| | | |

Why Gifting Experiences Beats Giving Loved Ones More Stuff

Tired of giving gifts that end up collecting dust? This year, consider swapping material presents for experiences that create lasting memories. From deepening connections to reducing clutter, gifting experiences offers a thoughtful, meaningful alternative that truly resonates.

A smiling young woman looking into a gift box she just opened

(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS LONG & BORING BUT, YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.)

Why Gifting Experiences Beats Giving People More Stuff

The holidays are here, and with them comes the age-old question: What should I gift this year? For decades, the default has been physical gifts—gadgets, clothes, toys, and trinkets.

But as minimalism, sustainability, and intentional living gain traction, there’s a growing argument for shifting from material goods to experiential gifts. Here’s why gifting experiences, rather than more stuff, might be the best choice for you and your loved ones this year.

Why giving Experiences can be so much better than just giving your friends and family more stuff.

1. Memories Last Longer Than Objects

Material gifts can bring momentary joy, but how often do they truly stick in our minds? Experiences, on the other hand, create memories that people cherish for years. A concert, a cooking class, or even a weekend getaway is an opportunity to create stories that will be retold and relived.

Studies have shown that people gain more happiness from experiences than from possessions because memories tend to improve over time. That warm glow of reminiscing about a shared adventure beats the fleeting excitement of unwrapping the latest gadget.

2. Less Clutter, More Value

We live in a world increasingly overwhelmed by stuff. Gifting yet another item adds to the clutter of homes already packed with things. Experiences, however, leave no physical footprint. They bring joy and connection without contributing to the piles of unused or forgotten possessions.

For someone trying to declutter their life, an experiential gift—like a spa day or tickets to their favorite theater—can feel refreshing and thoughtful.

3. Experiences Encourage Connection

Many experiential gifts offer opportunities to bond with the recipient. A pottery class taken together, a shared meal at a fancy restaurant, or tickets to a sporting event lets you spend quality time with your loved one.

These moments of connection strengthen relationships, which is arguably the most meaningful gift of all.

Even solo experiences, like a massage or a skydiving adventure, can be deeply personal and tailored to the recipient’s interests, showing you’ve put real thought into what will make them happy. And once they’ve had the experience you can ask them how it went, furthering the connection.

4. They’re Tailored and Thoughtful

Picking the perfect experience requires more thought than grabbing a generic gift card or a box of chocolates. When you choose an experience that aligns with someone’s passions—like booking a photography workshop for a budding shutterbug or securing a reservation at a sought-after restaurant for a foodie—it shows you genuinely care about their interests and happiness.

5. They’re More Sustainable

As concerns about overconsumption and environmental impact grow, experiences offer a greener alternative to material gifts. Many physical items require packaging, shipping, and manufacturing, all of which leave a carbon footprint. Experiences, however, are less resource-intensive and often support local businesses, artists, or venues.

Ideas for giving experiences to your loved ones instead of more stuff, and  the reasons why you should.

Ideas for Experiential Gifts

If you’re inspired to gift experiences but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few suggestions:

  • For Adventurers: Hot air balloon rides, hiking tours, or scuba diving lessons.
  • For Foodies: Cooking classes, dessert tasting experiences, or a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • For Relaxation Seekers: Spa days, yoga retreats, or a subscription to a meditation app.
  • For Creatives: Art workshops, writing classes, or a season pass to a local theater.
  • For Families: Memberships to a zoo or museum, movie passes, escape room tickets, or a day at an amusement park.

And if you want even more ideas Kim wrote the post, Unforgettable Experience Gifts Ideas for Your Loved Ones. It has over 75 incredible ideas to inspire your experience gift giving this year.

And if you want a little extra special way to deliver your experience gifts this year, you can get this Coupon Book, that gives you 30 pretty Christmas coupons that you can personalize.

Learn why giving an experience is better than a physical gift.

Experiences Over Stuff

This holiday season, consider stepping away from the shopping frenzy and gifting something truly meaningful. Experiences don’t just bring joy in the moment—they create lasting memories, deepen relationships, and often align with the values of sustainability and intentionality.

After all, the best gift isn’t something that gathers dust on a shelf; it’s something that enriches the heart and soul.

What experience would you love to gift—or receive—this year? Let us know in the comments!

You Might Also Like:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *