It's the holiday season once again and the Christmas crunch is fully underway both in the United States and across the globe. Yet as much people look forward to the season of giving, it's not always as glamorous as we all remember it being.
So instead of sulking in my long days and longer weeks left until spring I decided to take some action – to bring some excitement into my life – an official bucket list.
I started brainstorming things of what I want to do right here, right now. Things that are feasible and achievable, because a lot of our wants will be expensive, timely, etc. So first, I came up with a solid list of ten things I want to do in the PNW (the Pacific Northwest, where I live). I am here for less than a year but that does not make my stay anymore welcoming. It has been hard for me to adjust, so finding things I can explore and do here is definitely and already helping me get excited about living here.
Now that I am approaching the state of Washington with some enthusiasm and motivation to explore, it has made this transition not so gloomy. I started jotting down simple things like to explore the Olympic National Park (free), camp on the Pacific Beaches (no more than $20 a tent), climb Mount Rainer (free), bike the San Juan Islands, spend time in Seattle and Portland etc. These are things I can accomplish with more or less a limited budget, but things that seem really awesome to me. Yours could be to visit all the farmers markets or national parks in your area or all the music festivals… whatever you are interested in.
I then decided what are the bigger things in my life that I want to personally accomplish… for me it is to be an author, visit all fifty states etc. these are things that I am currently accomplishing so I put them in a different category. This is a way to acknowledge that I am working my way to fully achieving these goals. It helps to make you feel better about where you are because you are in the middle of working toward that goal. It could be as simple as wanting to be an awesome chef, well if you are already cooking, you are on your way to accomplishing that part of your bucket list. My advice is to first think of things within yourself, without anyone's advice or opinion. Then you can discover things you personally really want to do and once you have a solid list from yourself then go expand your list by searching places around you, taking advice from friends, etc.
I finally made a list of expensive, timely and awesome things I want to do in life. Such as, backpack South America, go on an African Safari, sky dive etc. These are the long-term goals that will take time and finances to accomplish. But keeping them on your bucket list is important because it reminds you of your wishes, desires and what will bring more excitement to your life. For example, I do not plan on doing an African Safari in this decade… but it is something I would like to accomplish in thirty years. That is awhile down the road, but having it there as a reminder of the things you are working toward is a fulfilling feeling.
I decided since I have several months left to explore I need to take advantage. For these reasons precisely: I know I am never moving back to the PNW so I mine as well take the only opportunity I have to explore the most of this area so when I look back I can say, “Yes I lived there and I did this, this, and that." So when the time comes that I pack up my stuff for my next chapter I will know this past chapter of life in the PNW was properly written and an exciting chapter for anyone to read.
Because I have these several months I decided to make sure I do at least two exciting things per month until my departure date. This month I camped in the Olympic National Park and I snowboarded at Crystal Mountain. These are two things on my now bucket list.
For you, start jotting down simple things you want to do in your area that you have yet to adventure to. Make a timeline for yourself, to do one thing on that now bucket list once a month, or like me twice a month. Whatever works for you, start living outside your bubble. Trust me, it will make the days at work a little brighter knowing you are fulfilling your desires and growing your horizons.
I went to Michael’s and I bought a board I could hang up on the wall (any type will do, wood/plastic/paperback etc.). Then I bought super glue, clips, colored paper and stickers. You can do it anyway you want – for me, I cut up the pieces of paper and wrote my list on them. I color coordinated them:
Vibrant blue is the now… what I will accomplish before I move from the PNW
Light blue is things I am currently working at achieving, (I.e. visiting the 50 states, I am over half way there)
Dark blue is long-term activities
It was super easy and I think it looks nice. While it gave me something to do while it was raining outside it also puts a smile on my face every time I walk by it.
If you want to go even farther to acknowledge your achievements as you cross things off your bucket list you should create another board listing all the things you have done. I made another board so once I accomplish that goal I move it over to my "Accomplishments" board to remind myself that I am living in the now and doing what I can to make my dreams come true.
It is a great reminder because although we have to go to class or sit at a desk all day, life is still good. Life is good because we are working toward our goals. Do not let your work be stressful or tedious but fill it with passion knowing this work is bringing you closer toward accomplishing your life's desires.
When thinking about your bucket list, it is important to take action. A coworker the other day was saying, “there are people that can and people that do.” And I looked at her for an extra second to digest that. So true. We can all achieve our bucket list and goals but we have to do or else we will get nowhere. So the first step is doing, making this bucket list board or jotting stuff down on piece of paper and hanging it on your refrigerator. Inspire your roommates, inspire yourself and go explore all you can while you are here, right now.
