Speak in short sentences. Use small words.

It has come to my attention through the years that men (yes, as a matter of fact I am making a broad generalization) don't take hints very well at all.  So The Husband usually doesn't have any problem knowing what I want for any gift-giving occasion, because I give it to him straight.  Sometimes he still does his own thing, though, and I'm okay with that.  Because he gives pretty awesome gifts. 

But a few weeks ago I saw something I really liked, and I simply forwarded The Husband a link, and I even included my size in case he agreed that it would make a good gift for me.  I checked the mail today, and apparently he did.

I saw that the package addressed to The Husband was from Union28, so I was pretty sure it was for me.  I was hoping he didn't intend it to be a surprise since he had it shipped to the house and I always check the mail, but I called him at work to make sure I could open it, just to be safe!  He told me I could, and said, "Happy ... Well, pick one." 

So that "I love my Husband" t-shirt is officially my Valentine's present.

Although, as aware as I am that hinting usually doesn't work, sometimes I catch myself being a little too subtle...

SUBTLE ATTEMPT: "Oh, you don't like it when I go for morning walks because my alarm wakes you up 45 minutes before you have to be up?  You know, I can really understand that.  You do need your sleep, Baby.  If only there was some way I could exercise regularly in the house... If only there was something I could use at home on days when both girls are at school, or even napping... Man.  What a dilemma!"

HIS RESPONSE: *picks up remote*  *Turns to ExerciseTV on Demand* 

SUBTLE ATTEMPT:  "Remember those earrings I got Stepsister for Christmas one year?  Or her birthday?  They were so pretty.  So, so pretty.  I was thinking about that because I saw some just like them at Kohl's, you know.  14 karat gold over sterling silver.  They're CZ stones, too, so they're not that expensive, especially since I think they were 60% off.  They're so pretty.  So, so pretty.  Oh, look at this e-mail from Kohl's!  15% of everything!  How nice..."

HIS RESPONSE: *stands up*  *goes to bedroom*  *opens jewelry box received two Christmas ago, the one that stands taller than the 3-year-old* *starts counting pairs of earrings already there*

Oh well.  You can't blame a girl for trying.

Besides, as much as I love getting gifts from him, I know that between God and The Husband, all of my needs are more than met.  And, as unworthy of it as I may be, many, many of my wants have been covered too.  So if I were to never get a gift again, I'd still be set.

Cheesy, but true.

How about you?  Do you try the subtle approach?  Or have there been any hits and huge misses with gifts from loved ones?  Spill it!