So my FIL emailed me yesterday ...

Of course! LOL That is like my mom. She asks what size clothes my kids need, I tell her, she buys a totally different size either too big or too small. @@

You're going to have to let that one go, Melsb. In the future, consider giving more than one idea and make one of those a physical gift that the grandparent can mail.

I also think he probably wanted to give her an actual gift that she can open and enjoy immediately (although, gift cards are plenty enjoyable to most people). 

What usually happens in my house is inlaws will ask Dh and Dh will ask me.  Then I tell him and he passes on the information to inlaws.

I think that is a old people thing. :)  They still think that kids play with kid stuff (dolls, play kitchen and stuff that we played when we were kids)  

Atleast, he is trying and wants to get her something.  That is sweet.  

And, my fil would totally do this.  I have learned to accept this and let it roll over.  I have no energy these days, so any one can do anything.  

Been there done that!! Live that every holiday or birthday for my girls from my in-laws. They think that my girls will be disappointed if they don't get "Stuff" for their birthday or Christmas when really my girls would prefer cash or gift cards. It has been this way for many years and sometimes what they do get isn't even what we tell them. But I have learned to just let it go, but there are times the girls are disappointed as what she gets them isn't what they wanted.

Hope you get it worked out.

I always give options if someone asks me that question. To tell them one thing just sounds like you're telling them what to buy, which I think is wicked tacky. I would just let it go, I don't think it's a personal slight, just a difference of opinion or misunderstanding.

If he didn't like the idea he could have asked for more ideas.  At least he cares and trying to get something she wants.

My dd would like a B&N Giftcard but I guess that doesn't sound like any fun to some people.