I like surprises however do not like getting something for hundreds of dollars that I would not use.
My last partner of 18 years had no imagination (as well as no sense of decency!) so he always asked me and I got really useful gifts -towards the end of the relationship, he told me to go buy it myself!!
Needless to say I am glad I am rid of this nasty person, and currently have no partner however I would not write a list of things I want -I might tell someone but would certainly not write them a list with prices.