If money was less of an issue, then yeah, I'd appreciate a thoughtful gift from my loved one, even if it came from my paycheck. She knows I like GPS's and chainsaw & cutting stuff, etc. so if I were to get a gift along those lines then I'd be tickled.
We've gotten to the point of already having everything we really need (not that we couldn't use newer stuff), and the kids must come first. If I get a card and a hug, then it's enough for me. WHO it comes from is more important than WHAT it is. I like to spend and get stuff for her, not frivilous junk, but actual useful stuff. If it can't have a meaningful purpose in our household, then I just don't see me getting it, unless it's to spoil her, or the kids. And I don't want to receive things that are essentially useless either, save that 20 bucks and gimme a gas card instead of a mirror ornament or something. A Tim Hortons gift card, a phone card, hell, wiper blades even. I got an air-powered grease gun years ago (mechanic, of course), and I was tickled ! Everyone else was lookin' at me like I had 2 heads .... lol ! But that grease gun got used every day for years, and I appreciated having it, and still do.
I guess maybe guys aren't like women for gifts, girls like to be spoiled, and guys like stuff that makes their lives easier I suppose. I do anyway. It's all about knowing what your significant other wants/needs to make them happy and appreciate you.