That spanking new table saw or nail gun under the Christmas tree may deliver quite the thrill to the handyman in your house.

FORBES: The Most Dangerous Power Tools

You don't want a sweater under the Christmas tree, do you?

CNN: Interview: The inside scoop on Transmeta's Crusoe chip

But if iPod's sales ultimately disappoint, it's because Apple's industry-leading marketing expertise makes every product launch like Christmas morning, but the presents under the tree never quite measure up to the ones in your imagination.

FORBES: Apple Unwraps IPod

For example, Little League acknowledges there was some upset in its ban being announced five days after Christmas, making a lot of shiny new bats under the tree more valuable for pounding rocks than baseballs.

FORBES: Composite bat bans have sporting goods industry crying foul

For a fun activity to do with the whole family, check out our homemade holiday greeting card and DIY Christmas cracker tutorials, and before putting your gifts under the tree, don't miss our guide to eco-friendly gift wrap alternatives.

ENGADGET: Inhabitat's Week in Green: invisibility cloak, a Hobbit House and a portable washing machine

Indeed, but for Father Christmas, no presents would appear beside shoes (not inside stockings) set out under the tree.

ECONOMIST: Spoil the French and spare the Child