Usually I leave the analysing Gek part to you guys because it's fun, though exasperating at times, sussing people out, but I think I should clarify this:

I don't hint about presents unless it's obvious that you're scoping for a hint in the first place. There's something sneaky about it, and I don't want to be associated with that kind of sneaky.

I think the best presents are bought based on observation prior to the gift-purchasing period so that you get the perfect gift plus the element of surprise. That's tough though- I always get stuck!