We’ve all heard the saying, “Money can’t buy happiness,” but science tells a more nuanced story. Research shows that money can improve well-being up to a point (around $75,000 annual household income), but after that, more money doesn’t automatically mean more happiness. The real secret lies not in how much you spend but in what you choose to buy.
While mindless shopping sprees might give you a quick emotional boost, they rarely lead to lasting happiness. However, certain purchases have been scientifically proven to increase well-being over time. Let’s explore ten things worth spending on if happiness is your goal.
1. Experiences Over Objects
Research consistently shows that people who spend money on experiences, like concerts, travel, or classes, report higher happiness levels than those who buy material possessions. Experiences create lasting memories, give us stories to tell, and often involve social connection—all key ingredients for happiness.
Unlike physical possessions, experiences are less prone to comparison with others and adaptation (getting used to something and no longer appreciating it). Plus, experiences provide three waves of happiness: anticipation before the event, enjoyment during, and memories afterward. Next time you’re considering a new gadget, ask yourself if that money might bring more joy if spent on a weekend getaway or cooking class instead.
2. Time-Saving Services
Studies across multiple countries reveal that spending money to buy yourself more free time leads to greater life satisfaction. This includes services like meal delivery, house cleaning, or virtual assistance—anything that outsources your least favorite tasks.
The reason is simple: time pressure and the feeling of “never having enough hours in the day” significantly reduce happiness. By paying to eliminate your most dreaded chores, you’re not just buying convenience—you’re reducing stress and creating space for activities that bring you joy. Even small investments in time-saving services can yield substantial happiness returns.
3. Personality-Aligned Purchases
Not all spending patterns work equally well for everyone. Research shows people experience greater happiness when they spend money in ways that align with their core personality traits. An extrovert might get more joy from restaurant outings, while an introvert might be happier investing in a home library.
To maximize your happiness return on investment, consider your defining characteristics and whether your spending reflects them. Do you value adventure but mostly spend on routine comforts? Are you creative but rarely invest in tools to express that creativity? Adjusting your spending to match who you are can significantly boost your satisfaction.
4. Tools for Creating
Items that allow you to create something—whether musical instruments, art supplies, cooking equipment, or cameras—offer fulfillment beyond the object itself. These tools enable ongoing experiences and skill development and often result in tangible achievements.
Happiness from creative tools comes from what psychologists call “flow”—that satisfying state of being wholly absorbed in a challenging but manageable activity. When you purchase items that help you enter this state, you invest countless hours of engagement and accomplishment. Look for tools that match your interests and will be used, not just admired from a shelf.
5. Social Connection Facilitators
Strong social relationships are consistently the strongest predictor of happiness, so purchases that foster meaningful connections deserve special consideration. These might include board games for family nights, cooking equipment for hosting friends, or even membership fees for clubs or classes where you’ll meet like-minded people.
The key is to choose items that facilitate genuine interaction rather than replace it. Depending on how it’s used, technology can connect us or isolate us. Prioritize purchases that bring people together in real life or meaningfully bridge physical distances. The happiness dividend from strengthened relationships far outweighs most material indulgences.
6. Charitable Donations
Multiple studies confirm that spending money on others makes us happier than spending money on ourselves. Whether donating to causes you care about or directly helping someone in need, generosity activates reward centers in the brain and creates what researchers call a “helper’s high.”
Charitable giving also helps shift focus away from personal problems and strengthens one’s connection to the broader world. For maximum happiness impact, choose causes that resonate deeply with one’s values and, when possible, see the specific effect of one’s contribution. Even small donations can boost one’s mood significantly when one feels genuinely connected to the cause.
7. Mindfulness and Mental Health Tools
Research consistently links mindfulness practice to reduced anxiety and increased happiness, so investments in mental well-being deserve a place on your shopping list. These might include meditation apps, therapy sessions, wellness retreats, or even simple items like journals or comfortable meditation cushions.
