When it comes to making someone feel loved, it’s easy to assume bigger is better.
Luxury gifts, the latest gadgets and extravagant surprises often steal the spotlight, especially during birthdays and holidays. But according to new research, the moments people share together may leave a far more lasting impression than anything wrapped in a box.
A growing body of research suggests that shared experiences—whether it’s taking a trip, trying a new restaurant, attending a concert or simply spending quality time together, contribute more to long-term happiness and stronger relationships than material gifts. While physical presents may bring an immediate sense of excitement, researchers say experiences create lasting memories that continue to provide joy long after the moment has passed.
Unlike material possessions, experiences become part of a person’s story. They are revisited through conversations, photographs and shared memories, often growing even more meaningful with time. Researchers believe these moments strengthen emotional bonds because they encourage connection, communication and a sense of togetherness that can’t be replicated by a purchase alone.
The findings also suggest that experiences are less likely to be compared with what others have. While material items can quickly lose their novelty as newer versions emerge, memories tend to become more valuable over time. A weekend getaway, a family tradition or an afternoon spent exploring somewhere new often carries emotional significance that far outweighs its price tag.
Perhaps that’s why many people look back on life’s biggest milestones not because of what they received, but because of who they shared them with. Family vacations, spontaneous road trips, holiday traditions and simple evenings spent with friends frequently become the stories that are told again and again.
The research also offers an encouraging reminder that meaningful experiences don’t have to be expensive. A picnic in the park, a hike through nature, tickets to a local event or cooking dinner together can create memories just as lasting as a lavish vacation. What matters most is the opportunity to connect, laugh and spend uninterrupted time with the people who matter most.
In communities like Ottawa, opportunities to create those experiences are everywhere. Festivals, neighbourhood markets, outdoor concerts, museums and scenic trails provide countless ways for families and friends to spend quality time together without necessarily making a significant financial investment.
As researchers continue to explore what contributes to lasting happiness, one message remains remarkably consistent: people rarely remember the price of a gift years later, but they often remember exactly how someone made them feel.
The greatest investment we can make in our relationships may not be found in a shopping bag at all. It may simply be the decision to spend more time together, creating memories that continue to grow more valuable with every passing year.
