The older I get, the harder this question becomes when family asks what I want. Like you mentioned, it seems each year things get more expensive... or at least the things we want are expensive. The things that aren't expensive, we buy for ourselves. I always just say Amazon gift cards. It sounds cheesy, and some people don't like giving just gift cards, but I assure them, I use them on things I really want.... when I need it. Things we don't think about just at Christmas. Say it's May and you run out of Gaff tape or zip ties. Oh yea... I have a $25 Amazon gift card... I can order the two roll pack.... lol
Aside from that, I'm happy with anything really. I just enjoy seeing my friends and family happy. That's all I really want anymore.