Experience Gift Statistics 2026: The Data

Somewhere between 8 and 9 in 10 people say they'd rather get an experience than a thing, depending on which survey you read. Here's the sourced, dated data.

The Headline Number

A GetYourGuide survey (via Travel Agent Central, 2026) found 92% of Americans would rather receive an experiential gift than a physical one, up from 77% the prior year. A separate Tinggly survey put the figure at 82%. These are two different surveys with two different methodologies — not the same number stated twice.

Why Experiences Beat Things, According to the Research

Morning Consult (June 2025) found three-quarters of respondents increased experiential spending because they perceive more value than from products, and more than half said they already have too many things. Square's research found 61% give experience gifts to create a "special memory" and 55% to give something "unique."

When People Buy Experience Gifts

Our own regional keyword data shows the pattern clearly: "experience gifts dallas" averages 90 searches a month, then spikes to 480 in December — more than 5x the yearly average.

The DFW / Texas Picture

Nationally, "experience gifts for him" averages 1,900 searches a month and spikes to 8,100 in December — a 4.3x jump. "Experience gifts for her" is smaller (210/mo average) but peaks twice, in both March and December, at 480. Dallas-specific search volume for these terms is too small to measure independently, but it follows the same seasonal shape.

What This Means If You're Buying (or Selling) an Experience Gift

Buy early — the December spike means popular experiences and time slots go first. And always check the redeem window before you buy; that's the detail most experience-gift complaints trace back to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people prefer experiences or things?

Most survey data says experiences — 82-92% depending on the survey.

Why are experiences better gifts?

Research points to perceived value, a "special memory," and giving something unique rather than one more thing.

See the Gift in Action

See 30 Dallas experience gifts by price, our Dallas date ideas hub, or give an Ennis Slingshot experience gift this season.