Connection to objects is the emotional and symbolic meaning we assign to the physical things in our lives. Objects, such as heirlooms, artworks, keepsakes, or tools, can:

• evoke powerful memories

• represent aspects of our identity

• serve as links to people, places, and moments we value

This form of connection isn’t about materialism; it’s about the deep personal significance embedded in the objects we choose to keep close.

We form bonds with objects through personal experience, ritual, gift-giving, and memory. A child’s blanket, a parent’s watch, a souvenir from a meaningful trip—all become infused with story and sentiment over time. We can connect to objects through actions, including:

• holding

• collecting

• creating

• repurposing

• gifting

• letting go/discarding

Cultural artifacts, visual art, and found objects can also prompt reflection, spark emotion, or create a sense of continuity across generations or communities.

Objects can offer comfort, spark joy, and reinforce identity. They help us remember who we are and what matters to us. Research shows that meaningful objects can: 

• reduce stress

• evoke gratitude

• deepen emotional well-being

• anchor memories

• serve as catalysts for storytelling

When possessed with intention and thoughtfulness, objects become more than their material components; they become companions in the narrative of our lives.

The Comfort of Things by Daniel Miller

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Evocative Objects: Things We Think With by Sherry Turkle