Not everyone is the “It’s Fall, y’all!” type. And that’s okay. If you are a Fall lover and want to celebrate your favorite season, but are tired of the same old Fall activities, I have a new list for you. Read on for 11 slightly strange, definitely unique Fall bucket list ideas. Grab the printable list, and add your own Fall favorites.
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Non-Traditional Fall Bucket List
This post on unique fall bucket list ideas came out of my own boredom.
Though I am a true fall-ophile, and do love all the PSLs and crunchy leaves underfoot, I felt like I was searching for a little bit more. And I saw that the fall posts I found, well, many of them said kind of the same thing.
I realized there are a lot of unique fall activities that I naturally do with my daughter that are unique, or maybe even a bit strange.
Since I can’t be the only quirky frugal out there, I thought I’d share some of the non-traditional fall activities we do. I’d love if you shared your creative fall ideas in the comments, too!
If you’d like to also take a look at the more traditional fall bucket list, check that out here.
1. Unique Fall Bucket List Idea: Listen to Songs About Sweaters
Lots of fall buckets lists will include “wear your favorite cozy sweater” or some version of that. Take it a step further and compile a playlist with not just autumn songs, but sweater songs.
There are lots of fun ones, like:
- Cardigan – Taylor Swift
- The Sweater Song – Weezer
- Autumn Sweater – Yo La Tengo
- The Sweater – Meryn Cadell
- Love (The Sweater Song) – Owen Riegling
- I Wish I Was – The Avett Brothers
2. Take Silly Family Fall Photos
Instead of the classic/beautiful/earnest Fall family photos, embrace the chaos and let go of perfection.
Let your family mismatch, bring the dog, let the photographer snap candid pics of you and your family.
Those are often the most genuine, fun pics anyways.
Taking silly fall photos will lessen the pressure to get that one fridge-worthy pic, you’ll have more laughs, and I bet you’ll get some great pics and memories out of it.
3. Unusual Fall Bucket List Ideas: Have An All-Pumpkin Day
Anyone can have a PSL a few times a week. But a true pumpkin lover eats pumpkin morning, noon, and night.
Have pumpkin scones for breakfast.
The fall staple Pumpkin Spice Latte, or try the new Pumpkin Matcha Latte (here’s an easy homemade version!) for a cozy drink and your caffeine hit.
Have warm pumpkin soup for lunch, with pumpkin bagels and cream cheese.
Pumpkin pasta or pumpkin quesadillas for dinner.
Pumpkin pie for dessert.
There is no such thing as too much pumpkin.
4. Unusual Bucket List Ideas for Fall: Get Couples’ Halloween Costumes for You and Your Dog
If your dog is your plus one, make it Halloween official with matching costumes.
This set for you and your dog is so ridiculous and so cute.
Pin this unique fall bucket list to save:
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5. Celebrate Socktober
I actually just heard about Socktober this year, and I think it’s such a great idea!
Some schools, community centers, libraries, etc. collect new adult socks in the month of October to give to homeless shelters.
With the amount of time homeless people are on their feet, and lack of facilities to easily wash up, fresh socks are one of the most needed items.
New warm socks are especially important as we get into the colder winter months.
I donated a few pairs of socks through my daughter’s school. You can look into where to donate in your city if Socktober is a fall bucket list activity that interests you.
Related post: A Cozy Winter Bucket List for Families (That Won’t Break the Bank)
6. Participate in No-Spend November This Fall
Challenge yourself to a whole month of mindful spending by joining No-Spend November.
Instead of splurging on extras, you’ll get creative with free activities, cook from your pantry, and rediscover things you like to do that don’t cost money.
It’s a fun and unique fall bucket list idea that helps your wallet before the expensive holiday season.
Here are 30 creative activities for No-Spend November that don’t cost a thing!
7. Make a Fall Playlist With Your Kids
If you want a well-curated Fall playlist, go ahead and make that one on your own.
But if you want a slightly chaotic, sweet, memory-filled mix of songs chosen by you and your kids, try this version.
8. Unusual Fall Bucket List Idea: Write a Poem for a Squirrel
Here’s my unpopular opinion about poetry:
Anyone can write a poem.
Lots of people get so intimidated by poetry, that we stop writing it when we finish high school.
If you feel self-conscious and like your poetry wouldn’t be good enough to show anybody, show a squirrel. Write a poem, fold it up, and leave it somewhere outside for a squirrel to find. Or recite it to a squirrel.
If you want a slightly less strange idea, you could write a poem about a squirrel. Or about any kind of fall or woodland creature.
Fall is a more contemplative season than summer. Flow with this energy, let your creative side come out, and write a poem.
9. Creative Fall Bucket List Activity: Go on a Hike With Halloween Costumes
My daughter and I have done this the last three years. It makes whatever hike you’re doing even more fun.
One year my daughter picked an extremely impractical costume for a hike – this mermaid costume. She had to take teeny tiny little steps, so the hike took a while, lol. (Pro tip: you might want to pick a shorter hike if your kids have equally impractical Halloween costumes).
We go with a bunch of friends each year and celebrate with candy at the halfway point of the hike.
It’s lots of fun and makes for great fall pics too!
10. Paint Your Nails Like Autumn Leaves
You could either go understated and pick one or two colors. Or pick the whole rainbow of Fall colors to really embrace the Fall aesthetic.
This autumn polish set is really pretty.
11. Weird Fall Bucket List Idea: Smash a Pumpkin
Yes really, but obviously be a nice person and smash your own pumpkin.
Did you know it’s actually an environmentally friendly thing to smash pumpkins? It helps them break down faster, can provide food for wildlife, and can be used in compost.
You could even listen to Smashing Pumpkins “Today” while you smash your pumpkin. 🙂
Some cities have an organized pumpkin drop after Halloween, where pumpkins are dropped off a roof into a truck. I have also heard about a pumpkin catapult, which sounds fun and kids would love.
Okay, there you have it! 11 unique Fall bucket list ideas that you won’t find on any typical list. Share your creative Fall ideas in the comments!
Related post: 10 Budget-Friendly Fall Crafts for Adults for Instant Cozy Vibes
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