Reddit reviews Ateco 783-55 Piece Cake Decorating Set, Includes 52 Stainless Steel Tubes, 1 Standard Coupler, 2 Flower Nails in Hinged Storage Box, 55, Silver

It's so nice that you want to do this for your wife! Does she like to do cupcakes/cakes? Do you know what equipment she has?

For tips, I would recommend a nice set from Ateco. You can buy a less expensive version by Wilton, but I feel like their tips warp/bend way too easily. I have the 55 piece, but there is also a 14 piece version available:

https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-55-Piece-Stainless-Decorating-Storage/dp/B0000DE12F/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492868478&sr=8-2&keywords=ateco+tips

https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-14-Piece-Cake-Decorating-Set/dp/B000BVFYTA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1492868478&sr=8-5&keywords=ateco+tips

I (again) prefer Ateco's piping bags, but Wilton will also work fine. Wilton bags have split on me before, but I am also a semi-professional and very picky. :D I also prefer the smaller 12-in bags in general, because I can control the flow a lot easier.

https://www.amazon.com/Ateco-DISPOSABLE-PASTRY-BAGS/dp/B01EXHJCTA/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1492868619&sr=8-6&keywords=piping+bags

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-Disposable-16-Inch-Decorating-Bags/dp/B00175TFJ4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1492868619&sr=8-5&keywords=piping+bags

She might like using these bag ties. Much easier than a rubber band.

https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-417-173-Icing-Bag-Ties/dp/B000PBZHOS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492868890&sr=8-1&keywords=wilton+bands

For cake pans, I like Fat Daddio. They're relatively inexpensive and bake evenly.

https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-Anodized-Aluminum-Inches/dp/B0000VLIH8/ref=sr_1_3?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1492868964&sr=1-3&keywords=cake+pan+fat+daddio

I'm not a super big fan of cupcakes, but I got my pans from Sur La Table, but there are definitely cheaper options on Amazon.

Some other general tools that are helpful are straight/offset spatulas in different sizes (Wilton, OXO, Ateco all make them), cookie scoops if she's into cookies (OXO makes very sturdy ones that have lasted nearly 10 years for me). I would also get her a kitchen scale or measuring cups spoons, parchment paper, cooling racks, cake tester/toothpicks.

I would highly recommend Ateco as a brand to focus on. I have been using my Ateco stuff for years and have yet to replace anything from them.

I would personally avoid Wilton like the plague but I know a lot of people love the brand. I find most of their stuff to be too cheap and flimsy however. With that said, the first thing I ever got was a cake decorating kit by Wilton. I used it a bit and then switched to all Ateco all the time.

As far as stuff I would recommend here you go.

Chicago Metallic Cookie Sheet

Chicago Metallic Muffin Pan

Ateco 10 piece star tip set

Ateco 10 piece plain tip set

Ateco 55 piece decorator set

Ateco 12 piece gel color set

Fat Daddio's 6x4 cake pan (this is perfect for smaller cakes, I use it when making cakes for the missus and myself)

And then of course there is the expensive stuff like a mixer and all of that.

Hope that helps. Also, sorry about the Canadian links, I have some of that on my wishlist so it was easy to get the links that way.

small or large are both good basic kits. You can use them with regular quart or gallon ziplock bags and learn to make your own icing or use store bought icing (the consistency of the icing is important in decorating). If you look up the tip, you can see what types of pattern it is used for

you can look at some basics here. They also have other information about leveling cakes, etc. After that I would say seek out the types of things you want to create. Google image search is your friend for finding cute cake ideas :) If you see something you want to try then just google for a video or basic tutorial. For example say you want to learn methods of piping borders, just look for videos like this one. If you're not sure what to look for you can always ask r/baking and I'm sure they can help out.