then go look at some Taylors. apparently they do offer some sub-$1,000 models but im not familiar with them at all, whether they are made over seas, etc...i suspect they are but i dont know.
i had an old taylor 410 and wish i never sold it.
the only sub-$1,000 taylors i am familiar with are the "Baby Taylor" models and they are very nice, though obviously not full size..which can actually be a benefit
Wildwood Guitars | Taylor Guitars | Baby Series
at $1,500 you have alot of choices and it would be best to go to a small guitar shop and not Guitar Center if you dont know what your looking for. a small shop will know the models well and give you a tour of the various differences in woods, finishes, necks, tones etc....and play them for you if you dont play.
the best thing to do really is have your wife play the guitars and choose what she likes...a guitar is a very personal thing to choose....not that i wouldnt love being surprised with one as a gift....while not the most exciting way to give the gift, the best thing to do probably is to give a gift certificate and then she can spend the day in the shop hand picking the one she loves...as a guitar player, i know that this is what i would prefer to be given
if you must buy the guitar, i would absolutely make sure that you inquire whether the guitar can be exchanged for something else if your wife doesnt like it. a small shop might do this for you, assuming its in as-new condition and returned quickly
remember, all guitars are different. taylors as i remember do have nice small, fast necks and are great for those with small hands/fingers