Experience Over Stuff
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I had a nice time yesterday with my siblings/ their spouses plus a cousin to round out our group. We were 14 at a Dinner Theater matinee for White Christmas, then later (after dicey roads from sleet) to my sister's for book discussion, some cards, and of course more food. The venue was packed, weekends sold out in August. Grease is starting on January 31 and apparently there's just a handful of dates left with tickets, weeknights only. I noticed last weekend the movie theater was packed too. People are traveling again in record numbers, vacations and return to family gatherings.
And, everyone I know wants to have less stuff. Sure, those just starting out have needs to fill homes or get a work appropriate wardrobe, or a better car for their driving needs. I'm not hearing about a lot of wants of things being prioritized. I am splurging on things like tickets to an event over more shoes or clothes for sure. Concern about the economy being challenging, necessities like groceries and utilities on the rise, yet seeing packed houses for events and airport footage of long travel lines makes me think more people than myself are putting money towards experiences rather than accumulating more things.
Today will be a catch-up day. I might not leave pajama pants. I've a few more treats to make, some cards to write, address, and stamp. They'll get in the mail tomorrow. I'll wrap gifts and figure out where I'm at. Even my gift giving, with ideas from even young people, are more on the need side rather than pure wants. For example, bath towels for my youngest, thick hoodies (certain styles and brands, requested of course, for a niece and nephew), a flannel and hooded jacket and stuffed burger press for my BIL, all sort of needs, or at least practical. Other gifts are the experience leaning like tickets to a play for my MIL and a few board and party card games, and the cash I give my godson each year towards his ski pass. Other than the games, the only toys I've bought are for donations for community giving.
I like the idea that my giving this year, while still joyful, hopefully isn't adding too much more garbage accumulation and waste. It's as frivolous, in that it could be avoided all together sense, as Christmas seasons past. How about your giving plans? Do you do a lot of experience gifts?
I'm all about experience gifts, and we try hard to make that the majority of our gift giving. Of course, sometimes people want "things", which are fine too. Nick is getting a climbing harness, climbing shoes & fishing lures to support his bouldering & fishing hobbies. Sam is mostly just getting cash to put towards college expenses. Both are getting beanies, because Sam is preparing for an Oregon winter, which will be much colder than he's used to & Nick will be going to college somewhere colder than here (while not decided, everywhere on his list is colder than here). We did get my dad a fitness tracker watch & my mom a necklace that we bought her when we were in France last year, but those are more rare gifts for us to give. DH's gift to me was a trip to Zion with a friend last month. (Hawaii Planner)
ReplyDeleteSometimes the things are needed to do the experience but that's awesome because not one and done. My son started with snow board gear for his 12th bday. When he outgrew the set a few years later, replaced for birthday. The ski pass was also offset that he didn't do a winter school sport- that was his sport, plus he contributed to the cost. I had bought my husband snow shoes Christmas 2022, but he never got to use them. I'm hoping they get used this year ( not enough good snow last year) by us as they should fit both my son and older daughters boot size.
DeleteWhat a beautiful theater! I'm glad that you had a nice time!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about experience gifts. I actually enjoy them more than things myself. Most of my giving has been practical with a few whimsical gifts thrown in for fun.
Free picture, but it was a nice theater. I think my MIL will enjoy the play and either brunch or dinner the day of the play in March.
DeleteSounds like a fabulous day together in a beautiful theater. We're also about experiences and making memories.
ReplyDeleteClothing budget is one line item that drops immensely at retirment. You'll be amazed how little clothing is required and purchased. I'm 5.5 years now and I've had to replace jeans/capris only (I own 2 pr at a time) and walking shoes as well as acquire some athletic wear for cardio classes so I don't overheat and yay me, a new winter coat because I'm down 3 sizes! But I kept the big sweatshirts and t-shirts and will continue to wear them to threads-the frugal side of me. Rather than downsize casual clothes however, I've worn them to threads and holes in my home and outside gardening and then tossing them all used up.
Well, since I've worked from home now- will be close to five year when I retire, I had need for very little clothing. The office attire is mainly dress pants and either blouses in summer or sweater in colder weather, so probably won't change too much. We home that we have our 1-2 office uniforms. Admittedly, I think I've bought myself 1 sweater in the last 5 years. I seem to get them gifted and just don't need a huge wardrobe if them. I see your points though. I'll wear mine until they quite frankly shouldn't be worn.
DeleteWe usually save experience gifts for birthdays, but they are so much fun! I've always wanted to so one for Christmas of things we could do after the holidays, but I've never done that maybe next year. We always enjoy those. I'm glad you had a nice time with your sibling and their spouses.
ReplyDeleteIf there's useful or really wanted gifts, I'm cool with those. I look for experience first though. My daughter did get a new TV from me, hers died, and older getting a chest freezer. Both I guess could be considered need area, well TV, no, but certainly will be used daily.
DeleteI've always appreciated experiences over stuff. I tell family and friends that I don't want one single more thing that needs to be dusted, washed or put away. Sounds like you had a lovely experience. Lynn, Pecos, NM
ReplyDeleteNo knickknacks! My kids know this. I get things like that from a couple sisters for birthdays. I use a bit, put away if seasonal, but eventually they are regifted in a donation.
DeleteMany of those nearest and dearest (children, grandchildren) are 2400 miles away, so I do not have much opportunity to do shared experiences and I learned long ago when the oldest (now 12+) was little that stuff was just...stuff. And with friends and others here, they know I bake biscotti in massive amounts, and that they can expect to see some on their doorstep sometime this month. Much more appreciated by them and I enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy with a gift of biscotti. That's a wow! I didn't realize you had grandchildren.
DeleteI'd much rather give and get experiences. But my sister's kids and grandkids are into stuff. Oh my, the stuff they gave and got last Christmas was so over the top, and I'm sure it'll be the same this year. I avoid it now. Your dinner theater out with family sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think gifting 2 and 3 tiers away family starts being a lot. I agree and think most likely gets chuck d very soon. My niece had $30 lip gloss from Sephora on her list link when I asked for ideas ( gift drawing exchange). She's 13! A $5 tube of Burts Bees is probably much better for her lips, but won't have the bougie packaging.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous theatre, I'm glad you had a lovely time!
ReplyDeleteI shudder at all the unnecessary packaging and waste generated over Xmas. Liz & Al often buy us theatre tickets for Xmas - something we can all look forward to in the Spring. xxx
Not the real Theater but it is pretty nice. I have tickets for a March play for my MIL.
DeleteI've tried leaving comments on your last 2 posts when signed in and they seem to be disappearing into the ether, so I'm testing commenting like this x
ReplyDeleteQuite odd, but I vsee this one.
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