Take the wife to the gun store and let her pick whatever .22 she likes. My wife tends to gravitate towards the old SAA style single actions. She like the Ruger MKIII Competition Target I have but likes the lighter weight and more involved process of her Single Six. She also prefers my single shot bolt action .22 rifle to the Remington 597 we have.
She says she finds the loading, cocking, firing, unloading, reloading process relaxing. She also likes the way the grip feels in the hand and classic good looks.
Also, have her go through the process if she hasn't ever purchased one before. It's a valuable experience. My wife just bought her first firearm all by herself this weekend. Well, I was there but told her to get whatever she wants and that I'd answer any questions but wouldn't offer any opinions. She ended up with a Single Six in .32 H&R.