Subtlety. That's all you need. It's really simple really. Stage 1 I make sure that my family is behind me when we go Christmas shopping- my siblings, my mom, sometimes my aunt. Stage 2 I gaze lovingly at what I want. I observe it, maybe pick it up. Then I drop it down and walk away. Stage 3 I check the shopping bags stylishly to see if it's there. If it's not, I stylishly mention it in the car once and drop the matter. Stage 4 Look surprised when you see your present. Stage 5 Always remember to be grateful. TIP FOR TEENS - Make sure that what you want is not too pricey for your parents or guardians pocket, if it is, forget about it. Be realistic, they are not Santa. TIP FOR PARENTS - Watch out for what your kid wants or pays attention to during the holiday period. They may or may not be giving signs of what they want. Better still, you may ask them.