portable mini system

My mom asked for a boombox cd player for x-mas this year, , i kind of want to stray away from that crap http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL027212&pathId=36&page=1 they sell to teenagers, any suggestions on some good portable type units that aren't obnoxiously priced? Like $300 tops. i was looking at a system such as the Yamaha MCR-M500 or Denon D-M33S , but there are slightly out of my price range once its converted to canadian and shipping included. Any idea's??  Theres no places in my area to go since the shop i worked at closed down thanks to walmart.

I know its off topic of car audio, but had no where else to post.

Thanks