After many years of dealing with this issue, I believe I have found the answer or at least the ability to soften the blow when the time comes to upgrade.
Whether it be Christmas, birthdays, Father's day etc. when asked what you want, indicate you really don't need anything but cash in a card would suffice, (no gift certificates). I know some think there is not a lot of imagination to this but if you make it clear why, then it shouldn't be a problem. This way when you go to make the purchase, you can say this is what you did with the money and it's what you really wanted anyway.
