I suppose. A better vacuum cleaner would be nice. But, in our household at least, vacuuming is a "we" chore. Giving me a vacuum cleaner suggests it is a "me" chore. If vacuuming really is a "we" chore then the gift is not really for "me" but rather for "us" and that's kind of tacky. IMNSHO. Walter E. Williams, who sits in for Rush on Fridays, loves to portray his wife as an employee. Her job description is taking care of the household, to include all the cleaning. His idea of a great gift is to give her tools/appliances that are necessary for her to perform her duties and that he would have had to purchase eventually anyway. By economizing thusly, he saves money and keeps a valued employee happy.
Oh, Big'ol was going to take me out for dinner. Then my MIL called and invited herself and my FIL. *sigh*
Well, around our family, as you can guess from the gift of 'anchor chain', many presents are presents for the 'house' as well as the person :~)