How to get the best presents

Jeremy Corbett confided to the <i>Herald on Sunday</i> he believed his wife Megan has been hoodwinking him at Christmas for years. Photo / Doug Sherring

Comedians share cunning tips on howto get what you really, really want under the Christmas tree.

Christmas is a time for giving - and taking, and your powers of persuasion can play a big part when it comes to securing that dream gift.

Some crafty partners employ devious tactics to twist their other halves into getting them the stocking filler they crave. Employing mind games can pay off, according to TV3's 7Days comedians Jeremy Corbett and Urzila Carlson.

Corbett confided to the Herald on Sunday he believed his wife Megan has been hoodwinking him at Christmas for years. "I start asking Megan weeks beforehand what she would like and she always replies, 'Nothing'," he said. "Because we have been together for so long I get lulled into a false sense of security and think that this time she really means it."

Come Christmas Eve, however, the tables are suddenly turned. "I always get an attack of conscience and ask Megan one last time if she is sure there is nothing I can get her," he explained. "That's when the sucker punch arrives.

"Suddenly it is, 'Hmmm, actually, Jeremy, I suppose I would really like a necklace.' "By then it is too late. It is the expensive jewellery option or nothing. Job done. I have fallen for it again."

Carlson tied the knot with her partner, Julie, last month. Because they are still paying for the wedding, presents will not be as lavish this year, Carlson said.

But the funny girl knows how to get what she wants under the tree by taking a more direct approach. "I got fed up dropping hints to Julie with no effect so I will now take complete control," she said. "I will simply lead her to the computer, sit her down and make her push a button to order exactly what I have picked, then have her pay for it on the spot. "When she visits the store to collect it, it will make her feel the whole thing was her idea."

All Julie has to choose is the wrapping paper. "I will then pretend it is all a great surprise. That way everyone is happy. Especially me. It's a win-win."