So, I'm playing a wizard. I'm level 11 now. I'm looking for magic items for my character -- items every wizard should have and needs, not depending on price.
I'm talking things like Brazier's of Fire Control and a teleportation circle, etc.
I have a pretty sick-ass Mage Tower in a prominent city, so item availability is pretty nice, plus I've got a few apprentices that work for me.
In reality, I'm looking for tricks and contingencies to help in battle -- like if my rogue friend suddenly sneak attacks me. I'd like to use the spell contingency, but it doesn't last long enough for my tastes.
And... go!
My suggestion is you roll at least 1/3 of your magic items because nothing is lamer than having a character that has the same lame "optimal" magic items as 95% of the other pregen wizards have. There are plenty of guides out there for wizards under 3.5 with all sorts of good advice about optimizing, etc.
Ya, just read Treantmonk's wizard guide to playing God. Plenty of info there ;-)
What is very high on my own wish list currently is the amulet of Quickening (or whatever it's called) for free 3 quickened lvl 1 spells up to 1 quickened lvl 3 spell and a lesser rod of chaining. Normal rod of chaining would be even better. Your support role will become so much better if you can mass cast stuff that normally is only for 1 target.
Craft a good number of pearls of power and never run out of spells.
And boots of flying are handy too, but that's a cliche item.
Every Metamagic rod in the book.
Robe of Eyes
Anything that grants Int
A staff that covers spells of opposition schools
Necklace of adaption
Cloak or Displacement
Belt of Con
Forget about raising your AC if someone wants to hit you they will. Get your saves and hit points up and find something that grants a miss chance.