BTK.... I have 2 iPads; the original and the iPad 3. I have played with the mini at the Apple Store and it is a nice device. Although, I personally like the larger iPad for it's larger screen. The larger iPad weighs a little more than 1.50 lbs vs. the .5 lb of the mini. To me, not enough of a difference to well, make a difference.
The latest iPad does have some technical details that I prefer over the mini, like the latest A6 processor & retina display. Here's a link to the technical details (comparison) from Apple:
Apple
Certainly, if cost is an issue, then the mini is much less costly than it's larger brother.
Lastly, it's all about the app's and what you can do with it. To my knowledge, all of the app's work on the mini, same as the larger iPad.
My recommendation is to take a 45 minute drive to Mall of Millennia and get your hands on both at the Apple Store. The Apple Store sales people are much like the sales folks in TV...there's no pressure and they will let you browse around and play with the devices all you want. They are all connected to the internet, so you can really give them a workout.
Good luck with your choice and let us know what you settle on.
Merry Christmas! ....Mike