Have you ever known what you wanted to get someone for christmas way before December even rolls up? I do all the time which is sort of what prompted me to start this thread.
You see once I come up with an idea for a gift I like to know that it'll be appreciated and unique. Not unique in the way that it'll be one of those things people will remember forever (although I'd like that) but at least unique in the sense that it's not something the person will get from someone else they know.
For example, let's say I notice someone say they wish they had Coldplay's latest album. I'll usually try and remember that for when their birthday or christmas comes along and get it for them if they don't already have it. The problem is that sometimes other people do the exact same thing and as a result, you might end up with repeat gifts!
It's almost like a phobia for me during christmas. On the one hand I want to make the gift special by surprising the person but on the other hand I want to make sure they enjoy it to the fullest... so what usually ends up happening in the case where I suspect a situation like this may arise, I may end up telling the person what I'll be getting them just so that they don't announce their wishes for it to someone else. This is specially the case with movies, music and videogames.
So my question to you Jatraqueros is, how do you deal with situations like this if you want to avoid getting someone a "repeat" gift? I've thought about talking to their loved ones but sometimes you don't really have any means to reach them. I've even considered playing around with people and telling them I'll get them one only to end up getting them something else... but I really don't think this would work because what if the person takes your word for it and tells everyone else not to get them what you promised them?
![[Frown]](frown.gif)