West Virginia University Extension Service Family and Community Development agent Andrea Hoover suggests opting for the gift of an experience over material goods this holiday season. (WVU Extension Service Photo)
West Virginia University Extension Service Family and Community Development agent Andrea Hoover suggests opting for the gift of an experience over material goods this holiday season.
Quotes
“When thinking of gift buying, it doesn’t always have to be ‘stuff.’ My rule for gift giving is simple: if you can’t eat it, drink it or go to it, I don’t want it. I have so much stuff – in the attic, piled in the basement or shoved in a closet! I don’t need more ‘things’ to try and find a place for.”
“Many studies have shown that material possessions do not equal happiness, and that experiences are much more intrinsically fulfilling than things. Researcher Thomas Gilovich at Cornell University has spent more than a decade trying to understand why experiences could contribute to happiness more than material purchases.”
“Another researcher, Matthew Killingsworth, who published an article in the Journal of Psychological Science found that experiences provide more lasting happiness than material possessions. They concluded that people tend to be less happy with material purchases over time, and happier with experiences. They note that this is likely because we adapt to physical things, so even the nicest car or newest phone becomes commonplace after time, while we tend to grow fonder of memories over time.”
“This year, consider giving the gift of an experience. Maybe it’s a golf lesson or a gym membership. Gifts could include cooking classes or a stained glass-making course. If the person you are buying for is adventurous, you might purchase a scuba diving class or whitewater trip. Perhaps you want to give a gift to new parents; consider a night of babysitting so that the couple can enjoy a night out. There are so many great options to consider. And, they will remember these gifts for years to come.” — Andrea Hoover, WVU Extension Service Family & Community Development Agent- Greenbrier County
Resources
Link to original story: Give the gift of an ‘experience’
Additional information can be found on the WVU Extension Service website, as well as other useful information to help you navigate the holiday season.
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tec/11/20/20
CONTACT: Tara Curtis
WVU Extension Service
304-293-7996; tara.curtis@mail.wvu.edu
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