What to put on your wishlist when you don't know what you want
"I don't know" is the default answer, not a sign you have nothing to want. It usually just means you haven't been asked the right question yet.
5 min read
In short
- "I don't know" usually just means you haven't been asked the right question yet
- Work through categories one at a time — everyday upgrades, hobbies, experiences, and more
- Ask what you keep almost buying, then talking yourself out of
- Ask what you regularly borrow from someone else instead of owning
- You don't need a finished list before sharing — add to it as ideas come
"I don't need anything" is rarely true — it's just hard to produce ideas on demand. Working through a few categories, one at a time, tends to surface more than staring at a blank list ever will.
Categories worth working through
Everyday upgrades
The slightly better version of something you already use daily.
Hobbies
Gear or supplies for whatever you're already spending time on.
Experiences
Tickets, a class, a trip — memories instead of more objects.
Books and media
Something specific, not just "a book" — an author, a series, a title you've mentioned wanting.
Home
Something that makes the space you spend most time in a bit nicer to be in.
Fashion and accessories
One thing you'd actually wear often, not a random outfit piece.
Beauty and self-care
Something you'd normally talk yourself out of buying for yourself.
Tech
A specific accessory or upgrade, not just "something techy."
Food and drink
A specialty item or a set worth trying, not a supermarket staple.
Future plans
A contribution toward something you're saving up for or planning.
A short exercise
If categories alone don't do it, try answering these instead — they tend to surface real wants faster than "what do you want" ever does.
- What do I keep almost buying, then talking myself out of at the last second?
- What do I regularly borrow from someone else instead of owning?
- What's worn out or outdated and genuinely needs replacing?
- What hobby am I newly getting into, that I don't have the right gear for yet?
- What would I love to have, but never quite justify buying for myself?
You don't need a finished list
A wishlist with six honest ideas beats one with twenty vague ones. Add to it as things occur to you rather than trying to complete it in one sitting.
Make one list. Share one link.
Frequently asked questions
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