I think a good used machine from a reliable dealer is a great idea. They can probably get a few more bells and whistles than they would with a lower priced new machine, and sometimes if they're the "right" bells and whistles it may encourage them more more.

That was my thinking. And Bernina is such a great machine.

I would check with your local dealer. Sometimes they have great machines they have taken as trade ins or when new models come out they discount the older model.

Janome all the way

Ditto good used from dealer

you can pick up nice Brother machines for $89-$159 that are good beginner/basic machines- have a variety of stitches-can do button holes- are easy to use.
when we had the sewing school we had 5 of them and all of our students loved them- they took quite a beating too- daily use by many different people- aged 4-85...

I love my Pfaff.....Go to a dealer. Most have used machines.

For mending I would get an old singer. Growing up my neighbor used a Singer Treadle - still does and he does painting and house repairs.

If you want something newer- look at a used Bernina.

I got my son a Heavy-Duty Singer for sewing on patches on his Navy uniforms. He says he likes it. I got it at Joann's on sale last year.

Brothers are great, if its for mending sewing i would go strictly mechanical and not spend the money on computerized. It will last them a long time with occasional use. I have a 18 year old XL-3010 that I gave to my MIL that till runs. I would just look at the reviews and go from there. I have the XL-3500i for 5 years and i love it. Got it from overstock.com for 109 i think. Where ever you get it from just make sure to take it out of the box and make sure it works because I did have to send one back to overstock because it didn't sew, they were very fast about it but you don't want to buy it now and come christmas realize it doesn't work and your 30 days or whatever has expired to return and you have to go through the manufacturer for the warranties.