Can I choose a desination folder in which to receive AirDrop files on my iPad?

Leslie France wrote:

I always prefer to receive downloads to my MBP desktop rather than my downloads folder. Is it possible to set up that preference for AirDrop? Thanks.

See if there is anything here—

Use AirDrop on your Mac to send files to devices near you

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Leslie France wrote:

Already aware of these sources. Didn't solve my prob. Thanks.

Airdrop is baked into the macOS—there is no user preferences for changing the location outside of the Downloads folder.

You can however  submit your Apple Feedback http://www.apple.com/feedback