sustain your community by shopping at local businesses and encouraging others to do the same.

Miscellaneous

  • Mud wrestle – Get down and dirty with this fun and physical activity, embracing the playful challenge.
  • Catch a fish – Experience the thrill of fishing, whether it’s your first catch or part of a larger fishing adventure.
  • Write a love letter – Express your deepest feelings in a heartfelt letter, capturing the essence of your emotions on paper.
  • Go to a yoga retreat – Immerse yourself in a peaceful environment where you can deepen your yoga practice and focus on mindfulness.
  • Learn to play a musical instrument – Pick up a new instrument, whether it’s the guitar, piano, or violin, and enjoy the process of making music.
  • Go stargazing – Spend a night under the stars, either in your backyard or at a designated dark sky park, and marvel at the beauty of the cosmos.
  • Start a garden – Cultivate your green thumb by planting a garden, whether it’s vegetables, flowers, or a mix of both.
  • Bake a cake from scratch – Challenge yourself to create a delicious cake from scratch, experimenting with flavors and decorations.
  • Attend a film festival – Immerse yourself in the world of cinema by watching a series of films at a local or international film festival.
  • Go on a digital detox – Spend a weekend or more unplugged from technology, reconnecting with yourself and the world around you.
  • Ride in a hot air balloon – Experience the serenity and breathtaking views from high above the ground in a hot air balloon.
  • Take a painting or art class – Explore your creative side by enrolling in a painting or art class, even if you’ve never picked up a brush before.
  • Learn a new language – Broaden your horizons by learning a new language, opening up opportunities for travel and communication.
  • Visit a haunted house or ghost tour – Embrace the spooky and mysterious by visiting a reputed haunted location or taking a ghost tour.
  • Go zip-lining – Soar through the treetops or across canyons on a zip line, experiencing the thrill of speed and height.
  • Try a new cuisine – Step out of your culinary comfort zone and try a dish or cuisine you’ve never experienced before.
  • Make a time capsule – Collect meaningful items and messages, seal them in a time capsule, and decide on a future date to open it.
  • Attend a concert or music festival – Experience live music at a concert or festival, enjoying the energy and atmosphere of the event.
  • Go camping in the wilderness – Disconnect from daily life and immerse yourself in nature by camping in a remote or wild location.
  • Learn to dance a specific style – Whether it’s salsa, tango, or hip-hop, take lessons to master a new dance style and enjoy moving to the rhythm.

Education

  • Further your education – Pursue a degree, take a course, or study a subject you’ve always wanted to explore, broadening your knowledge and skills.
  • Make a list of skills or hobbies to learn – Identify new skills or hobbies you’d like to try, such as knitting, origami, pottery, or yoga, and commit to learning them.
  • Learn a new language – Set a goal to learn a new language or master a specific number of words in that language, expanding your communication abilities.
  • Take an online course – Enroll in an online course in a subject of interest, allowing you to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
  • Attend a workshop or seminar – Participate in a workshop or seminar on a topic you’re passionate about, gaining hands-on experience and new insights.
  • Read a book on a new subject – Choose a book on a topic you’re unfamiliar with and commit to reading it, expanding your intellectual horizons.
  • Earn a certification – Pursue a professional certification in your field or an area of interest to enhance your credentials and expertise.
  • Join a book club – Engage in discussions and broaden your literary knowledge by joining a book club focused on a genre or theme you enjoy.
  • Visit a museum or historical site – Explore a museum or historical site to learn more about art, history, or culture firsthand.
  • Learn to play a strategic game – Challenge your mind by learning to play a strategic game like chess, Go, or bridge.
  • Write a research paper or essay – Choose a topic that fascinates you and write a research paper or essay, deepening your understanding and contributing to the conversation.
  • Attend a lecture or TED Talk – Attend a live or virtual lecture or TED Talk to gain new perspectives and ideas from experts in various fields.
  • Learn to code – Take up coding as a new skill, starting with a beginner’s course in a programming language like Python or JavaScript.
  • Create a learning schedule – Develop a structured schedule to dedicate regular time to learning new subjects or skills, helping you stay committed and make consistent progress.
  • Join a study group or learning community – Collaborate with others who share your interests by joining a study group or online learning community, exchanging knowledge and support.
  • Start a blog or YouTube channel on a subject you’re learning – Share your educational journey with others by documenting what you’re learning through a blog or YouTube channel.
  • Learn about personal finance – Educate yourself on personal finance topics such as budgeting, investing, and retirement planning to improve your financial literacy.
  • Take a public speaking course – Improve your communication skills and confidence by enrolling in a public speaking or presentation skills course.
  • Explore a new culture – Study the language, customs, and history of a culture different from your own, broadening your global perspective.
  • Teach what you’ve learned – Reinforce your knowledge and help others by teaching a skill or subject you’ve mastered, either formally or informally.

