Solving The “Stuff” Problem
The ability to travel is a privilege, and a costly one at that. Pre-children, my husband and I were frequently advised to travel “while you can”, before any children came along. We could not afford to do so at the time. In fact, we just returned last week from a trip to Ireland we’ve been waiting to take for 17 years because we were poor, and then we were parents.
Got a loved one in the same boat? Let me suggest, if you’re still looking for gift ideas, that you pay for all or part of a family trip in lieu of traditional gifts.
Yes, it’s exorbitant and you shouldn’t do it if you can’t afford it. But if you can, the benefits of travel far outweigh those of toys and electronics. Studies show that the satisfaction we receive from experiences is more lasting and meaningful than the quick hit of happiness we get from more stuff. Experiences tend to create and strengthen connections with the people who mean the most to us. Plus, you know, cool pictures for the ‘Gram.
For years, my sister and I have had a standing no gift policy. We only buy gifts for each other’s kids. Our gift to each other, we say, is not spending $50-$100 on an obligatory Amazon find. We simply don’t need more stuff. I’m not saying we’re heroes or anything, but as it turns out, Christmas detritus is a huge problem.
Incredibly, according to a study by financial research firm Finder, Americans will spend $9.1 billion on gifts that recipients don't want this holiday season. In the U.K. shoppers spend £700 million on unwanted Christmas gifts and throw away approximately £42 million of unwanted presents each year. If you're shopping for younger Gen Z or millennial loved ones, the chances of your gift ending up in that unwanted pile are even higher.
And if you're thinking a gift receipt will stop it, think again: an estimated 5 billion pounds of returned goods end up in landfills because it's cheaper for shippers and retailers to throw some goods away than it is to repackage and restock them.
Joining all those discarded gifts in the dump will be approximately 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper that isn't -- or can't be -- recycled. The British will toss in additional 108 million rolls.
We can reduce this by gifting experiences over stuff. Travel is a great idea but it’s not for everyone. Non-travelers should consider local experiential gifts. Houston has a lot to offer like food tours, museums, classes, and fishing charters!
Before green-lighting a large family expenditure, however, please take the time to make sure your budget will sustain it. Give us a call if you’ve got an idea and need to discuss the impact to your financial plan. We’re excited to help you live abundantly on your way to your vision!