Pin cushions are handy. I have some that someone made for me that are from a large plastic soda bottle cap (like the ones on those large Aquafina water bottles). They drilled holes in the cap and put in a small piece of elastic before they filled up the cap with batting material and covered it in fabric- so it works kind of like a ring. I only have one, but I wish I had 6 of them. I use different pins for sewing garments than I do for quilting and I would like to have them all sorted in little ring cushions because it is so handy to have it on your hand. There are other ones out there that you can wear on your wrist. You could look at those for some unique design ideas. No matter what you make your mom, I'm sure she will love it.