In our family, I am the shopaholic, and my partner who trys to restrain my spendthrift ways. However when I try to solve the christmas/birthday present dilemma, by buying lots of different items, in the hope that I get it right at least once, I don't hear her complaining too much.
Before you try this I recommend you buy your 'friend's' wife a backpack of her own.
Giok.