Article by Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education
(Posted 2025 December)
It’s that time of year when we start buying gifts for those we love. Maybe another sweater, another toy, or expensive electronics. As our children and grandchildren get older, it becomes more difficult to know what they want or already have. So instead of giving them more “stuff,” why not give them something to DO? Something they’ll always remember and appreciate.
The Growing Trend of “Experiential Gifts”
There’s a growing trend toward gifting “experiences,” which is a significant and growing shift in consumer behavior. People are moving away from giving traditional, material objects and toward giving activities, events, and memories. In short, people are increasingly choosing to give a "thing to do" rather than a "thing to have." Recent studies and market data show this is not just a niche idea but a mainstream movement. For example, a 2023 survey by GetYourGuide, a company offering curated experiences around the world, found that a staggering 92% of Americans would prefer an experiential gift over a physical one, a sharp increase from 62% in 2021.
Why Experiences Make the Best Gifts
- Lasting Happiness and Memories: While the excitement from a new physical item tends to fade, the joy from an experience often grows. Anticipating the event, enjoying the experience itself, and reminiscing about it afterward creates a longer-lasting sense of happiness.
- Strengthening Relationships: Many experiences, like a cooking or craft class, are often shared with others. This creates a unique opportunity for connection and strengthens social bonds. Often, when you gift an experience, you gift it to yourself as well, so you can make these memories together!
- Generational Values: Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading this trend. They often prioritize living a meaningful life, "creating, sharing, and capturing memories" over accumulating material wealth. This is often tied to a desire for personal growth and unique life stories, like learning how to knit with their grandmother.
- Personalization and Uniqueness: An experience can feel far more personal and thoughtful than a generic physical gift. It shows you have paid attention to the recipient's interests, passions, and "bucket list" desires, making it a more unique and tailored present.
Give the Gift of Learning
Join the trend. This holiday season, give your loved ones a learning experience. There are many creative and affordable classes available locally and affordably through Fairfax County Public Schools Adult and Community Education (FCPS ACE). Gift them a cooking class where they can explore cultural cuisine and learn lifetime culinary skills! Learning a new language is exciting and useful. How about a CPR class to empower them for emergencies or pique their interest in a medical career? Computer coding classes are fun and practical for gaming as well as employment opportunities. Or find a class that YOU want to take and give-one-get one for yourself! Start your holiday shopping now at www.fcpsace.org. Show your family and friends that you’re up on the trends and really care about their enjoyment of your thoughtful gift. Happy Holidays.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).