Science reveals the ultimate Christmas present–and it’s not on your usual shopping list
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The holiday season is here, and with it comes the annual scramble to find the perfect gift.
But as the pressure to impress mounts, could it be that the true key to a memorable Christmas is something completely unexpected?
What seemed like the obvious choice for gift-giving this year has taken a surprising turn, with new research shining light on an entirely different approach.
Good news for multi-millionaires and those with a bit of extra cash: money really can buy happiness – as long as you spend it the right way.
As we moved out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and into the Christmas and Boxing Day sales, many Aussies focused on spending – both on themselves and others.
While the dangers of overspending are well-known, my research aimed to uncover potential benefits.
The results suggested that splurging on experiences rather than material goods could boost happiness. It was also clear that spending on others played a significant role.
The most happiness was gained by indulging in small treats rather than splurging on big-ticket items.
We found that spending on 'doing things' rather than 'having things' made people happier.
This is because experiences help shape our identity.
Experiences or experiential gifts tend to generate more conversation than material goods.
Splurging on experiences rather than material goods can give us a boost. Picture: iStock
We are, quite literally, the sum of our experiences.
Experiential gifts also have more value when it comes to social interactions.
People tend to enjoy hearing about experiences more than gadgets or goods others have bought.
Experiences are less likely to provoke social comparisons (mine is better than yours) compared to material possessions, which are more commonly compared.
What’s more, experiences are often shared, fostering social connections – another key ingredient for happiness.
Despite these benefits, gift givers still tend to believe tangible gifts are a better use of money, especially when giving to someone less close, like a colleague or schoolteacher.
However, experiential gifts are always a good option. Experiences can evoke emotions and create stronger social connections, whether or not the giver shares in the experience.
Another reason to opt for experiences is linked to regret. We tend to regret not doing something more than regretting an experience we had, whereas material goods often lead to disappointment.
But if you’re the type of person who enjoys gifting something to unwrap, consider 'experiential products.'
These include items like board games, soccer balls, musical instruments, or even video games.
Such gifts encourage experiences, blurring the line between goods and experiences.
In other words, we 'do things' with experiential products, unlike 'pure' experiences like going to a concert or attending a sports game.
Research suggests that younger people tend to value extraordinary experiences – ones that are unusual and push beyond everyday life, like travel or 'once-in-a-lifetime' events.
Why not give a bacon-flavoured ice cream tasting experience? Who doesn’t love bacon and/or ice cream?
What’s not to love about bacon-flavoured ice cream?
Younger people also appreciated activities that expanded their experiential repertoire, like hot-air ballooning or jet ski tours.
Meanwhile, older individuals valued more ordinary experiences, such as treating themselves to a nice lunch, relaxing, or pursuing hobbies.
As the significance of a gift increases, consumers tend to move from casual to more thoughtful decision-making, considering all the details.
Happiness from spending tends to arise when the purchases align with personal goals and values.
Our purchases bring the greatest joy when they are tied to what matters most to us.
And in the end, isn’t that what really counts?
What gifts will you be giving this year to bring the most joy? We’d love to hear your plans – share with us in the comments below!
But as the pressure to impress mounts, could it be that the true key to a memorable Christmas is something completely unexpected?
What seemed like the obvious choice for gift-giving this year has taken a surprising turn, with new research shining light on an entirely different approach.
Good news for multi-millionaires and those with a bit of extra cash: money really can buy happiness – as long as you spend it the right way.
As we moved out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and into the Christmas and Boxing Day sales, many Aussies focused on spending – both on themselves and others.
While the dangers of overspending are well-known, my research aimed to uncover potential benefits.
The results suggested that splurging on experiences rather than material goods could boost happiness. It was also clear that spending on others played a significant role.
The most happiness was gained by indulging in small treats rather than splurging on big-ticket items.
We found that spending on 'doing things' rather than 'having things' made people happier.
This is because experiences help shape our identity.
Experiences or experiential gifts tend to generate more conversation than material goods.
Splurging on experiences rather than material goods can give us a boost. Picture: iStock
We are, quite literally, the sum of our experiences.
Experiential gifts also have more value when it comes to social interactions.
People tend to enjoy hearing about experiences more than gadgets or goods others have bought.
Experiences are less likely to provoke social comparisons (mine is better than yours) compared to material possessions, which are more commonly compared.
What’s more, experiences are often shared, fostering social connections – another key ingredient for happiness.
Despite these benefits, gift givers still tend to believe tangible gifts are a better use of money, especially when giving to someone less close, like a colleague or schoolteacher.
However, experiential gifts are always a good option. Experiences can evoke emotions and create stronger social connections, whether or not the giver shares in the experience.
Another reason to opt for experiences is linked to regret. We tend to regret not doing something more than regretting an experience we had, whereas material goods often lead to disappointment.
But if you’re the type of person who enjoys gifting something to unwrap, consider 'experiential products.'
These include items like board games, soccer balls, musical instruments, or even video games.
Such gifts encourage experiences, blurring the line between goods and experiences.
In other words, we 'do things' with experiential products, unlike 'pure' experiences like going to a concert or attending a sports game.
Research suggests that younger people tend to value extraordinary experiences – ones that are unusual and push beyond everyday life, like travel or 'once-in-a-lifetime' events.
Why not give a bacon-flavoured ice cream tasting experience? Who doesn’t love bacon and/or ice cream?
What’s not to love about bacon-flavoured ice cream?
Younger people also appreciated activities that expanded their experiential repertoire, like hot-air ballooning or jet ski tours.
Meanwhile, older individuals valued more ordinary experiences, such as treating themselves to a nice lunch, relaxing, or pursuing hobbies.
As the significance of a gift increases, consumers tend to move from casual to more thoughtful decision-making, considering all the details.
Happiness from spending tends to arise when the purchases align with personal goals and values.
Our purchases bring the greatest joy when they are tied to what matters most to us.
And in the end, isn’t that what really counts?
What gifts will you be giving this year to bring the most joy? We’d love to hear your plans – share with us in the comments below!
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