Because I'm "picky and I have extremely high standards" (her words). Anything my kids get I would adore forever. But, if it's coming from an adult, I expect the person to know what I want and not fuck it up. Also, my wife is a statistical researcher, amateur painter and all-around tinkerer. She is very creative. Do not insult her.Sounds like you and the wife are pretty rusty (or clueless) about how the whole gift thing works. What's the point in her buying you something that you select?
I'm going to take a wild guess that neither of you do anything for a living that requires even a hint of creativity.