Flaca
Check your local newspaper's classified ads. Sometimes estate sales will list such pieces of furniture, and you can get a really classy armoire this way. Other times, you'll go to the see the furniture and it's very worn-out looking (knicked and scratched or badly in need of sanding and staining), in which you case you keep up your search. It's hit or miss, but you could get lucky! I got a very nice armoire for $100 this way. It's sturdy and ornately detailed, but it took time to find just what I was looking for. [It is dark-stained oak, to endure my children.] Be patient by realizing that people get rid of things like this all the time, for lack of room, because they are moving or because of a divorce, etc. It's not necessarily because they think it's just junk they want to be rid of. Maybe it belonged to a teen that is now going off to college. Also, check out some antique and second-hand stores. You never know what you'll find, and sometimes the salespeople will bargain with you over a big item like that. I realize you are looking for a "new armoire," but consider your budget and what you can get for how much cash you're willing to part with. It's really worth it to look through the classified ads and to visit estate sales (and garage sales) that list furniture, because you can sometimes get a better quality piece of furniture than you might be able to afford otherwise. Would your mother be any less surprised if you presented her with a really nice armoire that was gently used before? With they money you could save, maybe you could then put something new for her to wear inside of it. That would be thoughtful, too. Of course, if your mom is superstitious and thus might think the previous owner of the armoire died and that she'll be haunted, then by all means stick with something new. I think of the newer armoires as rather plain-looking, and not nearly as sturdy as they used to be, unless you're willing to shell out a whole lot of money. But, that's my opinion. To give you a tangible idea of the difference between what you can get second-hand versus what you can afford that is new, please consider that the armoire I bought for my kids (second-hand, gently used) looked similar to this one (and please see the price of it): I've listed several sites (search results for new armoires) below. I hope this helps.

bluetailkinker
Check your local Antiques dealers. Cedar Closets (Armoires) are not too expensive at all. Just hope you have someone with a truck and a strong back to haul it.