Quote (RoOkieTeRra @ May 10 2010 04:43pm)

for starting up with photography, the Canon EOS 1000D alias Xsi is a good choice. If you´re planning to spend 500 bucks, I´d buy that one ( it´s 380€ here ) and add either some helpful items like filters, a tripod, a bag or something like that, or the 50mm 1.8 lens ( for around 100 bucks ). That´d make a great gift I think. Then she already has a few things that will come in handy when it comes to photographing, and doesnt have to get them all by herself.
my opinion. good luck.