I'm completely in the "let her buy her own machine" camp. I like to test machines before I buy. Every machine has a different and feel and different things that its excellent at. Everyone has their own like and dislikes. My husband has bought me machines but only vintages ones that I had already said I wanted. Even then he's had mixed results. I would give her a fancy gift certificate made on the computer or a check wrapped up and specified that it's for a new sewing machine. I wouldn't want my husband to have picked out my Bernina for me, but then I don't let him buy my cars for me either. I pick them out and know exactly what I want when I hit the dealership.