Some context - We make decent money, but we are distinctly middle-upper class by the standards of the avg SF/Singa/London/Dubai/NYC/Bern household. However, I've noticed (accidentally) that immediate family & friends think of us as wealthy. The word rich has been thrown around by little kids.

The most valuable resource I have now, is time. So I decided that's what I would spend for the people in my life.

RE: culture... I've been personally criticized for following the rule steadfastly. Usually this is from people that value perception by others (in particularly, gifting early or on time), vs the meaning of gifting itself. I'm not sure what is right, but there are some people out there that feel that a bday gift that is a day late is a huge insult, even if its a wonderful, well-thought out gift.

Not cultural, just personality trait.