I'm not a fan, AT ALL, of demanding specific gifts, outside of a formal registry, however, these have a thoughtful and constructive tone behind it, and a request I would happily honor. I might, however gift a book and maybe a gift card, since books are relatively inexpensive.
Some come across a shallow, greedy, self-absorbed, rude and just tacky, and I not only don't send a gift, but I skip the event my altogether. 4951