I'm thinking about a Roland or Yamaha e-Kit lately, time to teach the kids playing the drums BUT i hate the sound of those rubber muting pads, while i prefer real drumshells/heads, though...
Or do i just have luxury problems?
When it comes to instruments, i'd say: for sure!
Books and instruments: the only goods I can't resist buying without remorse...I've got the "old" Roland TD9 set with upgrade. A billion sound kits of which I use (and like) only one, but that's all you need, rite.
I remain impressed by the realistic feel of these pads (I've played on far less comfortable acoustic sets), but I'll never get used to the sound of hitting them. It's difficult to ignore, especially if you keep the volume low in your speakers or headphones, as I do.
No thing like the real thing, but if like me, you have direct neighbours, there's no alternative and therefore I believe it's a perfectly acceptable compromise.
A used TD-9 will cost you hardly
BTC0.0125 at actual USD price, so if the kids change their mind, you'll not have to go begging in the streets to fill that hole in your holiday budget.

What do you mean by "old"? Are new editions, and how can i distinguish them from the "old" one(s)?
In my area, they are a bit more, like $800. Still, for a good, responsive e-kit - not too much.
By "in my area" i mean the closest one about a two hour drive away, about a dozen in a city about two more hours by car.
I would want to have a look at least and try out the kit(s).
But i can wait a while, i guess. I was living now for over ten years without hitting drums, with the exception of steel tongue drums and a cajon
