I would stick with buying a machine from a dealer, not Walmart of Target. There are a lot of machines out there reasonably priced at dealers. You get lessons and ideas on how to get the best use of your machine. I love my Pfaff. It is one of the best machines out there. I have had mine for about 15 years and the only thing I have ever done to it is a regular tune up. You get what you pay for and to me, Pfaff is the best there is. I agree, a gift certificate at a dealer would be good. You could make a day of it and take her there and then go out for lunch. Your mom will never forget that day with you.