We are also giving our 7 year old Grandaughter a sewing machine for Christmas and went with the Brother XR3340 from Costco with the hope that Costco’s return policy would come to the rescue if the machine was unacceptable or defective. She has a huge advantage however, as another Grandma lives close by and is teaching her whenever she provides childcare. So far she has made a patchwork pillow, pillowcase, and a doll quilt that used the birthing method to finish. The Skype idea sounds good, especially when it’s time to thread the machine for the first time. Speed control would be a major feature on the new machine with a bit of enforcement from Mom and Dad.
Best of luck - it’s exciting to see a Grandchild excited about sewing isn’t it?