The Psychology of Gifting: Why Experiences Matter More Than Things

There’s something magical about giving. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a simple moment of gratitude, the act of gifting connects people in ways words sometimes can’t. But not all gifts are created equal. A growing body of research in psychology shows that Experiential gifts – those rooted in memories, emotions, and time spent – tend to make us happier than material ones.

Why? Because physical items, no matter how expensive or luxurious, often lose their luster overtime. A handbag might go out of fashion. A gadget might become obsolete. But a hot air balloon ride at sunrise? A midnight kayak under the stars? Those moments get etched into our memories.

Psychologists call this the “hedonic treadmill”: we quickly adapt to material possessions and soon seek the next big thing. In contrast, experiences have lasting emotional resonance. They’re shared, talked about, remembered. They become part of who we are.

Gifting is more than a social custom- it’s a psychological exchange. Studies show that giving activates the brain’s reward pathways, boosting dopamine and oxytocin levels, which enhance our sense of connection and joy. It’s a powerful tool for deepening relationships and making people feel seen.

Psychologists also point to a concept called “symbolic self-completion.” In choosing a gift, we often reflect parts of our identity or how we perceive the receiver. A meaningful experience – like a pottery class, a forest retreat, or an intimate chef’s table dinner – expresses care in a way a generic item never could. It communicates attention, presence, and emotional investment.

That belief is at the heart of Unnwrap.

Unnwrap was born from a very simple but powerful idea: life is better when we gift stories, not stuff. Founded in Bombay, Unnwrap is India’s premium marketplace for Experiential gifting. From wine tastings to artisanal workshops, private dining setups to mindful retreats, Unnwrap curates experiences that make people feel something – joy, wonder and connection.

Unlike rigid workshops or scheduled events that force people to attend on a fixed date and time, Unnwrap offers complete flexibility. Their marketplace allows customers to either enjoy a specific experience themselves or gift it to someone else – all with the freedom to redeem it within 2 to 3 months at their own convenience. They believe that a gift should fit into your life – not the other way around.

The idea took root during a time when people were craving connection and meaning more than ever. We were coming out of a period where we had everything at our fingertips – yet something still felt missing. In that space, Unnwrap emerged, not just as a brand, but as a belief: that memories matter more than merchandise. And this belief is deeply personal to the founder.

A Bombay girl with a global appetite for the extraordinary, she has always sought the road less travelled. Whether it was dining in complete darkness in London, enjoying a murder mystery express dinner through the city, soaking in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, or river rafting between Bosnia and Montenegro, she was never interested in ticking off tourist checklists. She was interested in feeling something new.

That passion became purpose. She saw how those experiences shaped her worldview, bonded her with strangers, and created stories that surfaced over dinner tables for years to come. That’s when she realised: why can’t this kind of magic be made more accessible in India? Why can’t gifting be reimagined? And thus, Unnwrap was born – starting in Bombay, but built with the vision to go much, much further.

Today, Unnwrap is not just a gifting platform. It’s a movement to change the way we celebrate, connect, and care. No more last-minute candles. No more impersonal Taj or ITC vouchers that sit in a drawer. The founder believes a gift should feel personal. It should say, “I know you. I thought about you. I want you to experience something you’ll never forget.”

Because that’s what experiences do. They light up our brains in ways objects can’t. They bring people together. They spark joy and curiosity. They give us stories to tell.

As Unnwrap grows, the mission remains the same: to build a world where gifts are not just things we give, but memories we create. Because in the end, life isn’t made of stuff. It’s made of stories

Click here to Browse Unique Experiences unnwrap.com