Love the Sinbad joke Tanya... yeah that would do the trick.
After a birthday and an anniversary a few years ago, when nobody remembered, I did start being more proactive in dropping very broad hints / aka photos and ads.
Our whole family also started keeping personal wish lists on Amazon.com for the times when you are stuck without being able to find a great gift idea. It has helped several times in a pinch!
lalaland... that is the CUTEST little pup in your avatar!