In a world where we’re encouraged to constantly buy new clothes, upgrade our homes, and chase the next “must-have,” it’s easy to believe that happiness comes from owning more. But if you think back to your favorite memories, the moments that still make you smile, they probably aren’t things you bought. They’re moments you lived. I mean, I can’t remember the things I bought at the beginning of the year, but I can still remember the things I did that made me smile. Experiences stay with you in a way no object ever can, and choosing to invest in them can completely shift the way you feel about your life.
Why You Should Buy Experiences instead of Things
Things Don’t Make Us Truly Happy
We often buy things because it gives us a quick burst of excitement. A package arrives, you open it, you feel happy for a moment… and then it fades. I mean, look at the Labubu trend this year. People were going crazy over those Labubu’s and now you don’t see anyone talking about it anymore. That new item becomes just another thing in your room, something you barely notice. But experiences grow more meaningful with time. A day trip with a friend, a concert you saved for, a cozy afternoon at a café, these moments stay warm in your mind long after they’re over and gently shape your confidence and identity.
Experiences Bring You Into the Present
Experiences pull you out of autopilot mode. When you visit a new place, try something different, or plan a simple slow-day routine, you actually feel alive. You’re present. You’re not scrolling or numbing yourself with routine, you’re creating something real. And that feeling doesn’t fade the way the excitement of a new purchase does. I have several stories from my festival experiences, and every time I think back, they still make me smile. And I am talking about the things I did when I was still in my teenage years or my early twenties.
They Strengthen Your Connection to Yourself and Others
Shared experiences build deeper relationships than shopping trips ever will. Laughing together, learning something new, or exploring a city creates memories that bond you. And solo experiences, like a workshop, a solo café date, or a quiet walk, help you understand yourself on a deeper level. These moments teach you what you enjoy, what inspires you, and what feels good for your life.
You Can Still Buy Things — Just Buy Intentionally
Choosing experiences doesn’t mean you can never buy things. It simply means being mindful. Buy things that support your experiences, not replace them: a journal for capturing memories, a book to get lost in, a cozy sweater for winter walks, a skincare product that makes your morning feel soft and slow. Let your purchases add to your life, not clutter it.
And at some point you will also realize that you don’t need all that stuff.
The Memories Are Always There
At the end of the year, or even years from now, you won’t treasure the sweaters, makeup, or random impulse buys. You’ll remember the places you visited, the hobbies you tried, the people you shared moments with, and the little adventures that opened your world. Those are the things that shape you.
Choose Moments Over Objects
As you move toward 2026, consider investing more in living and less in collecting. Choose memories over clutter. Choose moments that expand your life, not items that fade into the background. The experiences you create become part of you, and that’s worth more than anything you could ever buy.
Photo by George Bakos on Unsplash