I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

The author (not pictured) lets her kids pick a trip to celebrate their birthdays.Pekic/Getty Images During the pandemic, when we couldn't travel, I told my sons they could pick a trip for th… [+4184 chars]

I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.

I let my kids choose trips for their 13th birthdays instead of traditional gifts. They get independence and I enjoy time with them.