New tool inspires Brits to 'do more things that make them happy' in 2025 - with a new experience every week

Try his tool to help you do one new thing each week in 2025 – from trying a new sport to writing poetry. 

The digital spin the wheel game gives you an outcome of a small act in numerous categories, including health, social life and personal finances. 

Sync it up with your phone calendar and a reminder to complete your task will ensure nothing is forgotten. 

New activities include donating blood, trying pottery and meal planning. 

The motivating tool comes after a poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 50 actions and experiences they want to encounter more often this year, with receiving good news top of the list (48 per cent). 

Others want to make time for exercise (29 per cent), hobbies (27 per cent) and being creative (17 per cent). 

Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s clear people want to see and do more this year, and actively make time for themselves and those close to them.

“Whether it’s 10 minutes a day dedicated to a hobby, or spontaneous calls with friends or family – these little acts can make a big difference.

“Social lives seem to play a big part of the top 50 list, including dates with partners, friends and relatives and unexpected texts from loved ones.”

It’s the year of ‘me’, with people hoping to commit time to themselves

The research also found many want to be on the receiving end of hugs from loved ones (29 per cent), meaningful conversations (17 per cent) and thoughtful, unexpected text messages (16 per cent). 

When it comes to finances, 29 per cent are keen for opportunities to make more savings on shopping and bills, while 16 per cent would like to see more generosity from businesses like discounts and freebies. 

And the aim of doing more of these things is simply to feel good (62 per cent) and improve their mood (56 per cent). 

To make time to tick stuff off, 32 per cent plan to set small goals and targets while 31 per cent aim to book stuff in-advance, such as catch ups with friends and family. 

People would prefer to do more of the things they want to do (37 per cent) this year, than those they need to do (18 per cent).

Despite hoping to put aside an hour and 45 minutes a week to focus on such activities and goals, 43 per cent cite a lack of time as the top barrier. 

Decreased motivation (36 per cent), being stuck in a rut of a routine (34 per cent) and a lack of confidence (26 per cent) were also hurdles. 

Of those polled, via OnePoll, 46 per cent have goals for 2025 – an average of four each – typically in the areas of physical health (62 per cent), personal finance (55 per cent) and family (44 per cent). 

Similarly, 86 per cent think it’s important to make time for the things which have a positive impact on their wellbeing. 

In terms of acts of kindness from others, being made a cup of tea leaves 38 per cent in a good mood for mere minutes, but an unexpected gift or flowers results in days of positivity (31 per cent). 

And 85 per cent admitted that if someone has done something for them, they’re more likely to do the same in return. 

Ash Schofield, for giffgaff, which is offering its customers the freedom to flex the cost of their data allowance each month to suit budget, added: “The research suggests it’s the year for ‘me’, with people hoping to commit time to themselves, be it for relaxing or ticking things off their bucket list.

“Personal finance is high on the agenda, with almost a third wishing for no surprise bills this year - this is something we hope to help people avoid, with no-mid contract price rises.

“It’s great to see almost a fifth (19 per cent) will use their phone in a positive way to help them do that, by setting reminders to achieve their goals.”

Top 50 things people want more of this year:

1. Good news
2. Walks
3. Travel
4. Time in nature
5. Time to read
6. No surprise bills
7. Weather nice enough to hang a wash out on the line
8. Opportunities to make savings on shopping/bills
9. Hugs from loved ones
10. Time for exercise
11. Spontaneous day trips
12. Time for my hobbies
13. Dining out
14. Uninterrupted time to relax
15. Ticking off decorating/DIY jobs in my home
16. Time with my children
17. Dates with partner/potential partner
18. New TV series to binge
19. Dates with friend
20. Road trips
21. Trips to the cinema
22. Cook meals from scratch
23. Favourite supermarket items on offer
24. To feel more connected to others
25. Film nights at home
26. More live music
27. Buying new clothes for myself
28. Time to be creative
29. Surprise gifts (e.g. no occasion)
30. Deep/meaningful conversations
31. Unexpected generosity from businesses e.g. discounts, freebies
32. Lie-ins
33. Thoughtful/unexpected texts/messages
34. Days off work with no plans
35. Spontaneous shopping/treats for myself
36. Hitting fitness personal bests (e.g. running, weightlifting)
37. A family day free of plans
38. Time for baking
39. Unexpected visits from friends/family
40. Traffic lights turning green as I approach them
41. Unexpected meals cooked for me
42. Buying fresh flowers for no occasion
43. Public transport running on time
44. Time to study / learn a new skill
45. Time with my grandchildren
46. Excuses to get dressed up
47. Compliments from a stranger
48. Praise at work
49. Others picking up some of my household chores
50. To thank others more