A recent study by researchers at San Francisco State University showed people “enjoy greater well-being from life experiences and consider them to be a better use of money.” Experiences last a lot longer and people are far more likely to remember a skydive for the rest of their life, than a pair of earrings – even if the instant gratification is not there.
Experiences are more special as they’re usually a shared experience. You are more likely to be carrying out the gift experience together, so you’re creating shared memories that will last for years. Experiences build and strengthen relationships, especially if you’ve considered a person’s personal hobbies and interests and bought a gift that they can truly invest time in and enjoy.