Most of the top line manufacturers have a secondary line of mid range cost bows. There is already a thread somewhere about it, but for example
Hoyt has Reflex
Bowtech has diamond
Matthews I hear now has a line called Mission.
And of course there are others such as PSE, Browning, Martin, Bear. They all make good bows for a beginner, but there are really two things you want to look for IMO. Brace height is one. The larger the brace height the more forgiving the bow can be, expecially for a beginner learning proper form, those little mistakes in form don't affect the shot as much and get the shooter frustrated. But the second is harder if you are trying to make it a surprise for X-mas. I would not really recommend it. I think the person really needs to go to a couple different pro shops and shoot them themselves. Till they find one that just feels comfortable. The first two or three they may say, I really don't know what I am supposed to be looking for, but after shooting a couple different brands at least a couple dozzen times each. They will start to notice one is more comfortable, or easier to shoot than another. THen go back to the original three and try again. Then the shooter will be more comfortable and confident in their bow and hance make it more enjoyable. Good Luck