Why the gift of an experience can make you happier

It’s so nice to receive a gift, and the giver can also feel the benefit of the gesture, enjoying the look of pleasure on the face of the person we have presented with that gift. We gain a feeling of warmth to do something thoughtful.

To give a gift, no matter what the occasion, is a symbol of the love and appreciation we have for the person who receives it. The gift itself can also have symbolism, indicating a special link between the giver and the recipient, reinforcing the bond you have together.

Gifting an experience spreads happiness more than gifting stuff

Since the birth of commercialism, there has been an assumption that spending money on material possessions will increase our happiness because possessions last longer than an experience. Studies of consumer trends, however, now reveal that the opposite is true. Psychological research has revealed evidence that experiences are more fulfilling and better for our wellbeing than accumulating stuff.

Studies reveal that people now feel that happiness over material things quickly fades. New things are exciting at first but then they become every day to us; they no longer give us the same buzz as they did when we received them.  Experiencing something like a special break or a special meal have a memory attached to them that ligers and can be recalled, reviving part of the pleasure we felt at the time we enjoyed the experience. 

It is the thought that counts, and there is no more thoughtful gift than that of an experience. For the person choosing an experience for a loved one, it may require more thought over what that individual will most enjoy and with some experience gifts you can personalise the experience and the packaged gift to make it even more special.

Choosing the gift, arranging it and presenting it becomes more of an investment and both preparation and seeing delight on the recipient’s face is a far greater feel-good for all.

Experiences give you stories to tell too as you share the experience with someone or relay it to others, again giving you a sense of reliving that experience, and the feelings of pleasure gained from the gift lasting longer than if you had received a thing.  So socially, sharing experiences is a means of bonding with someone as you both discuss shared passions and memorable experiences and as you pass them on you may inspire others, again giving you a good feeling.    

Personalised Gifts from Knockinaam Lodge   

At Knockinaam, we provide experience gift vouchers for absolutely anything – it can be for a simple monetary value to be put towards any experience at Knockinaam or tailored more to the recipient’s favourite thing to do. That may be to dine at Knockinaam, enjoying the special 5-course tasting menu; an afternoon tea experience; a special lunch;  an overnight stay or a voucher for one of the many special break experiences, such as the yoga and wellness break or the murder mystery weekend as well as the gardening and gourmet weekends Knockinaam has become well known for. Experiences should be booked quickly though, since they are very popular.

The gift vouchers are made to order, so you can include a special message to add even more of a personal touch. Thoughtful touches are our signature at Knockinaam, and we do our utmost to ensure that an experience at our hotel is something our guests will find memorable, meaning the gift lasts for longer as the recipient recalls the delight in receiving a personalised gift and the joy of the experience. Buy a gift voucher here.

The Custom of giving gifts at Christmas

Of course there are various significant occasions in the year for giving a gift and those gestures that require no occasion at all; just because we want to make someone feel special. Birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day and wedding gifts are all reasons to display our feelings through the giving of a gift.  

The biggest gift giving season, Christmas is a time when we want to spread joy and gift giving is a big part of the rituals we associate with Christmas. As a religious celebration it is about the gift of Jesus to the people and the custom of presenting a gift began with the Three Wise Men who travelled far to present the new-born with their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. However, gift giving goes back much farther than the celebration of the birth of Christ. it was a tradition linked to Pagan rituals across Europe and the Middle East. During the depths of winter various festivals became established and giving gifts to coincide with the winter solstice, a turning point towards lighter days, became a time of celebration and the spreading of joy.

Christmas would not be Christmas without Father Christmas or as he was originally known, Saint Nicholas. A fourth-century Christian bishop, his practice of prolific gift-giving caught on and slowly became a part of Christmas celebrations in the United Kingdom and other Christian countries, each adopting their own time to give gifts. Santa Claus as we now know him became an icon due to the American adoption of this magical gift giver and the famous image of the Coca-Cola Santa.  

Christmas, whether you are religious or not is a time to remember what is important in life: your friends and your family. Giving gifts demonstrates your feelings for someone and while spreading your own joy, you received joy in return through this gesture: you are showing your investment in the relationship, whether it be your partner, spouse, family member or a friend, your child’s teacher or the postman even.  You invest your time in buying a gift and through the act of gift-giving you reinforce the importance that persona has to you: a win, win as your efforts are appreciated. It’s a celebration of life, love and friendship.       

Experiences prolong that feeling and at least you know unlike that unwanted sweater, an experience will be enjoyed and talked about for a long time to come.

Make an enquiry about Knockinaam Lodge gift voucher experiences by emailing reservations@knockinaamlodge.com or get in touch by phone at 01776 810471 with your tailor-made requirements for a gift that is as unique as the person you are gifting it to.