Funny you should say this. We just had an anniversary two days ago. We did get each other cards and there was a bar of chocolate involved, but that was it besides a nice hike in the mountains. We don’t need more stuff. It would be a great present if someone could come haul away all the excess stuff we already have! We are totally on the same page about this.
And my kids don’t like a lot of stuff either. They are at the point now where what they want most for celebrations like birthdays and holidays is cold hard cash, or me direct depositing into their checking accounts.
And birthdays presents aren’t participation trophies. They are a celebration of people you love and being glad they were born. We usually go out to eat or get take-out from a favorite restaurant and I do try to get a present that is something I have heard them mention or observed that they want, but I don’t get them useless pieces of gold-painted plastic to sit on the shelf.
Back to the activities and what kids come home with, I prefer the items that are useful like a t-shirt or bag like was mentioned upthread.