I used my mother's machine for years until I received my own. It was an inexpensive one. Had zigzag and buttonhole capabilities. That one lasted until I wore out the gears. For a child I don't think you want too much to overwhelm her. Or too much that she can tear up and have to spend time at the repair shop. Whatever you get for her will be a godsend. So nice to see the next generation learning a craft that is no longer mandatory in schools.