We've finally stopped adult presents, but the most sucessful years were the last couple we traded gifts. I showed up on Thanksgiving with a pile of my favorite catalogs, my sister in law pulled out a few more and we all went throught them together picking out what we really liked (and didn't like.) We all left with amble ideas we knew would be appriciated and the ease of internet ordering.

It doesn't translate internationally, except if you could direct them to a few favorite vendors, you might be able to exchange things if it still is the one thing you'd never pick out. If they are stuck on expensive a link with a hint like I'd love to shop here but can't might lead in the right direction...