Experience vs Material Gifting: Where is the Happiness?
Do experiences bring people more happiness than possessions?Does that family trip to France; that scuba diving expedition to the Sea of Cortez; that Rolling Stones concert; that emotionally-draining movie; or that outstanding dining experience mean more and provide a longer emotional impact than the purchase of a new car, boat, furniture or other material purchases and gifts?
As we approach the Christmas season and the gifting that goes along with it, consider the immediate impression and the legacy of the gift. Will the gift of a sweater, seat covers or appliance be as personal and as meaningful as the gift of an experience?
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A walk on Cox Bay beach at sunset or an emulsifying hand blender; a day surfing the waves of Cox Bay or a new pair of dress shoes; drinks in front of the fire followed by dinner in the Great Room or slippers.
Not surprisingly, there has been a lot of research on this subject and researchers have found that experiences bring people more happiness than do possessions.
An October 7, 2014 article in The Atlantic looked at the sentimental and emotional attachment people have to material possessions and experiences and tries to figure out exactly how and why experiential purchases are so much better than material purchases.
According to the article titled “Buy Experiences, Not Things,” Cornell psychology professor Thomas Gilovich's work has shown that, “experiences tend to make people happier because they are less likely to measure the value of their experiences by comparing them to those of others.”
As well, “When you can't live in a moment, they say, it's best to live in anticipation of an experience. Experiential purchases like trips, concerts, movies, et cetera, tend to trump material purchases because the utility of buying anything really starts accruing before you buy it.”
Experiences also provide residual benefits after the event: fond remembrances, friendships and associations forged during those experiences live on in memories, able to be reflected on and built on with the others involved in the event.
As Christmas approaches and the need to purchase a meaningful gift which has lasting impact long after the day it was gifted, think experience-based gifts. A weekend in Tofino, surfing, hiking and exploring the rainforests, slumbering on the beach with your spouse while your children build sand castles and fly kites in the warm Long Beach summer breeze.
Wrapping up and gifting that experience is also a lot easier than finding the perfect sweater, tie or crock pot. Long Beach Lodge Resort offers gift certificates that will cover almost any adventure, service, dining experience or accommodation you would like to share or offer a friend or loved one.
Gift Certificates make great gifts, especially when they are for a visit to Long Beach Lodge Resort. They’re a great idea for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, special holidays and all gift occasions for family, friends, clients or employees.
You may order a Cash Certificate online in any denomination, which may be redeemed for dining or lodging. Order your Long Beach Lodge Resort gift certificate below, or call toll free at 1.877.844.7873 (NA) or 250.725.2442
