Obviously no one here has ever watched the original Cosby Show. He always made a point that his kids always bought him very disapointing presents for his birthday, Christmas or father's day. Very funny. Most people I find, buy gifts that they like and not necessarly what the giftee wanted or needed, because quite often, they never ask. If a person pays attention to the other, there are hints everywhere as to what to buy. High end expensive equipment would be a mistake for the untrained novice gifter to buy unless you told them you wanted it. But items related to your hobby(s) show they are paying attention and care about you and your hobby. It could be music you love, artwork associated with your hobby, concert tickets, something that shows they noticed. Buy as Bill Cosby always said, it was typically a really bad tie.
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