Not sure what to think about the proposed present PILs want to get for us *WARNING: extremely first world problem*

[Pascha]

They want to get us a coffee machine and have asked us to choose one, or something else to a similar value. I don't really want a coffee machine. DH doesn't really want a coffee machine. We have a french press which is enough for us. It would be a big white elephant taking up space on the kitchen worktop.

I asked DH what sort of price level they were looking at and he said 'dunno. Dad just asked me to pick one and let them know.' So I have no real idea what is a cost equivalent nice thing to have. DH joked it would be nice for them to buy us some wood to burn instead but I just know they won't see that as a present because it isn't 'fun'.

How do we tell them we don't want their idea for a present without coming across rude and what else can we ask for instead?

Ask them for vouchers so you can go and chose something after Christmas or say you are happy with your coffee being made in a Cafetiere for now but would love x or y or z instead. Maybe they are just coffee people themselves and want a nice cup when they come to yours!

MIL might be, a bit, she likes coffee. FIL bought her a coffee machine last christmas but its only been used half a dozen times. She gets it out occasionally, fills it with water, makes coffee, drains it, cleans it and puts it away in the cupboard again. FIL doesn't drink nice coffee at all.

Just need to think of x, y or z now instead.

DH just suggested via text what about a new iron?

They said you could choose something else to a similar value to a coffee machine. Is there anything that could be replaced of your kitchen stuff, with an upgrade?

I suspect the ILs want it to be something luxury. I think DH will have to have the conversation with his parents about the other choice of gift.

The problem with them saying "something else of similar value" is that you can get coffee machines for £20 or £500 - what sort of coffee machine do they have? Can you look it up online and find out how much they spent on their to give you a clue what sort of price range they're thinking of?

I agree something else "kitchen-y" might appease them.
What about:
Food-processor or Kitchen Aid (if they're thinking of a really fancy coffee machine!)
Posh (e.g. Le Cruset or similar depending on price) Casserole/Saucepan/Baking Dish/Frying pan
Slow cooker (I have one - it's fab and I use it loads)
Other "kitchen clutter" stuff that some people love (ice cream maker, pasta maker, smoothie maker, bread maker, waffle iron etc - you get the picture)

If it were me I'd wander around the John Lewis kitchen department and see what caught my fancy, but then I love kitchen-y things.

Asking for vouchers also a good idea, especially if it's for somewhere that sells coffee machines but also other, much more useful things too e.g. John Lewis/Debenhams.

Other things that they might consider "appropriate gifts" could be luxury gadget-type things. Do you need a new TV or DVD player? Or what about a small item of furniture perhaps?

Thats what I'm a bit concerned about - they want to buy us a gadget and we don't want any really. We have no need for any of it. I'm guessing the amount will be around the £100 mark. There are a few bits and bobs in JL that I like - glasses, a big saute pan, some curtains for the boys room - but nothing particular that DH would care about.

Thanks for the ideas, I will mull it all over.

NO to vouchers though. MIL doesn't consider them acceptable as presents. (FIL couldn't give a monkeys, he will go along with what MIL says for an easy life)

Is there something bigger you might want that you could ask them to contribute towards? That way, you don't have to get it immediately and, when it does arrive, you can repeatedly thank them for "their" present.

My DPs bought us an electric blanket and a lovely soft throw for the bed last year. Best things they've ever bought us.

New washing machine perhaps, ours is 12 years old and sounding ominous...

Steam Generator Iron?