It's somewhat soul destroying to contemplate adding to the ever expanding world of plastic junk out there, or buying yet another soap and body butter set for our nearest and dearest.

As a gift giver who wants to avoid the trap of buying "things" that might never get used, I decided to do a bit of research, and that led me to marketwatch.com and an article on people's preferences for experiences over material gifts, entitled "Why experience gifts are worth the expense".

It reads: "More than three in four workers say they'd rather share an experience than exchange gifts, according to a recent LinkedIn survey, and 73 per cent would rather have time off to do what they'd like, rather than a holiday bonus."

"Research shows that sharing an experience with someone can make them happier in the long run over giving them something like a purse or smartphone.

"Cornell University found that customer satisfaction from material purchases decreases rather quickly, which is why you have to upgrade to yet another new iPhone each year, or a kid loses interest in a new toy within days (if not hours.)

"But the joy from a pleasant experience, such as a painting class or seeing a favourite band, lives on."

"It's possible that we are in a post-materialistic world where we have enough stuff, and now people are focusing more on acquiring experiences," said Dr. Joseph K. Goodman, an Ohio State University professor."

I couldn't agree more, and am doing some creative thinking about gifts that will provide my loved ones with the experience and memory of a great meal, show, film or outing.

More than a couple of friends will be getting gift certificates to the MEC.

The gift certificates start at $25 and don't expire for three years, giving the recipient plenty of time to choose from a fantastic variety of shows. We present theatre, dance, comedy, kid's shows, film, rock and roll, jazz, classical, West End and Broadway musicals and more, so there's a dazzling array of entertainment styles to satisfy even the most curmudgeonly person.

Even better, you can purchase a gift certificate online and at the last minute for maximum convenience.

They are available online at theMEC.com.au, at our Box Office, by phoning 6592 5466 and at Stockland Forster. Give them an experience that they'll treasure, and cut the waste.

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