Acoustic guitar as a gift < $500

Hi guys, I’m searching for an acoustic 6 string guitar for my girlfriend for Christmas. She used to play for many years and wants to get back into it. I have almost no knowledge of guitars, guitar brands, etc.

I want to keep this around $250-500. I’m looking at prices and I see $5,000 and $150 acoustic guitars and I have to wonder why? I mean it’s wood and metal strings, not much to it from my perspective of an electronic music guy. But I don’t know what I don’t know, so can you guys recommend a best bang for buck guitar for my gf?