[header] How to graciously hint about a gift [title] Remember the purpose of a hint. [step] We hint for the same reason we joke-to get the truth out in a way that the listener can choose to notice or ignore. This may sound a bit complicated, but it's necessary.
An important rule of gift giving is never to overtly expect a gift. If you're not expecting a gift, how can you tell the giver what you want? You do it with a hint.