Surprise the Surpriser
Imagine the classic conversation where you tell your partner how much you like something you've seen in a store, even though you ask them not to go buy it for you, that you don't need it, etc. However, you know your partner well enough to know that sooner or later they will make the effort to go to that store to surprise you with the desired item. In fact, this type of situation becomes so common in some couples that the usual surprisee may become cautious before saying they like something.
The idea we suggest is designed for these types of situations. This time, it's our turn to give the surprise instead of being surprised. We're going to surprise the surpriser right when they're caught in the act: find a small shop that sells hard-to-find items. If the shopkeeper is someone you know and your partner doesn't, even better. You should talk to them, explain the situation, as they will be your accomplice to ensure the surprise is successful. Show them a photo of your partner and tell them that sooner or later, they will come asking for a specific item. When they do, the shopkeeper will give them a little gift, a letter, or whatever you leave for them to give to our would-be surpriser. While they're at it, have them take a photo too, so you don't miss their face :)
If everything goes as planned, you can feel like heroes in the world of surprises. You will have accomplished one of the greatest feats: surprising the surpriser, and you can say with more reason than ever that famous phrase from Hannibal Smith, the leader of The A-Team: "I love it when a plan comes together." ;)