Bill, go to your nearest dealer and shop. You will get a million different opinions here. The best way is to get a decent deal through your local dealer so you can make sure she has access to classes and warranty work.

I think Candace has the right idea. If you want to surprise her, go to the local quilt shop or any shop that she has taken classes at and ask them. If she hasn't told you what she wants, she has probably told the ladies at the shop what she would like. Classes are a good idea when you have a new machine, and repairs are also a good idea. The local quilt shop that I bought my Janome machine at have classes to teach the owner the various stitches and what you can make with them. The classes are free for the first year if you buy your machine there. Not a bad deal IMHO. My DH bought me my machine for Sweetest Day after telling me it was too expensive. I was surprised and delighted. He doesn't do that every year, but once in awhile, so I'm always surprised.
Sue

Gift Certificate would be my take, then she can try different machines out and decide what she likes. You are going to get many opinions because there are many machines. I am a died in the wool Janome lover.

I have to say I love my babylock too, have been very impressed with it, or you can't go wrong with brothers. The Laura Ashley and Symphony(same machine) are really popular. Mine is the older model, and I can say I highly recommend it

I would add to this... make sure the gift card/certificate doesn't have an expiration date. She may have her eye toward a machine that costs more than what you are prepared to spend and may need more time to save up the remainder of the money for the machine of her dreams. We'll mark you as a keeper in our books. Have a great holiday season!!

Go with her to a shop that has a nice variety of machines that she can test drive or see demonstrated and purchase the one that ticks the most boxes.

Aren't you a sweetheart!!!!!!I agree with those that talk about getting service after the machine is purchased. Go with a well known brand and make sure there is a dealer nearby for instruction, service and accessories. Bernina and Janome are two popular and dependable brands.

Or call one of her friends and see it they know what she would like. A friend's husband called me a few years ago and asked about the machine I was using, she may have mentioned to it him. Good luck and you are the best.

I am all for the 440QE they are expensive but absolutely wonderful and the nicest stitch I have ever used but you do need a dealership near you as you get free classes whenever as long as you want we have a very active Bernins shop here to also you can check them out by googling BerninaUSA

You are so sweet and thoughtful! My main thought is that if you decide on a "gift certificate" it should be one you just write out yourself, expressing your sentiments and putting a dollar amount on it, just like a "real" gift certificate. That way, she can use it wherever she wants to, wherever she could get the best deal, for whatever she wants. If you purchase a gift certificate at a specific shop or store, then she is locked into that vendor. (I have a Viking which I love.) You're a good man!