I seem to be in a minority but I love practical gifts! Would have loved a Dyson hand-held vacuum cleaner-thing for Xmas this year but ended up with an Armani watch ...sigh.
Recently asked for a steam generator iron for my birthday but was told that there was no way DH would be giving me an iron as a present. Ended up buying the steam generator iron anyway and got straightening irons instead (an iron of sorts and highly practical so just as happy - looking for Sad-do smiley face!)) .
Sorry to highjack, anyway YANBU, as it sounds as if he really wanted it for himself. Maybe next you can add your own list of things when the Kids are writing to Santa.