Does she have a sewing machine she likes currently? If so, I'd suggest she think about an embroidery only machine to supplement it. That way she can still sew while she's waiting for the design to stitch out.

Or consider taking up free motion embroidery, which can be done on any straight stitch sewing machine...
here's a simple sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tcy2dse68M and a more complex one:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
and some information on bobbin work, using heavier threads and embroidering "upside down":
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle

Suggested reading on free motion embroidery: Robbie & Tony Fanning's Complete Book of Machine Embroidery, and any of the many editions of Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery (the originals were all done on straight stitch treadles, ca. 1910)

Then head to a sewing machine dealer and try some of the machines... and check the prices of supplies, too... if she's on a tight budget, the supplies may be a significant factor in costs.

Don't happen to know of a tutorial, but you can end embroidery
stitches by a couple of short backstitches, then push the needle and thread further into the toy and back out again, putting a bit of tension on the thread. Clip flush with the surface and the thread ends will hop back inside, "buried" in the toy.

Rather detailed common stitch tutorials:
http://www.heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/stitchmenu.html
(and pad your satin stitch with something... I usually use chain stitch with an outline stitch around it before satin stitching. Looks much richer.)