Spouse says he really doesn't want a gift

[Anonymous]

Do I actually take him at face value? He seems 100% sincere and genuine that 'he has everything he wants' but I can't help thinking Christmas morning is a little depressing without a gift to open

[Anonymous]

Is this your first year of marriage? Or the first time he's said this?

For financial reasons, DH and I don't really exchange gifts. We've occasionally given "events", such as date-night coupons.

[Anonymous]

You can put his favorite candy and a pair of socks in his stocking and call it a day

I try to keep an eye on the stuff that DH has that needs to be replaced. So like the 20 year old snowpants that look like crap are getting replaced this year.

[Anonymous]

Give him an experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is this your first year of marriage? Or the first time he's said this?

For financial reasons, DH and I don't really exchange gifts. We've occasionally given "events", such as date-night coupons.

14 years in June. Three kids so money is a little tight. He always gets me something incredibly thoughtful despite our agreement to not do gifts.

[Anonymous]

I'm a DW and every year I say this too. I really do mean it though! I would like something like a planned weekend trip away though or an experience.

[Anonymous]

I always say this and I always mean it (I really don't like gifts) but it makes my kids SUPER sad if they think I am the only one who didn't get something so usually I tell my husband just something small they can see me open, like a journal or something. They just don't want me left out and don't get adults really dont want stuff sometimes.

[Anonymous]

I would do a small gift.

[Anonymous]

I would get him something cheap and practical so he at least has something to open from you on Christmas. My DH usually says he same thing, so I come up with stuff that we need anyway and just wrap it up. Some spices that were expired or running low and a new spatula because he loves to cook. Some new socks and his favorite style of boxers, which are kind of a pain to find so he is wearing ones that are starting to get holes. We are about to have our third and don't want to spend a ton on eachother, but we don't want our kids to be the only ones opening gifts on Christmas morning.

[Anonymous]

I always say the same thing, or I tell him exactly what I want. Honestly, all I really want is healthy, happy family and a clean, organized house. If he gives me something to reach those goals, I'm happy.

Will say that DH gets frustrated too. He usually gets me something small. But I really am happy just watching them opening presents. We're tight on money too.

[Anonymous]

I like the candy idea. I'm a similar person, I'm just not big on gifts. But I wouldn't turn down some truffles .

[Anonymous]

I say this to my husband and definitely mean it. I'm always sort of stressed out by receiving stuff. We have too much as it is - certainly we have everything we need - and gifts just feel like they're adding to the clutter. We buy family experience gifts - theater tickets or trips or things like that - but DH always feels weird not having something wrapped under the tree. I don't know if I really believe in love languages or whatever but if they're a real thing gifts are definitely not mine.

[Anonymous]

We agreed on no gifts this year for each other given when we really want something we are lucky and able to buy it. We buy presents for our adult kids and grandchildren and we will get gifts from them and that will be fine.

[Anonymous]

Fly A-salt

[Anonymous]

I don't understand posts like this or people who ask (weekly) if a no gifts invitation is actually no gifts. Take people at their word. If your DH seems disappointed on Christmas morning then ask him if he wants to go back to getting a gift next year.