Just my 2 cents worth, but a sewing machine is a big investment and they should all be tested and tried by the owner before a final decision is made. Does it need to be a surprise ? What one person may think is very important, may not be that important to your Mom . Can you take mom out and let her test/try some of the machines ? And you don't want to get her a machine that she thinks is so complicated she will be too nervous/intimidated to use. Just my thoughts. i think its great that you want to get her a new machine though :lol: