Tallifer
Hero
There are lots of people who don't let the PCs shop for magic items. For this reason among other things.
I think they miss the point.
That would be like disallowing people to treat themselves in life, because we should just be satisfied with gifts and hand-me-downs.
Some people love Christmas. Some people love getting presents and love even more to give presents.
Others like me could not care less. I love Christmas: the carols, the concerts, the church services, the tree and decorations, the food, the chocolate. And when I was a child I loved the toys. But most of my childhood presents sucked, and it only gets worse as you age.
Gift certificates are the best thing for people like me. (Although once again, the less limited the better. Give me one for Walmart or Amazon, not the neighbourhood shoe store which carries nothing I would wear.)
My grandmother was wise as all old people are: she just gave cash taped inside a Christmas card. Never had to figure out what was cool or what people might like. And everyone loved it. Who would dare imagine that grandma was unloving because she did not knit you a scarf or buy you a dull book?
On the other hand I recognize the thrill some people get form mysteriously wrapped presents. I suggest that dungeon masters hand out trivial but fun items for that feeling of Christmas, but that they allow players to "find" (out of character, pick) what they really want or need.