Why Experiences Make the Best Gifts
(And Why They Matter More Than Ever)
Every year; birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, we find ourselves asking the same question: “What should I get them?”
And every year, more people are discovering the same answer: an experience.
Something to look forward to. Something to remember. Something they’ll talk about for years… long after the “stuff” is forgotten.
As meeting and event designers who live and breathe experiences every day, we’ve seen firsthand the power they have to bring people closer, create meaning, and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a cooking class, a hot-air balloon ride, concert tickets, a local adventure, or a beautifully planned picnic - experiences create moments that matter.
Here’s why they’re the best gifts you can give.
1. Experiences Create Memories, Not Clutter
Physical gifts are great… until they end up lost, broken, or shoved in a closet.
Experiences, on the other hand, become stories. They become the things people reminisce about:
“Remember when we tried paddleboarding and fell in together?”
“That dinner overlooking the city was the perfect anniversary.”
“The kids still talk about that surprise weekend trip.”
Memories don’t wear out. They get better with time.
2. Experiences Strengthen Relationships
Shared moments build stronger bonds - scientifically and emotionally.
Whether it’s:
a couples retreat
a family zoo day
a mother–daughter spa trip
a father–son sports game
a surprise date-night created with purpose
Experiences create connection.
Connection creates joy.
Joy creates stronger relationships.
3. They’re Personal — and Thoughtful
Giving an experience shows intention. It says:
“I see you. I know what you enjoy. I want to spend meaningful time with you.”
That’s far more personal than guessing which sweater they might like.
4. Experiences Can Be Big… or Delightfully Small
You don’t need a massive budget for an unforgettable experience.
Some of the most impactful gifts are simple:
A picnic at a favorite overlook
A homemade “day of adventure” itinerary
A wine-tasting afternoon
A cooking class together
A sunrise hike
A museum membership
A night at a local boutique hotel
Experiences scale beautifully to your budget - without sacrificing meaning.
5. Experiences Instead of “Stuff” Reduce Stress
Research shows clutter increases stress (especially around the holidays).
Choosing experiences as gifts:
reduces the pressure to buy items
keeps budgets more manageable
frees people from accumulating more “things”
shifts the season from shopping to connecting
And honestly… who needs more stress during December? Or anytime really?
6. Experiences Support Local & Small Businesses
Whether it's:
a local spa
a family-owned restaurant
a regional winery
a community art studio
a nearby resort
These gifts keep money right here in our region, supporting jobs, families, and vibrant local culture.
7. They Inspire Us to Be Present
Experiences pull us out of routine.
They make us slow down.
They remind us to be instead of do.
And that is a priceless gift in a world that moves too fast.
The M3 Perspective
At McAteer Meeting Management, we build experiences for a living… corporate events, incentive trips, retreats, celebrations, travel itineraries, and memories families will never forget.
We’ve watched how a single moment can shift a year, a career, a relationship, or even a life.
So whether you’re gifting:
a simple day out together,
a carefully planned local adventure, or
an unforgettable travel experience…
You’re not giving “something.”
You’re giving meaning.
And that lasts far longer than anything that comes in a box.
Cheers,
Bethany