I'm a newbie so for me, a seam ripper is my item under $20.
. The item over $20 is a self healing mat (but the mat is no good without the good rotary cutter and a 6x24 ruler), jus saying.....so even though it's three items over $20, you can't have one without the other! LOL. Also coupons rock!!! They make notions and tools more affordable. Sign up for email at JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby. I used their coupons to purchase my rotary cutter and ruler at JoAnn's and both were originally over $20, but with the coupons, they were both under $20. And while the mat was still over $20, it was 60% off so I felt like a winner that day! Good luck! I agree with your mom that Rome wasn't built in a day, but in no time, you will have what you need.