I think the gifts are creative and while disappointed I understand why they went to lengths to make sure the toys don't permanently burden the database. But are there any permanent gifts, especially things like the engineer's snowball machine schematic during the Christmas event?
Nothing I've seen. The wands are about as 'permanent' as you can get, and those only have 5 charges.
I think it's more to quell the whining masses than it is to fix database problems. There were a LOT of whines about how 'short' the X-mas and Easter holidays were. People saying it's "unfair" they didn't get the special items/ quests because they were on vacaion or out of town and couldn't login. So now I expect all holiday goodies will be temporary in nature, and the folks who got the Winter Veil Disguise Kit, the Snowball Maker and the Easter Dress are now just that much more special.
The past cannot be changed. The future is yet within your power.
Appearently there is a 16 slot "Pumpkin Bag" that is floating around as a random world drop. Current rumor has it that they temporarily replaced Traveler's backpacks, with it in the loot tables, so anywhere a Traveler's Pack could drop may drop a Pumpkin Bag instead. It is bind on Pickup I believe (have to check my lootlink files again).
Far as i know, that is the only permanent item from the holiday this time around.