The old saying"You get what you pay for seems to keep coming into my mind here. Also why start her on a cheap machine. If it doesn't sew nice than she will get discouraged and maybe never want to sew again. The Jenome Jewel looks about the best that I have seen recommended so far. Sometimes sewing machine stores have some nice reconditioned ones that people bring in for a trade in. You might check in with them. But please don't go for cheap machines. I bought a $200 one from Costco years ago and hated it so much I quit sewing for two years. My husband noticed and asked me why, and I told him because I hate that D--- machine. He told me to go out and get one that I liked. I did and I have been sewing every since. Jan

A 5 year old is pretty young...

I can't see the brand name on the second one, but I personally wouldn't buy a new Singer, an old one yes, not new, so I'm probably not a whole lot of help. Janomes and Brothers, even the low end models have a much better record than the new Singers as a general rule.

find a nice used heavy machine here on the forum or CL or even ebay..don't waste your time and money on these light weight all plastic machines...it will only cause frustration in the long run....