I remember it fondly. The year of prom, graduation tassels, final signatures in the yearbook and many other senior traditions. Senior year of high school is such a memorable and unique time for so many people and is often filled with a mixture of emotions.
While it’s normal to be eager for the next chapter of your life, we know the importance of soaking in these last few months with your friends. That’s why we’ve created a graduation bucket list for you and your circle to work through together to make a few more special memories this season. We hope these fun activities are things you’ll think warmly of and carry with you long after high school is over.
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Graduation Bucket List Ideas: Gather Your Friends and Get Started
1. Decorate Your Parking Spot
While this isn’t the norm everywhere, a lot of high schools have designated parking spots for their students. If your school allows spot decorations (or locker decorations for those who don’t), get crafty and use chalk to decorate your parking spot in a way that feels uniquely you!
Photo by: Teen Society
2. Create a Time Capsule
Get your besties together and make an afternoon of assembling a time capsule! Have everyone bring a meaningful item or two to place in it and consider getting a journal for each person to write an entry in. Order pizzas and make it a picnic. Instead of burying your capsule, opt for a locked version and designate someone to keep it safe in their attic until a specific time in the future that you plan to gather again and open it.
Photo by: Education.com
3. Decorate Your Grad Cap
This is another activity where you’ll want to verify the rules with your school. Some high schools have strict policies on grad wear. If your school is ok with decorative caps, this makes for another great opportunity to host a get-together with friends.
Host a dessert potluck and have each person bring their favorite dessert and some craft supplies to contribute to the decorating. Prior to the party, you can create a joint Pinterest board for your friends where everyone can pin and share inspiration!
4. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
Spend some quiet time alone, reflecting on your time in high school, and write a letter to your future self. Plan to open it when you graduate college or a few years down the line, and make note of what’s changed and the ways you’ve grown. This is a good chance to document how you’re feeling about the changes ahead and can be incredibly therapeutic.
5. Take Senior Portraits
This traditional bucket list item is a lot of fun and doesn’t have to feel bland like a typical school picture day. Pack your cap and gown and bring a photographer to a unique place to capture stunning photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Make your senior portraits work for you.
Are you a surfer? Get some shots out on the water. Enjoy hiking? Bring your gown on a hike with a scenic overlook and pop it on for some photos at the top!
Photo by Krystel Heddy on Unsplash
6. Host a Grad Brunch
The day of (or before) graduation, invite your closest circle of friends over for a breakfast to toast to your next chapter! Cater a nice spread or make a piping hot stack of waffles with fruit, bacon, eggs, and any other morning favorite for an early celebration for graduation.
Photo by Rachel Park on Unsplash
7. Decorate Your Car
Get car-friendly window paint and deck out your ride! Or better yet, decorate your friends’ rides. Draw names from a hat and assign each friend to one other person’s car to decorate with words of encouragement as they head into this exciting day!
Photo by: Teen Society
8. Take a Celebratory Family Trip
Plan a trip with your family post-graduation to clear your head and get ready for a fresh start in your adult life. It doesn’t need to be a faraway destination to be memorable. You can even plan a local staycation and enjoy some tasty meals, a spa day to refresh your senses, or an outdoor excursion like a hike, to get some fresh air!
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
9. Reminisce Through Old Scrapbooks
One of the most meaningful graduation gifts I received during my senior year of high school was a scrapbook my mom made with notes from each memorable friend, loved one, or teacher I had growing up. Reminiscing through old scrapbooks, or spending time with your siblings and parents to build one together is a meaningful way to reflect on your childhood and life up until this point.
Photo by sarandy westfall on Unsplash
10. Throw a Graduation Party
The last item on our bucket list is a classic – throw a party celebrating graduation with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate this incredible achievement. Host a themed event, a backyard bbq, or a formal dinner at your favorite restaurant. The important part is that you’re surrounded by the people you care about most and you’re celebrating in a way that feels personal and meaningful to you!
Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash
Congrats Grad. You Did It!
From our whole team here at Celebration Wishes – Congratulations! We’re so excited for you on completing your high school career. It’s a big achievement, be proud of yourself! We wish you the very best with whatever you embark on next as you head into adulthood.
Set up an online registry today with gift ideas for your loved ones.