Additional Coverage:
- My husband and I don’t get each other gifts. We spend our money on vacationing together instead. (businessinsider.com)
A local couple has found an unconventional way to celebrate special occasions: they skip the gifts and travel the world. Years ago, facing financial hardship, they decided to stop buying each other presents. Now, even though they’re more financially secure, they’ve kept the no-gift policy.
The decision started when the husband was between jobs and the wife was working multiple positions. Gifts became less frequent and less extravagant out of necessity. Eventually, the couple agreed to do away with gifts altogether, finding that the element of surprise was already gone due to their shared budgeting.
The one exception? Greeting cards.
The wife cherishes handwritten notes and sentimental messages, so those remain a tradition. But tangible gifts, like flowers or perfume, were deemed unnecessary.
The couple now views their travels as shared gifts. They buy what they need or want throughout the year, removing the pressure of finding the perfect present for birthdays or holidays. Recent purchases include new AirPods and office plants – practical items bought as needed, not tied to a special occasion.
Their travel adventures have taken them to Canada, Scotland, and New Zealand. They visited family, attended a wedding, explored national parks, and even surprised a family member in Edinburgh.
New Zealand was a particularly special trip, fulfilling a lifelong dream for both of them. They enjoyed activities like a helicopter glacier hike and kayaking, making memories that far outweigh any material gift.
The couple sees their trips as celebrations for all occasions. They joke about celebrating Valentine’s Day on a Jet Ski in November or their anniversary while luging down a mountain.
For them, experiencing new places and creating lasting memories is more valuable than any present. This year, they’re planning a trip to Thailand, simply because they want to.