The music stores a full of their "Christmas" guitars. You will find the good stores will carry a lot of very cheap - pretty good electrics. Ask your local guitar store for help. Talk to the guys, and decide for yourself. There are some especially ood, especially cheap Fender copies - Stratocaster models. I think they're actually made by Fender, or under their 'license' .... also, some good names of lower proced instruments (and these are not toys); Charvel, Kramer, Jackson, Ibanez. Some of the manufacturers have higher priced offerings, but their low end guitars are pretty good.

If i were you, I'd look seriously at the Fender copies, I wish I could remember their name, but your guitar store people will know.