check out
http://www.dpreview.com/
top notch site for camera reviews
careful though - the lens makes ALL the difference. Just get a great starter pack - both of them you picked are great. I doubt she'll see much difference between the two. More elitism attached to Nikon, although both Canon and Nikon are equally good - in DSLR, Canon probably have the edge, although Nikkor lenses are more respected.
It's your call - either is a frikken excellent gift. I'm not a pro photographer, just a keen amateur, but I know I'd hav loved to have you as a sis/brother if you were buying pressies like that for me ;)