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?

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 15, 2024 at 7:26 AM

    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)

    ReplyDelete
  2. KathyDecember 15, 2024 at 7:34 AM

    What a beautiful theater! I'm glad that you had a nice time!
    I 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ElleDecember 15, 2024 at 8:12 AM

    Sounds like a fabulous day together in a beautiful theater. We're also about experiences and making memories.

    Clothing 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. BelindaDecember 15, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    We 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.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousDecember 15, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    I'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

    ReplyDelete

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