How to Get A Gift That You Really Want

We can understand your desire to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. We all know that gifts that serve as office swag or provide a new way for parents who don’t like cooking to cook are not good personal gifts. (Right?) This does not include a Costco three-pack of multicolored leggings.

What can a person who has been burned by Christmas gifts in the past do to get over it? You can use one of these methods. These range from hint-dropping, which is the most risky approach, to direct instructions that no one can mistake for subtle.

• Strategically placed catalogs

The “leave catalogues open to certain pages casually scattered around the house, near remote controls, fridges, toilets and other places where the gift-givers spend a lot of their “downtime” option is for the less direct. Computerized versions allow you to “accidentally” leave browser windows open on a shared computer. The computer will have a time calculator that counts down the days until the 30% discount ends. Printing out a photo of your true desire and then “forgetting to” to take it out from the printer. (You crafty little HP Photosmart devil.)

• Drop obvious hints

There are just three weeks before the big day and the dreaded “supply chains issues” that could delay shipment delays, so now is the time to start dropping threatening hints. You might say things like, “I looked at my lower arm today and it just seemed so…bare.” “My wrist muscles have been looking a little slack lately. “I wonder if a sterling-silver charm bracelet would tone them.” “You know what would look great with this sweater?” “This Anthropologie bracelet is what I’m looking at right this moment.” Slow, deliberate blinking followed by uncomfortable eye contact until your message has been transmitted telepathically to their brains.

• Play the Santa Card

If you’re a jolly person who wants to add some holiday cheer to their gift requests, you can try telling Santa loudly what you want. “I hope Santa gets a Nolita 19 with Linear Quilting Coach wristlet. Rumor has it that there are only three remaining stock!”

• Make a list

Let go of all the hints and make a list. This person has probably seen you wearing a mouthguard to prevent nighttime grinding and may have even witnessed an actual human being leave your body. Hints are easy to pick up.

We’re not talking about “sweater,” or “air fryer” on your mature list. (Unless you’re flexible and would be happy with a ribbed mock turtleneck, or a grandpa sweater, in which case we can borrow some of your relaxed nature.) This includes exact product names, links to purchase, size, color, and stores. You can give them multiple options, all of which they would be happy with, to keep the surprise element alive.

• Take the experience route

If you’re ready to say sayonara to the pressure to produce thoughtful gifts (and doing all the back-end research/psychological warfare to pass along to the gift-giver) consider taking a trip or booking dinner at a special occasion restaurant out of your normal budget. You know what’s better than a brand new set of Miracle Sheets? For a weekend or more, you can choose to sleep in a different town from your children.

• It can be bought by youself

The only way to be certain you get what your heart desires is to abandon all pretenses and just buy it. Shop for someone else and grab a few items you love. Instead of trying to subtly inject your wishes into the partner’s mind, grab your credit card and go. You can then announce to your partner what you got them for Christmas and deposit it with them for wrapping. This is romantic and unexpected. No. You have to decide if you want to surprise or not be disappointed. If you answered yes, you will be happy and surprised that your order did not arrive before Dec. 24.

Your significant other can fill your stocking with small, cute surprises, from the beauty and golf brand names that you have been discussing since Thanksgiving.