Why we’re valuing experiences over presents this Christmas

Think outside of the gift box this Christmas, and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

It was Oscar Wilde who said, “Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.”

Despite our phones, emails and social media constantly vying for our attention, our strongest and most powerful memories are those we share with friends and family. More often than not, they are moments when you’re not doing anything but enjoying one another’s company – sitting around a dinner table with loved ones or curled on a sofa catching up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in awhile – these are the moments we cherish most.

In fact, studies have shown that in the last decade we have moved toward valuing experiences over material items. A 2019 report from Eventbrite showed that 72% of millennials prefer to spend their money on real-life events, like going for dinner, or attending the theatre, over buying material possessions like clothes and cars.

With that in mind, for Christmas this year we’re thinking about how we’d like to spend 2020 and who we’d like to spend it with. Rather than panic-buying a nice, but forgettable gift, we’re investing in making new memories, whether that’s a weekend away with the girls or a romantic dining experience.

Experience of a luxurious stay in the heart of Dublin

Why not gift your loved one (and yourself) with a stay in one of only two hotels featured in the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List in the ‘Best Hotels in Ireland’ section?

The super-stylish Westbury Hotel in the heart of Dublin is synonymous with all things luxury. From the moment you arrive in this iconic hotel, you are transported into Gatsby-esque opulence where the only decision you have to make is what cocktail you’d like a master mixologist to craft for you and which of the 205 bedrooms you’d like to relax in (we recommend the four-poster suite for a deservingly indulgent weekend).

Start with a coffee in The Gallery, surrounded by the hotel’s stunning privately-owned art collection, before a wander around town. Make a dinner date in the fêted WILDE, where a fusion of 1930s elegance complements a menu that celebrates Irish artisan produce. Follow this with a nightcap from The Sidecar’s extensive cocktail menu. Next day, relaxed and comfortable, Balfe’s makes for the perfect leisurely brunch spot.

Sound like the perfect Christmas gift? The Westbury is here to help this festive season with two offerings that will make any stay extra special. If it’s an important birthday or anniversary celebration, The Suite Living Experience is a two-night stay that includes full breakfast and a three-course dinner at the award-winning WILDE Restaurant.

Or, if you have more of a whirlwind night in the city in mind, The Suite Celebration package offers a 25% discount off an overnight stay in a beautiful suite with complementary Prosecco and a full Irish breakfast.

Simply can’t decide? You can let that receiver choose (and hope that they bring you with them!) with a gift card and you treat them to an overnight stay, a dining experience at WILDE or a relaxed meal at Balfe’s – perfect for whatever your budget.

Read more: The best places to have festive Afternoon Tea around Ireland

Read more: 10 places to go for tea and scones this weekend

Read more: 9 Irish Christmas gifts you can experience, instead of adding to clutter