Why experiences are better than material gifts…

Interesting research from the Journal of Consumer Research shows that giving gifts of experiences rather than material possessions are more effective at improving relationships. Something to keep in mind for Christmas.

Here’s a little snippet from the study:

“The reason experiential gifts are more socially connecting is that they tend to be more emotionally evocative. An experiential gift elicits a strong emotional response when a recipient consumes it — like the fear and awe of a safari adventure, the excitement of a rock concert or the calmness of a spa — and is more intensely emotional than a material possession.”

We tend to think that material possessions, when received will elicit a positive response and make that special someone’s day. However, when giving an experience as a gift, there is the opportunity to create lasting memories that are priceless. In today’s fast paced and consumable culture, material things are often quickly forgotten, made obsolete by newer versions or simply take up space…. think of the brand new juicer you were gifted, which now sits neatly in your kitchen cupboard and sees the light of day once a year!

Experiential gifts also elicit emotional responses in the receiver, by building up anticipation of what is to come, whether it’s fear, excitement, joy or surprise. By providing stronger emotional responses, the gift giver and receiver develop a stronger relationship as a result.

To read the full study, carried out by Cindy Chan & Cassie Mogilner, from University of Toronto Scarborough’s Department of Management and the Rotman School of Management, published in the Journal of Consumer Research, see the link below:

https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article/43/6/913/2632328

We here at The Jungle, being an outdoor activity centre, provide year round adventure experiences. From climbing and zip lining your way through the Tarzan Tree Top Adventure Course, to firing off some Clays in our Clay Pigeon Shooting, to experiencing the exhilarating rush of adrenaline from tumbling down a 300M custom made hill in our infamous Downhill Zorb Ball, we’ve got adventure at every turn and something for everyone.

We’ve got you covered for Birthdays, Christmas, Mothers and Fathers Days or any other occasion where the gift of adventure will put a smile on your loved ones face and provide a little excitement and anticipation. We offer ‘Activity Vouchers‘ so you can give someone a specific activity experience from our vast range of activities such as Archery, Adult or Kids Tree Top Adventure Courses, Segways or Downhill Zorbing.

Alternatively we have ‘Fixed Amount‘ vouchers where you can select a fixed amount of credit which the receiver can then choose what they wish to do. This gives them the freedom of choosing their own adventure.

The vouchers can be used when booking online or by giving us a call on 02886748881.

To purchase some vouchers, go to:

Gift Vouchers

That’s Christmas sorted for another year 🙂