but crocheting eats it up like crazy so you'd have to get her quite a lot of it and it can be expensive if you want quiviut or camel down.

There are specific breed wool fibers that will feel like pure luxury but aren't that much more expensive and some of it is even Superwash, meaning you have to work at it to get it to felt in the washer. Merino and Blue Faced Leicester are breeds to look for if you go over to Etsy or Artfire looking for yarn.

Also look at what she likes to do. If it's doilies, you'd actually be better off with cotton. If it's hats or other wearables, go for the luxury wool.