Why Experiences Are Always Better Than Expensive Items When Reconnecting with Friends

While losing touch with friends is never pleasant, it’s also somewhat inevitable. We’re all busy, after all, and commitments crop up whether we want them to or not. Sending a gift can be a good way to let your friends know you’re thinking about them, even if you haven’t spoken in a while. But did you know that physical gifts aren’t always the best option?

That’s because we often use physical gifts as stand-ins for valuable conversation or connection, and even the most expensive items simply don’t replace those friendship essentials. As a result, you could end up feeling more disconnected than ever.

By comparison, reconnecting over an experience can be an amazing way to catch up, feel close, and generally fill both of your cups. Keep on reading to find out why.

1. a Chance to Spend Quality Time

Sending someone a nice piece of jewelry isn’t the same as spending quality time, but you know what is? An experience for two that comes complete with quality time to boot.

Whether you buy two tickets to the theater, or Love2shop Gift cards that encourage you to take a shopping day together; an experience-led gift can be the wakeup call you both need to finally put a date in the diary.

When that day comes, you’ll be able to catch up, reconnect, and make lasting memories that will cement your bond even further.

2. a Personal Touch

Even if you personalise a physical gift with the recipient’s name, there will always be some level of disconnect to a gift like that. And that simply doesn’t exist when you opt for a fully tailored experience. That’s because physical items are always designed with someone else in mind. Experiences that are fully customisable to your friend will always win when it comes to giving a gift with heart.

Let’s say your friend is keep to learn pottery, but they’ve never gotten around to it. You could gift them a pottery morning before a meal at their favourite restaurant and then a cocktail at their favourite bar. It’s personal, meaningful, and way more likely to show just how well you know their tastes.

3. Helping with Well-Being

There’s no denying that a gift can help us to feel better when we’re down, but a long-distance present will do very little to help with your friend’s wellbeing overall. By comparison, a tailor-made experience that they get to share with you could be a true balm for the soul.

This is an especially important point if you’re buying a gift because your friend has had a difficult time. Don’t send them flowers that add an additional burden to their load, or a pretty necklace that stops you from having to talk about the difficult thing; take them out for a day so that you can see exactly how they are, and also provide a listening ear if they need it.

Put expensive gifts to the side, and try experiences to enjoy these benefits instead!