>n my opinion, it is really really really not a good idea to buy a sewing machine for someone else. <
I so agree....unless you know her very well, including all her likes and dislikes about the tools of her hobby.
My husband, with my son's help, bought the Brother 450Q for me for Christmas a few years ago. Neither sews, and though both are mechanical, neither "knows" sewing machines. It was a demo at a local sewing machine shop and I think they got taken; this machine has been, I think, abused. It works and I've learned to like it, but would it have been my choice? Probably not. And it was expensive.
I'm sure you know best if you can make the choice your wife would make, however. Good luck! (And lucky woman, to have such a thoughtful husband!)