Good for you Welshman!!
I am sew glad to see a husband wanting to surprize his wife!! as for an answer, I would go janome or baby lock. But, one of the most important points is not the name of the machine, it is how close are you to a dealer? Is there classes given with the purchase? I hate traveling an hour to the nearest dealer, I would switch brands just to be closer. Please, go discuss your surprize with the owner of a fabric shop that is close by. God Bless you! Merry Christmas!!