I'd advise against a toy also, will just be frustrating. If speed is the issue, one with a slide speed control would solve that, but the most basic machines don't have it. Janome has a lot of affordable options. They make many Kenmores too. I got a Brother HS 2000 for my kids (6 & 8 when they started) to learn on. $200 but a fine machine. For less money, maybe a Kenmore Mini Ultra, but it doesn't have speed control.