Do you ever exchange gifts at Christmas and B-Days? If so, how soon is the B-Day? You could use the suggestions of dsb38327 and twinkies about trying out the machine. Then after she lets you know how well she likes it, tell her it is an early b-day gift and you just couldn't wait, or didn't want to ship it. I think maybe making a friendship ten minute block wall hanging or lap quilt for each of you would be just great. Or how about both making a sewing machine cover, for each machine, with the name of the machine on the covers, since most on here name their machines, or just your own names, and when time do do the names, tell her the Lily didn't have and name yet and tell her you wanted her to name that machine, and let her sew that name on the cover, then when she finished, let her know that the Lily needed to go to a new home, hers. What a great friend you are and she must be also. Enjoy your weekend and your special friendship.