You can pick up Gaggias for ~$100. Better than the Starbucks or Saecos (58mm portafilter) some of them have OPV valves but one can be added and if you put a Silvia steam wand on it, it's a good machine. Great if you add PID. It will do many times better than what she's been using.... get a decent tamper for her too.
I have one sitting in the basement if you are interested. It needs the mods, but I could get it together for you in a week or so. PID would take another week. $175 with Sivia Wand and OPV valve (set to 9 bar) with PID or $325 with PID installed. It's a Gaggia Coffee. Like-new condition.