I think asking for tools is definitely a great idea for a "life-long gift"
do you have a decent sized tool box to put them all in??
I just bought CobraR a Craftsman tool box for christmas for about $300-$400 alone.
Perhaps you could ask for one of those big puppies instead and slowly fill it with tools.
(somehow Mike's is already pretty darn full!)
btw, just wanted to add, that I love love LOVE going into Sear's and just browsing the tools.
*drool*
way too much stinkin' fun, and $400 can be so easily spent in a single outing.
wish it was christmas every day so I could have an excuse to buy him tools all the time. teehee
