I love the idea of Thread...really good quality thread or maybe a few templates for the longarm that she does not have, they are nice but pricey and even more for someone on a budget. As a quilter, I know that I have tons of fabric...and usually buy only with a theme in mind. Thread...we can never have enough or the right color. Maybe buy the thread of what you would like for your quilt and buy the cone and that way she doesn't feel guilty taking it..and then you may want to mail her a thank you card perhaps with a nice gift card. If she is retired, she is most likely on a tight budget.