There is no such thing as the “best bucket list.” What might be important to someone is not necessarily as important to others. Your list should contain the things that are most important to you. It is your life and your list!

FAQ

What is a Bucket List?

Bucket List Meaning: A list of all of the things that you want to achieve or do during your lifetime. Creating a bucket list is a fun and motivating way to set goals and prioritize the experiences you want to have in your lifetime.

Why Create a Bucket List?

Life is often hectic, and many of us are in survival mode most of the time. We don’t usually take the time to think of all of the things that we dream of accomplishing. Creating a bucket list can also help you prioritize your efforts to ensure that you are working towards the goals that are important to you and not only those that require your urgent attention.

Creating and pursuing a bucket list can add excitement and purpose to your life, helping you focus on what truly matters to you and encouraging you to make the most of your time.

How to Make a Bucket List

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a bucket list:

  1. Set Aside Time: Find a quiet and relaxed environment where you can brainstorm and think about your life goals and desires. It could be a cozy corner at home, a park, or a coffee shop.
  2. Reflect on Your Passions and Interests: Start by thinking about the things that truly make you happy, excite you, or spark your curiosity. Consider your hobbies, interests, and what you’ve always wanted to try or learn.
  3. Identify Your Values: Think about your core values and what matters most to you in life. Your bucket list should reflect your values and what you believe will bring fulfillment.
  4. List Different Categories: To organize your list, create categories such as travel, personal growth, career, family, adventure, and more. This will help you cover a wide range of experiences.
  5. Dream Big: Don’t limit yourself when brainstorming. Let your imagination run wild. Include both small and large goals. Remember, it’s called a bucket list for a reason – it should contain things you genuinely aspire to achieve or experience.
  6. Be Specific: Instead of vague goals like “travel more,” get specific. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do there? Specify destinations, activities, and even timeframes if possible.
  7. Prioritize: Once you’ve listed everything you can think of, go through your list and prioritize. Which experiences are most important to you right now? Which ones can you realistically work on in the near future?
  8. Break It Down: Some goals may be large and overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This makes it easier to work toward them incrementally.
  9. Set Deadlines: Assign target dates or timeframes to your goals. Having deadlines can motivate you to take action and make your bucket list more achievable.
  10. Share Your List: Consider sharing your bucket list with a trusted friend or family member. They might have insights, suggestions, or even want to join you in pursuing some of your goals.
  11. Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, and so do your priorities. Periodically review your bucket list and make updates as needed. Add new goals, remove ones that no longer resonate with you, and adjust deadlines if necessary.
  12. Start Taking Action: The most crucial step is to start working on your bucket list. Pick one goal at a time and take steps toward achieving it. Remember that the journey toward your goals can be just as rewarding as reaching them.
  13. Celebrate Achievements: When you accomplish a goal from your bucket list, take time to celebrate your achievement. It’s a reminder of what you’ve accomplished and can motivate you to keep pursuing your dreams.

How do you decide which things to put on a bucket list?

