Seriously, though, maybe it's because I came from a family with five kids, but do parents actually buy kids Ipads, computers and laptops for their kids as Christmas presents?
As a twin, I was able to push the boat and we got a Playstation to share between us (this was also a present for my third brother, as we got a PS1 and so didn't have to play his N64); we later also got a Xbox 360 split between us.
One year I got a Gamecube.
Also gameboys for our birthday and DS's.
I would never ask for an iPad its too fucking expensive; and is a personal device.
My parents would never get us it to share (lololol) and we'd never want one to share.
Do remember though that iPad is under 50% so its not a norm, and a good few of those kids won't get what they want.
I consider most of the 'expensive'/'big' presents treats every few years and was really very fortunate to get treated as such.
Expectations are a big thing though. So many people buy these objects as the norm. It becomes the norm I suppose.
But the very young kids will have no idea about those prices.