Experiences are better than expensive gifts for older children this Christmas--this is according to new research showing how experiences as gifts for older children make them happier, which they can experience and live through.
Material gifts vs. experiences
In this research, the authors compared the level of happiness older children can get from material things with their happiness level that they can get from experiences as gifts. From the four studies observing children and teens, experts found out that children ages 3 to 12 are happier with material things than when they experience gifts. On the other hand, older children are happier from these experiences as gifts than from material things.
That means that older children's experiences are highly desired and not just material things, as some people may think.
The findings of the research
The authors of the study explained that the reason behind this is that children must recall details of the event long after it is over for experiences as gifts to provide happiness. That is why older children are happier with experiences as their gifts because with their age, they can recall the things that they did and the things that they have seen, and the opposite for the young children who do not have such good skill to recall things yet.
Young children like experiences too.
They added that although young children do not have such skill to recall things, it does not mean that they do not value and enjoy experiences, unlike older children. The authors pointed out that young children do love experiences, and they enjoy it.
Once they have unwrapped their Legos and their stuffed toys, there will be a physical reminder to give them a jolt of happiness. But for young children, can't see or touch experiences after they are over, making it harder for them to value it long after the event is over. But, the authors have something to say to fix this.
What should parents do?
Researchers suggest taking pictures and videos of family walks when they play in the snow, when they attend events such as birthday parties, and many more. They say that children are more likely to value those events more if something reminds them of it. Also, they will learn the social value of such experiences that they have shared with other people.
Experts also added that children would be able to recall and value the gifts they have received and the time spent with their family and friends as they relive those events through photos and videos.
Since memory evolved likely, children may not get as much happiness from past events as from the gifts that they have received. But with age, and as they get older, making new experiences and looking for new hobbies may have more value than having mere material things.
The authors of this study want people to know that although children enjoy toys and other material things for Christmas, they might also enjoy a gift they can live through and remember for as long as possible.
