7 Purchases That Can Actually Make You Happier

There is an old saying: Money can’t buy happiness. But there is a lot of twist to that saying.

A classic country song by Chris Janson says, “money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a boat.” Janson’s point is clear: If you have money, you can either pave the way for yourself in life or treat yourself to material things that tend to bring happiness.

But not every purchase that brings people happiness has to cost a boatload. There are other ways to use retail therapy that don’t involve emptying your wallet.

Here’s a look at several purchases that can really please you – some, of course, are more expensive than others.

1. Slow cooker or Instant Pot

Not having to worry about dinner after work – or not spending a lot of money on food delivery – can eliminate a lot of stress. If your slow cooker has been bubbling away all day, you can come home to the smell of hot, homemade food.

Pro tip: If the Instant Pot is your cooking gadget of choice, the Delay Start button is your friend. Instant Pots cook food much faster than slow cookers, but it’s still nice to be able to control the cooking time so it can start while you’re on your way home.

2. Cleaners

Whether it’s a human cleaning service or a robot vacuum, getting as many chores done as possible is very satisfying.

Anything that allows you to spend more time making a mess than cleaning up is important. And you never know if your Roomba could give you a virus.

3. Travel and other memorable experiences

The things you have are good, but it’s the experiences, like vacations and travel, that create memories and bring us joy.

There is even scientific research behind this idea, with published research showing that money spent on making things brings more happiness than buying things.

I treasure the memory of the cable car ride in San Francisco more than I do any souvenir I bought there. And traveling doesn’t have to be expensive – here are some ways you can travel for free.

4. Pets

Like happiness, you can’t buy friendship — but you can add a dog, cat or other pet to your life, which is almost the same.

It may seem strange to list a purchased pet, although whether it is from a shelter or a pet, money often changes hands. And there’s the cost of pets to consider, with Americans spending $136.8 billion on their pets by 2022.

Still, the Humane Society of the United States says only 3% of pet owners consider their pets “possessions” — 80 percent say they’re “family.” Yes, remember that pets are living creatures – only add one to your life if you are willing and able to care for and love it. (And here are some sensible ways to lower your pet’s bills.)

5. Houseplants

I don’t have a green thumb. But even I realize that the few houseplants I can keep alive (succulents, especially) help me be happy.

Research shows spending time in rooms with indoor plants can increase happiness, among other health benefits.

6. Charitable donations

By helping others, we help ourselves. There are charities that everyone is interested in – animal shelters, cancer research groups, organizations that feed the hungry or help children.

And a 2010 study reported by Utah State University found that people felt happier when they gave more money, as long as they had a choice about how much to give.

7. Bird seed

Wait, what? How can simple birdseed improve our happiness?

It turns out that feeding, watching and just being surrounded by a diverse collection of our feathered friends can make us as happy as raising money.

Bird watching and bird feeding can be done easily from your home. And this low-cost hobby can go with you. That is absurd logic.