I personally think you are better off getting a beginning sewer either a well working used machine or a new lightweight, inexpensive machine. Save your pennies and gift them with something more substantial if they really take to sewing/quilting.
My sis just got a Kenmore for $5 at a garage sale. She spent 2.5 hours cleaning and oiling it and it worked perfectly. Gave it to my other sister who has no sewing machine, but needed it for repairs. Believe me, there are nice, working machines out there for very little cost and a little cleaning.