Hi Thomas - you picked a great place to ask your question! welcome!
several years ago i paid about $350 for a mid-range Janome and it really has been a great machine. i've progressed into machine quilting with it and i'm still really thrilled to have it. i got it at sears. it has lots of stitches and the snap-on foot, which is very versatile if she'll want to add presser feet to her collection down the road. i don't think they (sears) carry janome anymore, but you might see what they do have. they have pretty good sales (my machine was a $500 machine, on sale for the $350). i also have a 25+ year old Kenmore that i just love!
you do want to try to find something for her that has an even feed foot (for straight-line quilting). machines that are classified as 'quilting' machines have them.
have fun! one word of advice - get her more than she thinks she'll use 'cause she'll love it so much she'll expand her skills!