Should you spend money on items or experiences?

    I recently was having a conversation with someone on this topic and was going to write about it, but I had gone on with my day and forgotten about it. So the post never happened. Interestingly enough, a few days later I was on social media and I saw a very similar article pop up. So, my memory was jogged and my post is made.

 My thoughts about spending money on memories ( by that I mean actually doing something; going somewhere, etc) as opposed to purchasing items ( tv's, ipads, phones, etc) is always going to favor on doing something. Would you rather buy that new ipad (even though you already have one) or would you rather take that money and go on a mini vacation somewhere with family or friends? Material items are just that. Over time those items we so badly need will really mean nothing to us. And yes, some toys or items do mean something to us and have Memories behind them, so this isn't to say that every item will mean nothing to us over time, but most pale in comparison to actually getting out there and doing something.

Using your money for memories can really be anything. Instead of buying your child that toy that they really don't need, you take the money and go to the movie theater with them. Spend time with them laughing, talking and making a memory.  There are so many alternatives. You can go to the park, go for a walk, go to a nature center, explore, do something you have always wanted to do, but never followed through on. Spend your money on doing things rather than just having material things because memories are with us everyday and you can get to them whenever you need them.

This is my daily thinking .For instance, when I take my son to the mall we always try to make it memorable. Its less about what we are buying and more about the experience together. I tend to also love taking photos of our memories together. I remember when my son was little and we started taking him to the mall my husband didn't understand why, on many occasions, I would spend $10 on a photo from the photo booth kiosk. He would tell me I could go to the store and buy him something with that money instead of spending it on a little photo from the mall. Well, now he understands why I do that at times. I still have those photos from 4 years ago and when I look at them I remember that day and what we did. If I had done as he suggested ( get a toy) I would have no idea where that toy would be today. (Hey I'm a Photographer so I love Photos, so those will always mean so much to me.)

By no means am I saying to never buy things, but what I am suggesting is if the opportunity presents itself and you are able to get out and do something, or spend time with someone, try choosing that over buying things.

What do you think? Would you rather spend your money on memories (experiences) or on Items?