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Forget Staying In—Young People Are Going Out for These 3 IRL Experiences

Young people are still waiting in line for IRL experiences—at least when they’re unique, accessible, and look good on socials…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Jan 30 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Young people are embracing unique mini-experiences, whether for the nostalgia of it all, or the thrill of the hunt
They’re seeking out unique keepsakes, like The Central Park Polaroid guy and art vending machines, that offer one-of-a-kind finds
Sample and estate sales are becoming weekend rituals for young people, with some attending just to turn shopping into a social experience

We know Gen Z and Millennials are motivated by experiences, which has in turn motivated brands to event-ify themselves for years. But YPulse’s Experiences report reveals that while they’ll certainly splurge on major events like concerts, trips, or bucket-list activities, they’re also looking to little, local moments to bring excitement as well. They want unique, accessible, in-person experiences—though of course, they’re not just showing up, they’re posting about them. This gen is on the hunt for moments that are memorable, shareable and worth talking about, and often they find them through other people’s content. Even while YPulse data shows that...