DK
Sometimes, I even get the answer of, "Anything." I can bet that a lot of you go through the same thing, or even have family members to whom you give this answer. Take some notes and send this to your favorite aunt and uncle...
Here is a list of gifts for the people (anyone & everyone) who just don't know what they want:
StableDiffusionOf course, the easiest thing to do when unsure what to get someone is to slip a $20 into a card and call it a day. To make this a little more personal, you can give it in a beautiful money envelope or a brainteaser box. Pinterest also has cute ways you can give the money.
StableDiffusionWho doesn't love a good pair of fuzzy socks? A good pair of cute or comical socks can be found anywhere. There are even online stores specifically for this.
10. Extra BlanketsJuwenin Home 100% Cotton Knitted Throw BlanketWeighted blankets, heated blankets, comforters, or even those five dollar fuzzy blankets at Wal-Mart will do.
StableDiffusionPossibly one of the best things to get are gift cards. They're easy for you to buy, and the person getting it can spend it at their leisure. Buy them a few $10 gift cards for their favorite places, or one Visa gift card they can spend anywhere.
StableDiffusionI don't know about you guys, but I LOVE hoodies. I have enough to fill a second closet, and I wear them all year round. If I've been around you and a hoodie of yours has gone missing, it was most likely me. What better to get someone than an oversize sweatshirt and matching sweatpants?
File:Kishlaru familie.jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.orgIf you know someone that does a lot of 'Netflix & ChillNapping', this is the perfect gift for them. The best are the cozy pants that feel like clouds.
Photo by Hanna Balan on UnsplashCandles are something that can be bought for anyone. Even some guys out there will pick out a great-smelling candle. They're cheap and there's so. many. to. choose. from.
StableDiffusionHear me out. A small beta fish in a little vase is the perfect gift for someone. If it's for a kid, be sure to run it by their parents first. I had no idea what to get my brother last year, so I brought him home a beautiful beta. He loved it, and still has it today!
black blue and yellow round illustrationPhoto by LARAM on UnsplashI know almost everyone has Spotify, Apple Music, and more. However, a great CD (even a home-made playlist) is always awesome to have in the car.
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A movie is a great idea for someone if you know their favorite genre. If you don't, just buy some pre-paid movie tickets or a gift card to the local theater! These are always good because you can use them whenever you want.
Grab a basket and fill it with the person's favorite candy. If you don't know what kind to get, you can get an assortment to cover all your bases -- or try getting the small individual candies that are 10 for $1!
It's always fun to take an idea and completely switch it up. You could get the cheap prank gifts at any store - Five Below has so many - or you could take it one step further. This gift is perfect for people who want 'nothing' for Christmas, or you can pick from a variety of other hilarious ones.
Do you know a man that just can't find the right razor? Look no further, Dollar Shave Club is here. Have razors and shaving accessories sent to the person's door for a low price. This idea is so cool, and they even have a line for women.
Shopping for kids no longer has to break your bank. Simply buy a cute stocking for cheap, and fill it with small toys, trinkets, and even candy.
What girl doesn't love cool pens, stickers, and notebooks? They can use it to write letters or use it for note-taking or journaling. Either way, it's a sweet and practical gift.
I can honestly admit that 99% of the time if I don't know what to get someone dear to my heart, I wind up getting them a picture frame. There are so many things you can do with picture frames. Designing your own or buying a pre-made one are both great ways to go. Plus, it costs less than a dollar to print a picture.
If you know someone that plays sports, what better than to get them things that go with what they do? Water bottles, mouth guards, anything that they can use would be a great gift. If you aren't sure what they could use, get them a gift card to their local sports store.
I love a good bath as much as the next person. How about buying that person a few bath or shower accessories? Bath salts, bath bombs, and fresh smelling shower gel will all do the trick.
Honestly, just fill my stocking with a bunch of these. These are so useful for literally EVERYTHING. Concerts, sporting events, vacations, and more. The person receiving this gift will thank you now, and most certainly later.
Men, women, adults, and children all wear hats. It's perfect as it gets colder outside. Go with a nice beanie or the classic Dad hat. Either way, it'll make for an awesome gift.
Winter is coming, and I definitely want to stay in my pajamas all day. Slippers are perfect for the people that just want to stay cozy all day.
I honestly see everyone and their grandmothers collecting these. From children to adults, everyone can use a little extra Pop on their shelves.
I know a bunch of stores that sell really cute phone cases for really cheap. You can even get them at farmer's markets! What better to go with that new case than a really cool pop-socket? There are so many designs for anyone.
