The Era of Meaningful Gift-Giving: Why Experience Beats Material More Than Ever

In the age in which digital consumption has been at a record high and our existence is cluttered with stuff, today’s giver is shifting from physical presents to something more meaningful: experience gifts. From the thrill of skydiving, to the closeness of a weekend family getaway, to a serene country wine-tasting afternoon, experience gifts are revolutionizing the manner in which we express our appreciation and love.

Why Experiences Are Outshining Physical Gifts

Let’s be honest—how many of us remember the scarf we unwrapped three birthdays past? Contrast that with remembering a cooking course with a loved one or a spontaneous weekend drive. Experiences, and not objects, leave emotional imprints. They create connection, joy, and memories that last far, far longer than some stuff ever could.

Psychologists have, over time, supported that experiential consumption results in more long-lasting joy than material consumption. Cornell University conducted a study that even found people derive more satisfaction from anticipating an experience than anticipation of buying commodities. This value perception shift is fueling a change worldwide, particularly by the millennials and Gen Z, who prefer memories over materialism.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Gifting Behavior

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reshaped our connection with time, individuals, and priorities. With prolonged confinement and lost milestones, the value of shared experience gained unprecedented significance. Experiences that could bridge the physical distance or guarantee a post-lockdown escapade became enormously coveted. On multiple fronts, the pandemic fueled the growth of experience gifting as individuals sought to reconnect through more profound, more intimate means.

And since, trends in gift-giving have only become more considerate. Handmade gifts like customized local tours, spa vacations, or a ticket to your fantasy concert are now regarded as far more valued than the new gizmo. It’s not limited to romantic or family ties—it’s transforming corporate giving as well, with companies opting to present employees with travel coupons or creative workshops in lieu of conventional bonuses.

Customization: The Secret Ingredient

One of the strongest benefits of experiential gifts is their ability to be personalized. No two people are the same, and therefore why should they present gifts that are not? Experience sites now offer extremely curated bundles based specifically on personal preference—whether gourmet cooking lessons for foodies, photography hikes for creatives, or stunt-driving experience for adventure-lovers.

It’s this consideration that sets such gifts apart. They show effort, insight, and understanding—things that build emotional bonding. To illustrate, if someone’s dad used to talk all the time about flying an airplane, what better way to give it the justice it deserves than by taking up some time on a flight simulator or even taking a beginner’s flying lesson?

In fact, so many are discovering experience gifts for dad to be a successful way of marking Father’s Day, birthdays, or retirement anniversaries. They are beyond the common clichéd tie or tool kit, creating memories to be cherished that children and dads can relish together, strengthening their bond in time well spent.

The Sustainability Angle

A second good reason gift of experiences is increasing in popularity is that it is environmentally friendly. Physical gifts carry with them packaging waste, transportation greenhouse gas emissions, and the likelihood of filling future landfills. Experiences, on the other hand, leave no physical mark—only memories. They are therefore a convenient alternative for environmentally-conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still being thoughtful.

The Role of Technology

Interestingly, while the trend shifts away from physicality, technology is playing an increasingly important role in facilitating the experience economy. From vacation-booking apps that let you book exotic holidays in mere taps to gift-giving apps that allow the recipient to enjoy a hot air balloon trip on their own time, digital tools are making it easier than ever to give (and receive) valuable experiences.

To that, add the advent of virtual experiences—pre- and post-pandemic—has opened up whole new avenues. Virtual escape rooms, mixology classes online, and virtual painting classes now enable the ability to share and celebrate at a distance.

Final Thoughts

The more ubiquitous things become, the true value of giving is not what we have, but how we feel. Giving an experience rather than a shiny object is no longer novel—It’s becoming the de facto approach to celebrating with significance. If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply a “thank you,” opting to give a shared moment versus a sparkly object creates memories that last.

And finally, isn’t that what gifts are supposed to accomplish?