How Experience Gifting is Useful

Staying true to your finances during the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to skimp on meaningful gifts. Experiential giving can be a game-changer! By focusing on memorable experiences instead of material items, you create lasting connections while keeping your budget in check. According to recent studies, 63% of U.S. adults actually prefer experiences over physical gifts, and about half plan to give them this year. The impact is real: 85% say experiences make for stronger connections, a sentiment especially popular among millennials who value creating memories over collecting things. Why not look at memberships to make the gift last longer and give throughout the year? Skip the post-holiday spending regret and give gifts that matter!

Here are some practical tips for keeping experience gifts personal, affordable, and authentic to your values:

1.  Match Experiences to Values: Select experiences that align with your shared values. Staying true to yourself and your finances during the holiday season is all about intentional choices that reflect your values. Match experiences to what matters most to you and your loved ones. If spending quality time together is a priority, consider gifts like a series of cooking classes, a gym membership, a museum or park annual pass. These experiences create meaningful memories without unnecessary spending. For friends or family who live far away, subscriptions for experiences with flexible schedules are perfect for staying connected. By aligning your gifts with shared values, you keep things real, authentic, and budget-friendly.
2.  Set a Realistic Budget: Experience gifts come in a range of prices, so set a budget that feels right for your financial goals. Community-based experiences, like theater tickets or selected events, can be meaningful without breaking the bank. A season pass we were given to the Shakespeare Festival, for example, gave us flexibility to enjoy performances throughout the year. Once you’ve decided that this is the right idea for a gift, then next step is figuring out some creative ideas that fit every budget. Stay true to yourself in your finances so that you aren’t suffering come January with debt you didn’t plan for.
3.  Consider Memberships for Long-Term Value: Annual passes to local museums, zoos, or botanical gardens provide value all year long and are often part of reciprocal programs. This lets recipients access similar venues nationwide, making memberships versatile and cost-effective. These types of gifts are ideal for individuals and families who appreciate exploring and learning together as they travel.

As someone who has both given and received experience gifts, I can attest to the lasting joy they bring. A visit to see Curious George at our local science center was a perfect day of discovery for the kids and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. On another occasion, a botanical garden membership gave me the chance to visit frequently, even allowing free entry to partner gardens in other states—a thoughtful gift that keeps on giving.

One of the best aspects of experiential gifting is the ability to match it to the recipient's interests, whether they love adventure, relaxation, food, or family activities. Experience gifts are inclusive, adaptable, and well-suited to people from all backgrounds and budgets, creating a unique way to make everyone feel seen and valued. By thoughtfully choosing and budgeting for experience gifts, you can give with purpose and create a deeper connection—all while being financially mindful and true to yourself. It’s a wonderful way to give joyfully while keeping a handle on holiday spending.