Christmas Gifts or Experiences?

Christmas Gifts or Experiences?

Author: Dr Justin Coulson December 10, 2025 Duration: 16:48

If you’ve ever stood in the toy aisle wondering what will actually make my kids happy, this episode is the Christmas miracle you need. We unpack the surprising research on gift-giving—why experiences matter, when they don’t, and what different ages really want (and remember!) on Christmas morning. This one will change how you wrap Christmas… literally.

KEY POINTS

  • The science-backed truth: giving really does make us happier than receiving.
  • Why toddlers get more joy from giving than getting (what?!).
  • The ages where kids prefer “stuff”… and why it’s developmentally normal.
  • When experiences finally “click” for kids and bring more lasting joy.
  • How anticipation, shared moments and memories make experiences powerful.
  • A simple framework for choosing the right gift for the right child at the right age.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“It’s not what you give — it’s that you give — that makes you happy.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

  1. Match the gift to your child’s age — material for younger kids, experiences as they grow.
  2. Add anticipation — reveal experiences with something they can hold or open.
  3. Share the moment — plan joint experiences for deeper connection and lasting happiness.
  4. Teach generosity — include simple opportunities for kids to give (even $5 makes a difference).
  5. Shift the focus — emphasise meaning, memory and togetherness over “more things”.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Finding a clear path through the chaos of family life can feel overwhelming. Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families steps into that space with grounded, relatable conversations. Hosted by parenting expert Dr. Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie, this podcast feels like a honest chat with friends who truly understand the daily grind. Together, they draw from their own life raising six daughters, offering a common-sense perspective that resonates with parents everywhere. The discussions move beyond theory, focusing on practical strategies you can apply immediately to navigate common challenges and strengthen your relationships at home. Each episode aims to cut through the noise of conflicting advice, providing thoughtful insights that address real-world situations with empathy and evidence-based wisdom. Tuning into this podcast is like finding a moment of calm reflection in a busy week, a resource for building a more connected and joyful family culture. It’s a place where the complexities of parenting, culture, and society are explored through the lens of everyday experience, making the journey feel a little less solitary and a lot more manageable.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families
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