Since they are young I would recommend choosing a brand that you can get serviced near their home "just in case". I lean towards Janome machines, my 6600 is great. A friend bought a Janome Gem for classes and Retreats and loves it. I know that Brother makes a good machine but the ones they make for Walmart aren't the same quality. How do I know this? I bought one and it was a disappointment to say the least. I've taken it a couple of sewing machine repair places and they both told me not to waste my time or money trying to repair it.