A question about a recipe: Mixed Vegetable Fridge Pickles

I have a question about step 1 on the recipe " Mixed Vegetable Fridge Pickles" from AshleyRodriguez. It says:

"Cut the zucchini into spears that fit the height of the jars you are using. Place the spears in a bowl with ice water and sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of the salt. Submerge the zucchini in the water weighing them down with a plate. Let sit for 30 minutes - 1 hour. This will keep the spears crisp when pickled.
Cut the carrots in the same manner as the zucchini. Slice the fennel in ¼” pieces reserving the fennel fronds. Set vegetables aside.
In a saucepan combine the remaining ingredients including the 2 Tablespoons salt. Bring to a simmer then turn off heat.
Place the cut vegetables in clean jars. Add a couple pieces of fennel frond to the jar(s).
Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables until submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least one day. Well sealed refrigerator pickles will keep for 1 month." Planning on trying this, to much excitement from my son, but we have two family members who don't do fennel. At all. Is there a spice you would reccomend to replace the fennel seed?