What are some great small snakes?

My mom really wants a snake of her own, so I'm thinking for her Christmas present, I'll get her her very own snake. I'm trying to figure out the best kind for her.

I need a snake that:

Will stay small (ideally that can stay in a 10 gallon tank)
Is calm and easy to handle
Easy to care for (good eater, no fancy requirements)
Is relatively inexpensive

She is in love with my sandboas, perhaps a male would be a good choice, but any ideas are welcome!

First thing that comes to mind is Rosy boas, and sandboas for smaller snakes (around the 3 foot mark, I think).

I know there's another really small snake out there that tops at 3 ft, but I can't think of what it is right now :(

Rosy boas! I didn't even think of those. Aren't they related to sand boas?

Almost all of the columbrids stay small and are easy to handle.

An Eastern hognose would also be a good one to consider.

Children's pythons stay quite small - under 3 feet and some even smaller than that (18-24 inches). I'm not sure what their care requirements are, though.

You guys have some great suggestions I didn't even think of.

The thing about colubrids.. for one I wouldn't say my baby cali king is a sweet easy to handle snake, he's a little beast! I don't know if cali kings are the norm, or the exception. One of my first thoughts was a pueblan milk.

It also seems to me.. that colubrids can reach rather substantial lengths (4-6') and would need a larger enclosure. Perhaps I am mistaken though.

Since hognose are native to some U.S. (EDIT: this stupid thing makes the letter 'yoU' into the word..) states, isn't their posession somewhat regulated? Plus that they are rear fanged venomous.. even though not dangerous, laws can be stupid.

I'll have to look into children's pythons..

rubber boas?

The problem with rubber boas is that they're hard to find CB, and they require low temperatures (room temp). While that sounds like it'd be simple, my mom keeps the house COLD, so it'd be difficult to keep the temp just moderately warm.

a corn?they would have to live in a 20 galon when they get older though...