X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

New Study Suggests Kids Are Happier Receiving Material Gifts Than Experiences

2 min read

When it comes to our children, we want to provide them more than what they need, and as much as they want. For every holiday or birthday, we ponder on what would make their little hearts fill with joy. Maybe that one toy they’ve been asking for? Or maybe a visit to their favourite theme park?

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago suggested that it may be better giving material gifts to young kids rather than having special outings.

gift experiences

Image Source: iStock

Materials Items Over Gift Experiences

To compare the level of happiness kids get when they from material gifts and personal experiences, Lan Nguyen Chaplin and his team conducted four studies involving children aged 3 to 12 years old.

The results showed that younger kids enjoyed material things more than outings while older children appeared to appreciate experiences more than possessions as gifts.

Researchers clarified that this does not necessarily mean young kids don’t love having special experiences. Although, for these outings to “provide enduring happiness”, they should be able to remember what they experienced. Once the event is over, younger kids won’t be able to see or touch the experience they just had, making it harder to recall them long after it’s done. Unlike with toys or material items, they would already have a physical reminder of such a precious gift and can provide a “jolt” of happiness when they interact with it again. 

gift experiences

Image Source: iStock

The Value Of Shared Experiences 

Chaplin did have a solution for younger kids to remember vacations and family outings. She suggested parents record these memories through pictures and videos for reminders of these shared experiences. With these, children get to relive these precious memories that they spent with their loved ones even as they grow up. 

“Children are likely going to appreciate those experiences more if there is something to remind them of the event. Additionally, they’ll be able to learn the social value of shared experiences,” said Chaplin. 

Partner Stories
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind

While younger kids may love receiving material gifts more than past experiences they won’t remember, they will eventually also get to appreciate shared experiences through recorded memories. 

ALSO READ:

How many Christmas gifts should you give your kids?

Sanitizer For Santa? Families Adapt To A Strange Holiday Season

https://t.me/theAsianparentSG

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Ally Villar

  • Home
  • /
  • Lifestyle
  • /
  • New Study Suggests Kids Are Happier Receiving Material Gifts Than Experiences
Share:
  • Your friendly guide to shopping for gifts for kids these holidays!

    Your friendly guide to shopping for gifts for kids these holidays!

  • Christmas Gifts Singapore: For Kids, Teens and the Whole Family

    Christmas Gifts Singapore: For Kids, Teens and the Whole Family

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • Study: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters

    Study: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters

  • Your friendly guide to shopping for gifts for kids these holidays!

    Your friendly guide to shopping for gifts for kids these holidays!

  • Christmas Gifts Singapore: For Kids, Teens and the Whole Family

    Christmas Gifts Singapore: For Kids, Teens and the Whole Family

  • Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

    Melissa Faith Yeo Claims Andie Chen Accused Her of Cheating to Get Pity Votes for Star Awards

  • Study: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters

    Study: Nagging Mothers with High Expectations Raise Successful Daughters

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and lifestyle updates.