It’s that time of the year: festive lights will shine everywhere, days off from work are well on their way, and you’re already loosening your belt a few notches in preparation for the holiday meals. Before you really kick back and relax, you have to consider just a minor errand. Yes, the shopping.

For a holiday season with Hallmark’s name all over it, material items have a way of stealing the spotlight. It propels us on the never ending search for the perfect gifts to give our loved ones, and helplessly watching our bank accounts steadily decrease. Within the chaos, do you ever just stop to think how the purchase will make you or its recipient feel? This question isn’t exclusively seasonal; it can be asked any time of the year.

When you go to the mall or online to shop, you may be purchasing what you like, or very well need, but will it improve your emotional mindset, or be something you’ll keep for years?

I recently went the Jersey City Oddities Market, An Odd Holiday. With two floors of shops, I found all kinds of items that you can’t find in the mall or on Amazon. Handmade candles, clothes, animal skeletons and even edible bugs. For me, it was like creeping downstairs as a child at 5 a.m. on Christmas day -- I just couldn’t wait to uncover all of the curiosities and surprises.

Everything there was unique, including the people. I was in awe of what they sold and I spent more money than I’ll admit, but the emotions that I felt were priceless. It was so inspiring to see the pride each vendor took in their shop and the products they created. You could see, and many will verbally tell you, how happy they were that their piece found a home. I spoke to many about the products they created, and they were excited to share their thought process in creating it as well favorites within their shop. One shop even added an extra personal touch by blessing each items sold.

With products so unique, it felt as though it was made for you. The prices surprised me. The monetary value I put to their product was always much higher than what they actually sold it for. Money is only valuable because we believe that it is, but in reality it is simply paper and ultimately a material item.

They say that money cannot buy happiness, but it can buy experiences. The market didn’t feel like a retail transaction. Through the purchases I made, I was able to welcome their art and hobbies to my home and share the gift with others. There’s always a story or fun fact to share about the product.

Comparing that experience to Macy’s on Black Friday just can’t even be considered a contest. I’m sure many can relate to buying an item to avoid leaving empty handed to make the time spent seem worth it, or to have a moment of delight.

Perhaps when holiday shopping, we shouldn’t search for what will necessarily impress the recipient, or qualify as a “good gift.” Rather, we should start thinking of presenting gifts that will leave that lasting impact, whether it be tickets to that game, a spa day or that necklace that just looks like it was made for them.

We’re geared to search for the bright lights and obtain them. But once we do, is it what we’ve always dreamed of?

I challenge you to redefine this holiday season and to search for the experiences that will fill you with genuine cheer.