Not much of an update - he didn't do it!!! He had a new GF at Christmas and I think he was preoccupied with her. I felt so prepared thanks to all of your answers but I was never able to get him aside privately before dinner, and then since he didn't do it, it became a non-issue at this event.
He did however comment that he wanted this one particular item (item X) in front of everyone while we were opening presents. So I did comment at the same time (meaning in front of everyone) that if he didn't like what we got him we'd gladly take it back. He shut up. (He DID like what everyone got him, he just really wanted item X, which unfortunately no one bought him).
