5 ‘purchases’ that will make you happier (according to research)

I used to think that buying the coolest gadgets or the fanciest clothes was the holy grail of feeling good. But over time, I realized that what truly brings us joy often isn’t the shiny object we can show off. 

Many of those expensive items just gather dust in the closet—or worse, end up as digital clutter in some random corner, right? 

However, that’s not to say that spending money is inherently bad. When done thoughtfully, certain purchases can genuinely enhance our well-being. Don’t believe me?

Today, I’m sharing five types of purchases that science suggests can make us happier. 

These aren’t your everyday shopping lists. They’re strategic investments in your emotional well-being, relationships, and peace of mind.

Let’s dive in.

01 Experiences with people we love

Did you know that some of the longest-running research in psychology points to one major predictor of happiness? Quality relationships. 

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has been tracking participants for over 80 years, consistently finds that strong social connections are key to a fulfilling life. It’s not so much about how big your house is, but whether you can share good moments with people who matter.

So how do we apply that to our spending habits? 

Instead of splurging on fancy products, invest in experiences with your loved ones. It could be something as simple as a weekend getaway, concert tickets for you and an old friend, or even regular game nights with the family. 

02 Giving to others

Have you ever felt that warm glow after helping someone out or donating to a cause you believe in? 

It’s not just in your head—research suggests that giving to others can genuinely make us happier, especially when it’s a voluntary and deliberate choice. 

When we’re generous, we’re not just doing good; we’re also reaping emotional benefits for ourselves. 

I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m a big fan of giving strategically—whether that’s a monthly contribution to a charity I trust or simply setting aside a small fund to help a friend in need if the moment arises. 

Sometimes, parting with our money for a cause might feel a little uncomfortable, but pushing through that initial hesitation can result in genuine fulfillment. The flip side of spending is that we can see tangible results and make a difference in someone’s life. 

And let’s be honest: the feeling that comes from uplifting others is priceless.

03 Time

If you’ve ever been buried under an endless to-do list—house chores, errands, the dreaded weekend run to the grocery store—then you know how valuable time can feel. 

It’s hardly a surprise then that research suggests that people who “buy time” experience higher levels of life satisfaction than those who don’t. 

What do we mean by ‘buying time’, though?

Well, it might mean hiring a cleaning service, investing in a meal delivery plan, or paying someone to mow the lawn so you can spend your weekend doing what truly lights you up.

At first, I was skeptical about forking over money for things I could technically do myself. 

But once I tried it, I realized how big a difference it made to offload tasks that I either disliked or that drained my energy. 

It freed me to focus on projects that I’m passionate about, like writing or working on the next big idea. I also had more time for fitness and reading, which I find crucial for keeping my mind sharp.

Try it. By creating a system where you outsource certain tasks, you’re essentially engineering your environment so you can focus on growth, relationships, or relaxation. This can translate to a boost in overall well-being because you’re no longer stuck in a cycle of daily drudgery. 

04 Self-care

Let’s be honest: self-care can be a bit of a buzzword nowadays. But there’s actual science behind it. As noted by the folks at Choosing Therapy, self-care is associated with lower stress levels, happier relationships, and a reduced likelihood of depression and anxiety. Who wouldn’t want all of that?

The good news is that self-care doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of the best forms of self-care are either low-cost or free, like journaling or meditating in the park. 

However, if you can spare a bit of money, don’t feel guilty about investing in things like a comfortable yoga mat, a good-quality bike, or even therapy sessions if you feel like you need professional guidance. 

I personally set aside a small monthly budget for massages because my job involves a lot of sitting and typing, and it’s helped me keep both physical tension and mental stress at bay.

I know self-care can sometimes feel indulgent, especially if you’re used to prioritizing everything else first. But think about it this way: you can’t pour from an empty cup. A happier, healthier you is more equipped to be there for others, do better at your job, and enjoy everyday life. 

05 Learning and personal growth

Last but not least, one of the most fulfilling ways to spend money is by investing in yourself. 

Learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and stepping outside your comfort zone can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and long-term happiness.

So, how can you make this a priority in your spending? 

Consider setting aside a budget for courses, books, or workshops that align with your interests or career goals. Maybe it’s an online class on a subject you’ve always been curious about, a local cooking workshop, or even a personal development retreat.

At the end of the day, growth is a lifelong journey, and the more we nurture our curiosity and skills, the richer our lives become.

And to round things off…

None of these recommendations require you to be wealthy or to blow your entire paycheck. It’s about making more mindful choices with the resources you do have. 

Maybe it’s cutting back on impulsive online shopping so you can afford that weekend trip with your best friend, or skipping a few nights of takeout to support a charity you feel passionate about. Little changes in our spending habits can lead to big changes in our overall sense of well-being.

I know it can be tricky to break the cycle of impulse buys and old spending patterns. But once you shift your mindset toward purchases that truly nourish your emotional and mental health, you’ll likely never go back to your old ways. 

Until next time, friends.