My mom LOVES these. They're really sweet collectibles for everyone to enjoy. They have a lot of themes, movies, and colors to choose from.
This one is perfect for everyone. There are so many websites that have monthly boxes you can buy. Usually, you start off paying for one at a time, and if you want to renew it you can. They have boxes for every interest: make-up, snacks, coffee, and even gaming boxes!
If you're of age, showing up to the Christmas party with a bottle of alcohol is the way to go. There are ways to decorate even a simple wine bottle to make it festive and put a smile on someone's face.
These are time-consuming but totally worth it. You can make one online for an easier route, or home-make them for a genuine feel. They're totally cheap, too.
Do you know who your friend/family's favorite performer is? Why not buy them tickets to see them? You can even find cheap tickets to Broadway remakes of children's movies for your favorite little nugget in your life.
Try being crafty with these adorable jars. I have received so many of these from my friends and my boyfriend, and they all still sit on my shelf today. I love periodically looking at them to put a smile on my face.
Another cute and crafty idea is 'Open When' letters. These are usually aimed toward a significant other, but they can be made for anyone really. There are even kits to help you make your letters if you're not feeling very crafty.
If you have someone that enjoys pampering themselves, get them a certificate to get their nails done. For ladies, you can get a cut or dye certificate and for men, you can get one for a haircut or beard trim.
This gift is for all ages. Coloring is such a stress reliever, and everyone loves it! You could get scrapbooking supplies, adult coloring books, clay and sculpting tools, markers, or fabric paint. Depending on who it is, you have so many options.
For those beauty-loving girls - and boys - who can never have enough makeup. There are so many things that define makeup, and because it can be expensive, go with some accessories. A new eyelash curler, some moisturizer, or some new brushes will do wonderfully.
Hallmark is like if you took almost every gift idea ever and put it into a store. You can find funny to serious gifts that'll make for the perfect addition under the tree.
No, for real. Stop laughing and head to the nearest store for these items. I cannot express how many hair ties I go through in less than a month. It's an endless cycle of buy, use, and lose. The girl you buy these for will be forever thankful.
What child doesn't smile when greeted by a cuddly stuffed animal under the tree? Actually, deep down, who at all doesn't smile from a stuffed animal?
Everyone loves a great poster hanging on their wall. From My Little Pony to Sports Illustrated, there's a poster for everyone and anyone.
I know a lot of people have specific scents that they enjoy, but why not buy them something new to try? I know one of my cousins buys everyone new scents each year, and it's awesome because I get to try different kinds. I've actually found some of my favorite perfumes that way. Don't be afraid to pick one for someone else.
Air fresheners, their favorite design as a steering wheel cover, or even a cute thing to hang from their mirror. It's a unique idea that'll be used on the daily.
Suppose you don't have the money for any of this. Don't beat yourself up. Make a card and simply show that person love. Give them the gift of holiday cheer and your affection. Out of all of these things, this one will put the biggest smile on their faces.
Hopefully, this list gave you some ideas for the perfect present. If not, hopefully, you're sending this list to your favorite relatives to drop hints for them. Bring on the holiday season.
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woman holding glass jar
Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash
Kent has an awesome recreational center, but what’s even better are the smoothies and juices you reward yourself with after your workout. I mean, did you really go to the gym if you didn't get a smoothie?
We cheer for the ‘Golden Flashes’ at every football, basketball, and baseball game and more. But honestly, most of us are still not completely sure what the Golden Flash is, even if it's been explained to us a thousand times.
Kent has seen its fair share of protests and you’d be lying if you said you haven't passed by a large group of protesters, or picked up a sign yourself and joined in yourself.
To say Kent's winter is miserable is an understatement, and when classes aren’t called off when the weather is down to -12 degrees, you call them off for yourself.
You're either almost out of meal plan money by midterms, or you have hundreds of dollars left by the end of the semester. There's no in between, but hey, now you have an excuse to eat out.
Sure, you go for your finals and midterms, and maybe on Sundays if you get behind in your homework, but most nights, you stay as far away from the library as possible.
The campus is perfect for sledding, but there is not point in spending money on a sled when you can just walk out of Eastway with a lunch tray.
Rosie's is the only eating place that stays up as late as you do, but unfortunately, everyone on campus is aware of this, so that grilled cheese you ordered? Yeah, its going to take a while, but it's so worth it.
Even if the weather is terrible, your classes are too hard, and you have to wait forever to get your late Saturday night snack, you have to love this place. The people are awesome, the teachers are great, and the experiences here are unlike any other school's. No place can beat this college in this little town. Go Flashes!
