Thomas,
Did you check out the Class Pass your quilting store is offering?? For $100, you can take as many classes as you'd like in the quarter. You, of course, have to supply the fabrics, etc but the instructor fee is waived. Might be a nice gift?? :wink:
Be prepared to spend a long time at the store and really take your/her time sewing on all the machines. Don't forget used too if sticker shock hits you.
The store in your area carries Pfaff--I have a Bernina and 2 Brother machines so I"m not a good person to comment on those machines. I'd go and see what you can find. Perhaps someone here has a Pfaff??