Tinggly’s Survey Reveals a Trend: Newlyweds Favor Experience Gifts Over Physical Ones

Press Release from Tinggly

Gone are the days when newlyweds eagerly unwrapped boxes of toasters and fine china. And let’s be honest here – who wouldn’t prefer experience gifts like a hot air balloon ride over another set of teacups?

Newlyweds Favor Experience Gifts Over Traditional Wedding Gifts

If you’ve been following Tinggly’s journey for some time, you know we’re on a mission to change the culture of gift giving around the world – from gifting material things to giving experiences. To keep up with our mission, we conducted a survey to explore the trends in wedding gift giving.

We interviewed over 1,000 people nationwide and here’s what’s as clear as day – 82% of respondents believe experience gifts are significantly more memorable than typical wedding presents.

Newlyweds enjoying their Tinggly's wedding experience gift on the boat tour in Italy

We dug a bit deeper and found some thought provoking gems:

  • 43% of respondents said experiential gifts are better because they help create new adventures together.
  • 39% mentioned that while physical items may come and go, the memories of a shared experience can last a lifetime.

Cash is still king, BUT

Good ol’ cash still remains a popular gift choice, with nearly 35% wanting it as a wedding gift and close to 30% giving it. Yet, what’s interesting is that those monetary gifts are often used to fund newlywed adventures. Some surveys suggest that more than 80% of newlyweds cash out to fund their honeymoon experiences.

Wedding registries also remain popular, with close to half of respondents (46%) reporting they always buy from a couple’s registry if one’s available.

A happy bride and a groom having fun experiencing their Tinggly adventure

What kind of experience do couples want? 

Now that we know that newlyweds crave experiences over physical stuff, let’s break down some of the experiential gifts that couples love: 

  • Adventures – 28% of lovebirds want to get their adrenaline pumping with experiences like hot air balloon rides, skydiving or jet skiing.
  • Freedom of choice – 20% of newlyweds appreciate the freedom of choosing their own experience.
  • Relaxation – 19% of couples want to rewind in a relaxing spa day or have a massage.
  • Getaways – 19% of lovers say that a small escape is always appreciated, be it a luxurious hotel or a weekend staycation. 

What about the budget? 

The wedding gift budgets haven’t kept pace with inflation. 

  • 1/3 of respondents spend between $50 and $100 for a present
  • 30% keep their gift-giving budget under $150
  • 20% give between $150-$200
  • 16% are willing to spend over $200

Why does this matter?

At the end, it all comes down to Tinggly’s slogan – give stories, not stuff.

Unlike that fancy kitchen gadget, the memory of a thrilling skydive or a serene spa day will never collect dust. Think about it—do you remember the blender you got for your wedding, or the incredible activity you did with your partner?

When couples embark on an adventure together, whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a serene massage, or a romantic getaway, they are not just spending time together—they are building a shared narrative. These experiences become stories they tell and retell, memories they cherish, and moments they can always look back on. Each adventure adds a new chapter to their love story, creating a deeper connection and a stronger bond. 

A happy couple on a honeymoon holding Tinggly's Happily Ever After experience gift box

It’s about spending quality time together and making those moments count.

Giving wedding experience gifts rather than material things promotes a meaningful living. It encourages people to value experiences over possessions, leading to greater overall happiness. This shift is reflected in movements like minimalism and sustainable living, where the focus is on quality of life and impactful moments rather than material accumulation.

 

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