Yes, but buying and 'delivering' the gift are two separate actions. So I can buy $30k in bonds for you today (which benefit from the current rates), held in the

Yes, but buying and 'delivering' the gift are two separate actions. So I can buy $30k in bonds for you today (which benefit from the current rates), held in the gift box until I transfer them to you. But as you said, I can only transfer $10k/year less any purchases you make that same year. In the 1 year hold case (buying direct + gifts for 1 year only) you can transfer and immediately sell the gifts alongside the original bonds, in the new year.