Things vs Experiences

There are two schools of thought about gifts. One is that "things" are always fun to get and a birthday is a great excuse to get "things" and get spoiled. The other school of thought is that "experiences" are the best gift of all. As the kids have gotten older, I have tried to give them more of the experience and less of the things. This is especially true for Abbey as her birthday is just after Christmas with all its indulgent bounty. Today, she and I had a birthday shopping day that incorporated both the "things" and the ""experience".
This little one is a fashion aficionado who can't get enough of clothes and shoes (hmmm, wonder where that comes from!?) She worked me for an entire outfit...shoes, socks, pants, shirt, vest and hat! She found that polka dot vest and literally built her outfit around it! She insisted that we buy both black and white socks as the print socks she already owns would never match! She is very persuasive!
Afterwards, she picked a spot for lunch and it was Subway (got off cheap on that one!!) She ate every bite of it and we sat next to each other looking out the window and chatting about what we saw. She is observant and asks a lot of questions. Conversations with seven year olds can keep you on your toes!
So, I guess it was a birthday celebration of both ~ things and experiences. Long after the clothes no longer fit, I hope she remembers the day and the time we spent together, laughing and talking about everything and nothing.
I know I will!