How do you create a shared bucket list?

Wish list or bucket list: Dreaming and experiencing together – a special anniversary gift

The anniversary – a date that holds special significance in every relationship. It's a moment to pause, reflect on shared experiences, and remember all the wonderful and perhaps challenging times you've overcome together. But while we celebrate the past, the anniversary is also a perfect opportunity to look to the future together. What could be better for this than creating a shared "bucket list"?

A bucket list is more than just a list of things you want to experience. It's an expression of shared dreams and goals that extend beyond everyday life. It's not just about defining travel destinations or planning exciting activities; it's more about showing that you're dreaming, planning, and building a shared future together. In the context of an anniversary, such a list can be a particularly meaningful gift—one that shows that you're not just thinking about the past, but also excited about what's to come.

What is a bucket list?

The term "bucket list" originates from the English language and refers to a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. But in modern relationships, this list has taken on a less macabre meaning. It's about goals, dreams, and experiences you want to share in your lifetime—and especially in your relationship.

A bucket list can include anything that's important to both partners. These can be big dreams like a trip around the world or smaller, yet meaningful activities like a picnic in a special place. The list can change and expand at any time, depending on what new interests or desires arise over time. It's important that it's created jointly and takes into account the wishes and ideas of both partners.

Why an anniversary bucket list?

Creating a shared bucket list for your anniversary has several advantages:

1. Shared vision : A bucket list demonstrates that you're looking toward the future together and have shared goals. It creates a unifying vision that goes beyond everyday life.

2. Strengthening the relationship : By planning and dreaming together, you deepen the emotional connection and create a sense of community and togetherness.

3. Motivation and anticipation : Such a list is not only a plan, but also a source of motivation. It creates anticipation for all the things you want to experience together.

4. A creative gift : Instead of material gifts, a bucket list offers a personal and emotional alternative. It shows that you've invested time and thought into the gift and are truly considering your partner's wishes.

How do you create a shared bucket list?

Creating a bucket list may sound easier than it is. It's not just about writing a list of activities, but also about capturing the deep desires and longings of both partners. Here are a few steps that can help with the creation:

1. Create time and space : Consciously schedule time where you can discuss your dreams and goals without interruptions. This could be a cozy evening at home, a walk in nature, or breakfast at your favorite café.

2. Write individual lists : Before you begin working together, each of you should create a list of your own wishes and goals. This helps you clarify your own ideas.

3. Compare lists : Compare your individual lists and see what you have in common. These are often the best starting points for your shared bucket list.

4. Prioritize together : Not every idea needs to be implemented immediately. Prioritize together what's most important to you and which goals can realistically be achieved in the near future.

5. Stay flexible : A bucket list shouldn't be a rigid plan, but rather adapt to changes in your life. It's okay if wishes change or new ones emerge.

6. Be creative : Think beyond traditional travel destinations. What have you always wanted to do together? Is there something you'd like to try, even if it sounds crazy? Your list is only limited by your imagination!

10 tips for a shared bucket list

1. Visit a special destination : Whether it's the Northern Lights in Iceland, the Pyramids of Egypt, or a road trip along Route 66, choose a destination that fascinates you both and plan to experience it together.

2. Learn something new : A cooking class, a new language or learning a musical instrument – ​​learning something new together can be incredibly enriching and brings a breath of fresh air into the relationship.

3. Dare an adventure : Whether it's bungee jumping, diving with sharks or a balloon ride at sunrise – choose an adventure that will make your heart beat faster.

4. Do something good together : Volunteering or fundraising for a cause close to your heart can bring deeper meaning to your relationship and show that you want to make a difference together.

5. Write a book together : This could be a collection of your favorite recipes, a photo book of your travels together, or even a fictional story that you develop together.

6. A year without consumption : For a year, avoid buying anything new (except for essentials) and focus on sharing time and experiences together.

7. Fulfill your partner's lifelong dream : Does your partner have a dream they've had for a long time but never realized? Try to support them and make this dream come true together.

8. Establish a special tradition : Establish an annual tradition, such as having a picnic at a special place every year, having a “tech-free” day each month, or cooking the same dish every day.

9. Create a "wish box" : Write small wishes and goals on pieces of paper and place them in a box. Every year on your anniversary, pull out a piece of paper and try to make that wish come true in the coming year.

10. Planting a tree together : A symbolic act that shows that you're growing together and feeling rooted. The tree can be a constant symbol of your shared development.

Conclusion: Dream, plan and live together

A bucket list is more than just a list of things to check off. It's an expression of your shared dreams and goals. In the context of an anniversary, it offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your relationship while sharing the anticipation of future experiences. By consciously taking time to record your dreams and wishes, you demonstrate that you belong together not only in the present, but also in the future.

Creating a bucket list can be an intense and bonding process. It reminds you that it's important not just to work and manage your daily routine, but also to dream, laugh, and grow together. It's a gift that keeps on giving—with every new experience you have together, every goal you achieve, and every memory you share.

Ultimately, it's about having a relationship full of life, love, and shared experiences. A bucket list is a valuable tool that helps you not only dream your dreams, but also live them.