But if you can easily buy everything you want how do they know what to buy you?
I also like 'surprises', I like people to use their initiative - after all, they know me, they should be able to work out what I'd like? But they can be paralysed by indecision - has she already got it? (particularly in the case of books, where doubling up is pointless), would she use it (if she would, she's probably already bought it) etc etc.
So a list as a guideline of things that I both want and need - they don't have to buy that EXACT thing; but if I say I need riding gear, or some scented candles, or something nice for the garden - it gives enough scope to ensure that I'll get something I want and will use, but not as prescriptive as 'THIS. THIS EXACT THING, HERE'S THE LINK AND DON'T BOTHER WITH ANYTHING ELSE'.