Unlike many purchases that lose their shine quickly, mental health investments often have compounding returns—the benefits grow over time as you develop stronger skills and habits. Consider these expenses as essential maintenance, just like you would physical healthcare. Even modest spending in this category can significantly improve your overall quality of life.
8. Learning and Growth Investments
Continuous learning and personal development consistently correlate with higher life satisfaction. Whether books, online courses, coaching sessions, or workshops, purchases that expand your knowledge and skills offer lasting benefits beyond the initial investment.
Satisfaction comes not just from acquiring information but also from the sense of progress and competence that learning provides. Plus, education often opens doors to new opportunities, relationships, and experiences. When choosing learning investments, focus on areas that genuinely interest you or align with meaningful goals rather than what you feel you “should” learn.
9. Health and Physical Wellbeing Products
The mind-body connection is powerful—physical well-being directly impacts happiness levels. Smart investments include a quality mattress (good sleep is fundamental to mood), exercise equipment you’ll actually use, or healthy meal subscriptions that make nutrition easier.
The happiness return comes from feeling better physically and the satisfaction of effectively caring for yourself. While health and wellness products are often marketed with unrealistic promises, focus on evidence-based purchases that address your specific needs and fit realistically into your life. Small, consistent investments in your physical health often yield greater happiness than luxury splurges.
10. Memory-Preserving Items
Research shows that reflecting on meaningful life moments increases positive emotions and life satisfaction. Purchases that help you capture and revisit important memories—photo books, journals, display items for mementos—can be powerful happiness boosters.
The key is using these items actively rather than just collecting them. Set aside time to fill that journal, organize those photos, or create that scrapbook. Digital options can work too, but physical mementos often have more substantial emotional impacts. These purchases are especially valuable because they help you extract more happiness from experiences you’ve already had.
Case Study: Finding Happiness Through Intentional Spending
Phil had always been a gadget guy. His apartment was filled with the latest electronics, many still in their boxes or barely used. Despite his impressive collection, he felt empty after each purchase’s initial excitement wore off. He was shocked when he calculated how much he’d spent on things that no longer brought him joy.
After learning about the science of spending for happiness, Phil decided to experiment. He sold some of his unused electronics and used the money differently. First, he signed up for a photography class—something he’d always been curious about but never tried. Then, he invested in a cleaning service that came twice a month, freeing up his weekends. Finally, he set up a monthly donation to an animal shelter where he eventually started volunteering.
Six months later, the difference was remarkable. Phil had new friends from his photography class, more free time to pursue his interests, and a genuine sense of purpose from his volunteer work. “I used to think having more stuff would make me happier,” he reflected. “But experiences, time, and giving to others have made me happier than any gadget ever could.”
Key Takeaways
- Experiences provide more lasting happiness than material possessions because they create enduring memories and stories.
- Buying time by outsourcing dreaded tasks reduces stress and creates space for activities you enjoy.
- Align your purchases with your personality traits for greater satisfaction from your spending.
- Creative tools offer ongoing fulfillment through making and learning new skills.
- Items that facilitate meaningful social connections are worth more than luxury possessions.
- Spending money on others through donations or gifts provides a stronger happiness boost than self-focused spending.
- Investments in mental health tools and practices yield compound benefits over time.
- Learning and personal growth purchases contribute to lasting satisfaction and progress.
- Physical wellbeing products that improve sleep, nutrition, and exercise directly affect happiness.
- Memory-capturing items help you extract more joy from experiences you’ve already had.
Conclusion
The science is precise: happiness doesn’t come from accumulating more possessions but from intentional spending that enhances your experiences, saves time, expresses your authentic self, and strengthens your connections with others. By redirecting your money toward these science-backed categories, you can significantly increase your well-being without necessarily spending more.
This doesn’t mean you should never buy material goods—some physical purchases genuinely enhance life quality. The key is mindfulness about your motivations and expectations. Before making any significant purchase, ask yourself: “Will this still bring me joy a month from now? A year from now? Does it align with my values and who I truly am?” When you spend with intention rather than impulse, you’ll find that your money can buy happiness; it depends on what you choose to purchase.