In my opinion, a choosing a sewing machine is a very personal situation ---- not only for the options and operation of a particular machine but also the dealer ---- Is he or she personable and seems to have the patience and expertise to teach you to operate the machine? No amount of research is useful if not done by the person who is going to be doing the actual sewing. I love the idea of wrapping a toy sewing machine or hand made gift certificate so she can choose her own.