He should buy her a mini sewing machine or a toy one. This one is for 20 bucks on Amazon. Then she can open up the pretend sewing machine and still have a gift and it would be cute and fun. Then he can tell her that he would like to get her a newer nicer one and that he would take her shopping to get the one she wants :) I think a toy machine would be fun to have in her sewing room or something! And a cute gesture. More exciting than just cash.
http://www.amazon.com/Michley-LSS-20...774877&sr=8-11