Why Experience Gifts Create Better Memories Than Things (2025 Guide)

In a world filled with things, the most cherished gifts are experience gifts for lasting memories, not clutter. Research shows that experiences bring long-term happiness, foster stronger social connections, and create lasting memories—something material gifts often fail to achieve.

At Bird & Trove, we believe in gifts that go beyond the ordinary. Our curated collection of experience gifts is designed to inspire joy, connection, and creativity—whether it’s a hands-on pizza night, an artistic escape, or a gourmet tasting adventure.

If you’re looking for a meaningful gift that lasts beyond the moment, read on to discover why experience gifts are the best choice in 2025.

Why Experience Gifts Create Lasting Happiness

Studies from Cornell University and the Journal of Psychological Science confirm that people are happier when they invest in experiences rather than material possessions. Unlike physical gifts, which eventually lose their novelty, experiences provide:

✅ Stronger emotional connections – Shared experiences deepen relationships, strengthening bonds between the giver and recipient.
✅ More long-term happiness – The anticipation, participation, and recollection of an experience bring repeated joy over time.
✅ A sense of identity – The experiences we collect become part of who we are, unlike objects that fade into the background.
✅ Less clutter, more meaning – Experiences don’t take up physical space but fill life with purposeful moments.

The Science Behind Experiential Gifting

🔹 A study from Yale School of Environment found that spending time in nature has significant cognitive and emotional benefits, enhancing well-being and mental clarity.
🔹 A nationwide survey of 1,279 Americans revealed that people feel more connected to the gift giver when given an experience instead of an object.
🔹 Research from the University of Texas found that personalized gifts, especially experiences, create deeper emotional bonds than generic presents.

Simply put—memories grow in value, while objects lose their appeal.

Bird & Trove’s Experience Gift Collection

We’ve thoughtfully curated a selection of experience gifts for lasting memories. Whether you’re shopping for a foodie, creative soul, or wellness enthusiast, we have something for everyone.

🍕 A Slice Above: Pizza Night Experience Box

Perfect for: Food lovers, families, date nights

Transform any evening into an authentic pizza-making experience. This beautifully packaged gift includes a gourmet spice blend, a pizza cutter, a wooden serving board, and a recipe book, making it the perfect hands-on activity for foodies.

📦 Shop the A Slice Above Box now!

🎨 Color Me Calm: Art & Creativity Gift Box

Perfect for: Artists, mindfulness seekers, and anyone in need of a creative escape

Unwind and express yourself with the Color Me Calm Gift Box by Bird & Trove. This thoughtfully curated set includes a beautiful adult coloring book, premium-colored pencils, a paint-by-numbers kit, a sleek pencil case, and a soothing lavender dark chocolate bar—all designed to inspire relaxation and creativity.

🖌️ Explore the Color Me Calm Box.

💡 Creative Spark: Productivity & Inspiration Box

Perfect for: Entrepreneurs, idea-makers

For those who love brainstorming and creative thinking, this gift box includes a BIG idea journal, professional-quality colored pencils, a stylish water bottle, and a plant for workspace inspiration.

🌱 Get the Creative Spark Box.

🌿 Dips & Drizzles Olive Oil Enthusiast Box

Perfect for: Gourmet food lovers, home chefs

This culinary experience gift brings the world of olive oil to life with Tuscan olive oil seasoning, a beautifully designed olive oil bottle, and a gourmet cookbook.

🍷 Shop the Olive Oil Enthusiast Box.

🥣 A Perfect Spread: Gourmet Dip Box

Perfect for: Entertainers, foodies

For those who love hosting and entertaining, this set includes a gourmet dip mix, a cheese knife set, and a beautifully illustrated recipe book—perfect for creating delicious, shareable dishes.

🧀 Get the Perfect Spread Gift Box.

How to Choose the Perfect Experience Gift

Choosing an experience gift is about knowing what makes your recipient happy. Here’s a simple guide to matching gifts to personality types:

🔹 Creative Spirits – Art classes, pottery workshops, and DIY experience boxes.
🔹 Adventure Seekers – Rock climbing passes, zip-lining, or a National Parks Annual Pass.
🔹 Knowledge Enthusiasts – Cooking classes, language courses, or museum memberships.
🔹 Relaxation Lovers – Spa treatments, meditation classes, or wellness retreats.

💡 Not sure which gift to pick? Take our curation quiz to find the perfect match!

How to Make Experience Gifts More Meaningful

1. Add Personal Touches

Personalization makes any gift more special. Studies show that gifts reflecting the giver’s personality create stronger emotional bonds. Here are some ways to add extra meaning:

📝 Write a heartfelt note explaining why this experience was chosen.
📸 Include a photo memory book tied to the theme of the experience.
🎁 Pair the gift with a small tangible item—like a chef’s apron for a cooking experience or a sketchbook for an art workshop.

2. Build Excitement Through Anticipation

Anticipation is half the joy of an experience gift. Research shows that giving an experience in advance increases emotional connection.

⏳ Ways to Build Anticipation:
🔹 Present the gift weeks ahead of time so they have something to look forward to.
🔹 Leave clues leading up to the reveal (think scavenger hunt!).
🔹 Send a series of small surprises related to the experience before the big event.

Avoid These Common Gifting Mistakes

🔻 Ignoring Practical Details – Ensure the experience fits within your recipient’s schedule and preferences.
🔻 Projecting Your Own Interests – The best gift is something they love, not what you would enjoy.
🔻 Rushing the Timing – Last-minute planning can result in missed opportunities for anticipation and excitement.

Creative Ways to Present Experience Gifts for Lasting Memories

🕵️ Create a Treasure Hunt

Scavenger hunts build excitement and engagement. Leave a trail of clues leading to the final gift reveal.

🎁 Pair with a Themed Physical Gift

Match a small, meaningful item with the experience:
🎭 Broadway show tickets → A playbill from their favorite musical
👨‍🍳 Cooking class → A personalized chef’s apron
🛫 Travel experience → A guidebook for their destination

📲 Go Digital With a Video Reveal

Create a personalized video showcasing the experience or use virtual reality previews for an immersive reveal.

Why Experience Gifts Are the Future of Gifting

A thoughtful experience gift isn’t just a present—it’s a story waiting to unfold. Studies show that people cherish the memories created by experiences far more than physical items.

🎁 Ready to give a gift that lasts a lifetime? Browse our experience gift collection and make your next gift unforgettable!