How much ongoing joy can you get from something that weighs eight ounces?

For Simon Spichak, it’s a lot, thanks to a hedgehog that fits in his palm. Mr. Spichak, a science writer who lives in Toronto, bought his new companion in May 2023 for $280 and named it Goober. He has spent an additional $200 on food, a wheel, bedding and toys, as well as $150 in their first year together to visit an exotic-animal veterinarian.

Goober has improved Mr. Spichak’s life in small and big ways, he said, providing him with entertaining material to post to his social media accounts and helping to introduce him to some of his neighbors when he takes Goober around his block, where they’re met with delighted curiosity.

“There are lots of people walking by from the neighborhood who start conversations because of the hedgehog,” Mr. Spichak, 29, said. “It’s a great way to open the door to talking to people and their kids in the community.”

Millennials and Gen Z are more likely than older generations to make spending on a hobby or nonessential purchases a priority, according to a study published last year by Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax. The study suggested that this was because younger generations placed a high value on personal growth and mental well-being.

While gym memberships or self-help books may be more obvious purchases for improving lives, less typical options, even quirky ones, can make a lasting difference by helping people find happiness and connect to new communities.