I am probably going to go with this, if I can get it in/shipped to the UK,
https://www.hiyahiya-europe.com/gift-sets-and-cases/bamboo-pinnacle-plus-set
I’ve only used the metal needles, but they are a good company so the bamboo is probably nice, too. Looks like a nice set.
I use ONLY wood tips on my circ’s, they make it so much easier and no more stitches sliding off the needles. My only advice is, don’t get jaded on circular needles based on one brand youve tried (and do not like) because one kind of needle over another will totally change your opinion of them. I also advise to get circular needle tips that are not really long, that is, shorter needle length. Get long “cords”- it doesn’t matter if you are knitting something small, because you can twist a 36" cord so even a sock will fit on a long circ needle- that’s what I do. I did it myself, I didn’t learn it from any video or tutorial. I was just fiddling with a small pattern on a very long circular, and thought to myself, Gee this cord is WAY too long for my project, but wait a minute, if I twist a section, I can knit the project as if it is one short cord… You’ll figure it out, its too hard for me to explain on here. Maybe it is what they call “Magic Loop” I haven’t seen the videos. But, always get the LONGER circs because you can use them for large projects AND shorter width projects. No need to buy different sizes.
I think if she starts with this set she’ll be good for awhile. I actually prefer metal, but I like my wood a lot and use them often. Some yarns are stickier and then metal is good. Takes time and practice to find that out though.
Ugh, so that kit that I liked - in the region of $200 so will have to save up for that, have just found out that there is a Hobbycraft shop fairly nearby which sell KnitPro Symphonies which I also like the look of - has anyone used them?
That sounds familiar… if I’m not mistaken it’s the European branch of Knit Picks or Knitter’s Pride. Let me look around…
ETA: This Knitter’s Pride page “About us” says Knitpro is the European branch- http://www.knitterspride.com/aboutus.asp
On this page one of the comments half way down says she understood them to be the European version of Knit Picks. http://knitionary.blogspot.com/2014/03/needledmy-favorite-needles-and-super.html
I can tell you since I have both Knit Picks and Knitter’s Pride that the cables and needles are interchangeable. Knit Picks and Knitter’s Pride both have sampler sets so if Knit Pro does that would be a good way to find out if you like them. I did that and ended up buying both sets. (different times)
Thank you, it’s a toss up between the HiyaHiyas and the Symphonies, both about the same sort of price. I might just go on an Amazon spending spree as need silly things like stitch markers, needle tops (those little doo-dahs you put on the tips to stop the work falling off!), etc. Little accessories but it all adds up!
Yeah it sure does add up fast! Since I magic loop I don’t usually need needle protectors, but I’ve never found any that stayed well. Hope you do. Not sure what kind of stitch markers you’re looking for, but if possible find something that won’t catch on your yarn.
I’ve been a bit naughty - https://www.google.co.uk/#q=knitpro+zoonies+stitch+markers&tbm=shop&spd=16692767329294936411
I’ve put 3 different colours in my basket 
nice!