Comments on: Asking for Experience Gifts over Possession Gifts

By: Guy Harris

Guy Harris — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:31:49 +0000

Fantastic idea! We have used this idea in our family, and it really makes a difference in both the giving experience itself and in our relationships. Thanks!

By: Stacey Shipman

Stacey Shipman — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:45:46 +0000

I couldn’t agree more, and in fact I wrote about this very thing late last year in one of my newsletters. I appreciate experiences so much more than material gifts. Maybe because at this time I have all I need and experiences provide meaning and lifelong memories.

Experiences can be time and cost effective, too, a key strategy in these times!

By: Kit Cooper

Kit Cooper — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:33:34 +0000

Thanks for all your insights and tips. I like Flora’s idea of the Southwest Airlines tickets. I totally get how relatives WANT to give gifts. My wife had this idea, for gifts to our kids, of steering relatives to contribute to something together that, a) our kids could enjoy more, and b) are a little more experience-driven. We’ll see how it goes!!

By: Matt Singley

Matt Singley — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:05:41 +0000

It took me a few years to catch on to this idea, but I agree completely. Although I am a geek that loves gadgets (need my Zune, Xbox, iPhone, etc) as far as gifts from others, I really would prefer a day trip to the coast, a concert or even time in a museum. Those are the things that I value and remember, and in this tough economic times, a lot of it can be done on the cheap!

By: Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D. — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:05:51 +0000

When I finished remodeling my house in 2006 I enforced this experience over stuff rule. After finally decluttering, I didn’t want another trinket or as one friend calls them, “dust collectors.”

Along with outlawing trinkets, I also simplified my life by installing gas logs in my fireplace and upgrading the sprinkler. Cleaning ash and watering by hand were two experiences I no longer wanted to have.

I agree that some things are important, like the camera and wine bottle opener. For my relatives who just HAVE to give me an item, I requested Southwest Airline gift cards. That way, I’m ready to go on my next adventure without delay.

Thanks for this post. I heard it before you said it.

By: Matthew Ray Scott

Matthew Ray Scott — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:05:17 +0000

I really appreciate this post. So much to learn and experience with this perspective.

I seek to have the wisdom of a long-term perspective with a sense of urgency. I’m a work in progress!

By: alexandra bond

alexandra bond — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:41:39 +0000

I couldn’t agree more! Once you get that pair of shoes or piece of jewelry, it loses its luster. My very favorite “things” are memories of good times spent with my family and friends. Bravo!