One good pattern, as large a mat as he can afford, a plastic box for her tools (like a tool box) a small screw driver if it did not come with the machine, a can of sewing machine oil, a good pair of scissors, and a rotary cutter with extra blades. If she has a small cupboard for her stash or a closet, maybe a plastic drawer unit to start her out. I just told my hubby to get me a small round iron and a snack tray made into an ironing board. I want another unit that Joanns have that holds the 5 or 6 boxes that hold about 4" of fabric such as a kit. Tell him to use as many coupons as he can.