You might want to check out e-bay. Sometimes you can get some good deals. I just bought a brand new, still in the box
shipped from the ware house, free shipping Janome 3050 for $419.00, My sister bought this same machine from a Janome Dealer in Sept. and payed $650.00

Thanks so much everyone! So much great advice.
I actually definitely used the wrong word to describe it, it is not old at all. It is actually one of those newer very cheap models, maybe like rive or six years old? I honestly am not sure why I said that as I know that old is definitely a lot older when it comes to sewing machines, sorry for any confusion! I do know that she doesn't like the one she has now. I actually had to laugh because she is in the other room complaining about something on it as I type this ;)
A gift card may be a good idea. I do like the idea of her being able to pick her own out. I will just have to try and convince my dad of this idea since he wants her to have an actual physical sewing machine on Christmas morning, but I do like the idea of her being able to go and pick out whatever one she wants!

Well, this is not really funny, but kind of is, her sewing machine JUST completely died! I want to laugh because my dad and I are whispering how it heard us talking about replacing it, but I feel bad because my mom has last minute Christmas projects to finish! Luckily our neighbor has one she can finish up with. Timing is funny though!

I vote for Gift Cert. I'd want to pick my own

I am totally sold on Pfaff machines. You can go on ebay and find several older models (but they are workhorses) for sale. Any in the 1200 series would be my recommendation. They were made in Germany and have metal parts, not plastic. For a little more money, the 1400 series are awesome. You can't go wrong!

First of all -- what a great kid you are. Your mother is lucky to have someone who wants her to be happy.

As for the machine, it's probably too close to Christmas, but do think about garage sales, craig's list, and ebay. You can get a good deal and, even if the machine needs a little work, it may end up being better -- and a better deal --than a brand new one.

Wish we could all be there on Christmas morning!

Sounds like you are having great fun with the gift project. She will be so excited.

Merry Christmas to all of you.

I bought a Kenmore sewing machine in Aug 1976 and it's just as good today as it was then. Very dependable. Doesn't have all bells and whistles of new machines. But does everything I want it to. from zigzag to button holes. It's my favorite machine