actually i dont think thats a tifu

the wife could have taken so many different ways to subtly give a hint someone may actually understand.

between angry voice "you dont need it and wont get it" and "you ruined your christmas present" there should have been a more subtle middleway

For example "Please dont buy it for now, theres a reason why im asking this of you"

While at that point it might click already or not, but everyone keeps face and gift is still a surprise for the most part.