My husband bought my Cricut Expression for me last year for Mother's Day.  I have used it for so many different things.  During the school year, I use it a lot for locker decorations for the different sports ans clubs my kids are in.  This year I used it to make our Christmas Cards, and have been using it to make other cards instead of buying a card. 

Why I would recommend the Expression over the smaller Cricut is

• You can cut up to 12'x24" paper
• There is a center point function
• The six different modes gives you more flexibility
• The screen shows you what is going to print