It is very easy to collect things: more clothes, more gadgets, more everything, in fact. But as things start to fill up and your home gets more cluttered, it’s worth asking: do any of these actually really stick with you, or do they make you feel connected to people you care about, or are they simply just things? What tends to stay with us is not the objects that we have brought, but instead it’s the moments that we have shared with people. Let’s look at why shared experiences matter so much more than adding just another item to your life and how you can start shifting towards what actually matters.
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-happy-family-eating-together-in-a-kitchen-5593075/
Things Get Old. Memories Don’t.
New things are fun for a little while, and in some situations, you will need them. That new phone or kitchen gadget might feel really exciting the first few weeks, but eventually, it just becomes part of your kitchen kit and whips in the background. Experiences, on the other hand, grow more meaningful over time. You look back on them, talk about them, and you even relive them through photos and stories. They connect you to people and help shape who you are. Even a simple day with a friend can turn into a core memory, while a new pair of boots or jeans is just that. It’s not that you should never buy anything new, but when it comes to what really brings lasting value, shared time is usually more important.
You Don’t Need Big Plans to Create Meaning
People often assume experiences have to be big or expensive, a dream vacation, a fancy dinner, something that is Instagram-worthy. But most of the meaningful moments in life are actually the ones that are low-key: taking a nice quiet walk in the park with your partner after a long week, a quiet morning coffee with a friend, or cooking dinner with your kids, even if it makes an absolute mess. These are the moments that shape relationships, and you don’t need to wait for a holiday or a milestone; you just need to make space for them in your life.
Give Experiences Instead of More Stuff
When it comes to birthdays, anniversaries, or even a casual thank-you gift, it is very easy to default to buying something that is physical. But what if you gave someone time instead? A thoughtful gift experience, such as wine tasting or even a weekend trip away, is more personal than most thoughtless bought items. You’re giving someone a chance to do something they love or try something new. You’re also giving them a memory that keeps. If you’re close to the person, consider making the experience something you do together. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just something that is focused and fun.
Experiences Bring You Closer to Others
It’s easy to fall into routines: work, dinner, scroll, sleep, and then the routine can make your clothes and relationships feel a little bit of distance over time. Doing something new together can make that completely reset. It could be going for a hike, taking a class, or going for a drive with no destination. Shared experiences pull you out of going into overdrive. Even families can benefit from this type of shift. Instead of buying a guitar, you may be a child may remember a weekend that you went camping, or you built a pillow fort in the living room. These types of memories are the ones that build warmth and connection in your family home.
A More Intentional Life Feels Lighter
When you stop chasing more things, life gets simpler. You don’t have to organize as much, clean as much, or keep up with the top trends. You have fewer things to love and more time to focus on what you have. The space gives you the freedom to say yes to making spontaneous plans, too. You could invite people over without stressing out about the state of your house, and you can focus on being more present than being polished. It’s a different type of rhythm, but it feels good. Even the things that you keep tend to have more meaning; maybe it’s the mug that you brought on a road trip or a little plant you picked up when you were out together. Things are tied to memories, and they stay special for longer.
Final Thoughts
We all like to have nice things, but the truth is most of us don’t need more things. We need to have more time with loved ones, more connection, and more room to make and enjoy memories. Changing from “What can I get?” to “What can I do or share?” can make a huge difference in how you feel every day, especially when it comes to giving gifts.
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