  • Firstly, add the things that you have always wanted to do but never got around to doing.
  • Think of the cool things that your friends or family have done that made you envious.
  • If you were told that the world was coming to an end, what would you like to accomplish before then?
  • Travel – make a list of places that you would like to visit or landmarks you would like to see.
  • Are there any people that you would love to meet?
  • When you think of the perfect life a famous person might have, what do you think makes it perfect?
  • Crazy bucket list ideas – what is crazy for one person might seem dull for another. Add one insane thing that you think will be fun to try, but you most probably wouldn’t even try it if it wasn’t on your list, for example, have a food fight
  • Funny bucket list ideas – do something ridiculous and childish like replacing the sugar with salt or play a funny, harmless trick on someone.
  • Relationship – is there anything that you want to do with someone special, for someone or to improve your relationship?

Read the ideas above to get more ideas and see more examples.

Should you Modify your List over Time?

Yes, it’s perfectly okay and often advisable to modify your bucket list over time. Life is dynamic, and your goals, interests, and circumstances can change as you grow and evolve. I think that it is important to ask yourself why you want to change it. If your priorities have changed and the goal is no longer important to you then it’s not a problem to modify your list. However, if you are afraid to leave your comfort zone then you might want to reconsider modifying your list.

Here are some reasons why you might want to modify your bucket list:

  1. Changing Priorities: As you go through life, your priorities may shift. What seemed important to you in your 20s might not be the same as what you value in your 40s or 60s. It’s essential to align your bucket list with your current values and desires.
  2. New Interests and Passions: You might discover new interests or passions as you gain life experience. These newfound interests can lead to new goals and experiences you want to add to your list.
  3. Completed Goals: As you work through your bucket list, you’ll accomplish some of your goals. Celebrate these achievements and then consider adding new ones to keep your list fresh and motivating.
  4. Changing Circumstances: Life events, such as career changes, family dynamics, or health issues, can impact your ability to pursue certain goals. You may need to modify your list to accommodate these changing circumstances.
  5. Realistic Assessment: Sometimes, you might realize that a particular goal is not as important to you as it once was, or it may no longer align with your life’s trajectory. In such cases, it’s perfectly reasonable to remove or replace it with something more relevant.
  6. Adaptation to Current Abilities: Your physical or financial capabilities may change over time. Adjust your bucket list to reflect what you can realistically achieve given your current situation.
  7. Evolution of Dreams: Your dreams and aspirations can evolve as you gain wisdom and experience. Embrace these changes by updating your bucket list accordingly.
  8. Inspiration from Others: Interacting with friends, family, or role models might expose you to new experiences or goals that resonate with you. Don’t be afraid to incorporate these inspirations into your list.

Your bucket list is a reflection of your desires and should evolve as you do. It’s a tool to help you make the most of your life and find fulfillment, so it should always reflect your current aspirations and values. Periodically reviewing and modifying your bucket list can keep it exciting and relevant, ensuring that it continues to motivate and inspire you.

Bucket Lists that You Can Make

Since the title can be customized, you can use these templates for many purposes such as a:

  • Summer bucket list (we have a specific template with a summer theme)
  • College bucket list (things you want to do before graduation)
  • Couples bucket list (a bucket list for couples can include romantic and fun things to do together to ensure that your relationship does not become too routine and boring)
  • Best friend bucket list (if you are lucky enough to have a best friend who is willing to do crazy things with you that others won’t even consider then make a list of all of the fun things that you want to do together)
  • High school bucket list (things you want to do before graduation)
  • Travel bucket list (with a list of places you want to visit or landmarks you want to see)
  • Senior year bucket list
  • Teenage bucket list (things you want to do before you turn 20)
  • Spring break bucket list
  • Movie bucket list (all of the movies that you want to see)
  • Adventure bucket list (make a list of all of the adventures you want to go on to exotic places or exciting activities such as hiking mountains, treks, sailing, going to sites that are difficult to reach, or even a treasure hunt)
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About the Author
Photo of NicoleMy name is Nicole and I created this website to share the tools that keep me organized and productive and help me reach my goals. I hope that you will find them helpful too.
Being organized doesn’t come naturally to me, but I’ve learned that putting in the effort to stay organized significantly reduces my stress and makes me more productive. By using the planners and other templates on this site, I’ve been able to simplify my life and stay on top of my responsibilities.