For a 10 yr old.....just a basic straight zigzag and maybe a few fancy stitch offerings would be my suggestion....like brother runway model. I have one I bought at walmart(oh heavens) use it for classes, bees, sewing, whatever away from home base and have had no probs w/ it. Less knobs, less change of breakage...for a ten yr oldest is.....btw. Runway is less tan $200.00