You can always buy a new dictionary when one wears out. When a dictionary falls apart, you can tape it back together and it'll work just fine. Sex always comes before Work with dictionaries. Dictionaries are the ones that open up for YOU instead of the other way around.
Dictionaries come with a protective cover.
Most dictionaries are always hard. The ones that aren't are portable. Your mother will never be disappointed in a dictionary you bring home. You can have them sitting out in public and not worry about being embarrassed by it. They don't mind being shelved.