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Rics are gorgeous instruments. If I had the means I'd grab one in a split instant. Then again, I have aspirations of going pro and possibly delusions of grandeur.
Opinions vary. I've only ever played one Silvertone acoustic, and I hated it. I know a few guys that love em, though, including one of the guitarists here. On the other hand, I have a Silvertone electric that serves as my testbed/frankentar for new pickups, tone circuits, etc. It took a bit of coaxing to get it set up just right, but it plays like a dream, and I know that if I ever fuck it up too badly swapping stuff around I'm out a whopping $120. No worries there.
As far as the tiny hands argument goes, well.. I once knew a girl. She was fourteen (I think) at the time, maybe 5 feet tall in heels. There wasn't a thing about her that wasn't itty bitty, but she rocked a classical like nobody's business. My tech is also an instructor, and teaches students as young as 8. A lot of them are playing on classicals, because he likes to push them (we think alike). Small hands are not an impediment. It may take her a little longer to get comfortable on the fretboard, but so long as she has all five fingers she'll be fine.
You'll forgive me I hope for discounting your 'I'm a bassist' in your initial post; a lot of people who think they're musicians really aren't, if you can dig that. Regardless, if you know what makes for a good bass guitar you've got a good starting point for acoustics. Neck angle, action, fret wear all play a role. If you're looking at used instruments, pay particular attention to the bridge and the top of the guitar. You want to make sure the bridge is properly seated and that the top is not caving; cheap guitars have a habit of doing that. Also check the heel (where the neck meets the body) for any cracks or signs of wear, and of course the condition of the body in general. The frets should not stick out the sides of the neck; if you can feel the fret wire digging into your thumb when you run it along the top of the neck, put it back. Replacing frets (or the fretboard) on a $150 instrument is not likely to be worth the cost, except in cases of extreme sentimental value.
Part of the reason for keeping the value of a starter instrument low is because if you guess wrong, you're not out a huge chunk of money. So ultimately, it's probably best not to overthink it. She'll develop her own style and preferences as she goes along. For now, any entry-level instrument that's not too far out of whack will probably suit the bill. Once she knows what she wants, she can decide for herself what to buy and for how much.
A gift card is definitely a good idea. I believe that a player is much more likely to pick up an instrument that she chose herself. I don't really know how to describe that feeling when you find that right guitar; it's a bit like falling in love, I guess. You see it, you pick it up, you strum a few chords and you just know that's the right instrument. If the store you pick doesn't have gift cards available, you might try giving her the accessories (ie, a strap, a selection of picks, care and cleaning supplies) on Christmas, and then taking her out shopping on boxing day or the day after. The added bonus here is that you get a nice morning/afternoon out together.
That's what I'd do, anyway, if my lady friend showed any interest whatsoever in learning to play. She's only interested in listening though, which admittedly is good for the ego anyway.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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