I really don't want much of anything. All the stuff I honestly would like I think is way too expensive to ever be within the realm of appropriate insofar as asking someone else to get it for me. Stuff like the Pelican "peace of mind hydraulic tensioner kit" (at about $1,500), the elephant racing external oil lines and cooler setup (at about $2,000), a set of PMO carbs (at about $3,500), hell even a new set of tires is $600 or $700, etc, an air compressor (at about $1,000). No way I'd ever ask someone else to buy me a gift that expensive. If someone ever got me anything like that it'd be very awkward and I doubt I'd accept it anyway. Plus, P-cars are just a hobby of mine and I'd rather work for, earn and get it myself. Gifts to or from me have a limit of a couple hundred bucks for wife and immediate family and $25-$50 max. for anyone else. Anything else is just absurd. Some people really get carried away with this holiday stuff, which I see as just silly. What's the point in "doing something nice for someone" you hardly ever talk to, only to resent it for the next 10 months while you're struggling to pay it off? Simply crazy. I'd rather someone gave me a phone call - or a card. Whatever.
As far as practical gifts, again - same problem. Gift cards tend to get lost, mangled, or simply are a ploy to make the retailer more $$$ ultimately. They come off as a little bit thoughtless, although some people still like them, so maybe I'll GIVE some, but I won't ask for any.
I certainly don't need any stupid stuff. I don't re-gift, I simply take unwanted stuff down to Salvation Army - I figure someone will want it. There are literally years where I've taken 8 out of 10 gifts and given them away because they were just stupid or useless or would just end up sitting on a shelf for the next five years. I don't need stuff like that.
iPods? Maybe that's a good gift although I tend to shy away from electronics because it goes obsolete so quickly. Dunno. I might get one for the wifey anyway though. Jewelry is always good too. Maybe I'll just pay her car registration and insurance for the coming year again (pretty substantial gift, although not a "ooh! ahh!" sort of one. . .
Or just give me money. Or stock options. That's okay too.
