Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>Should I get a coffee grinder? Does coffee get stale? Is fresh
>ground coffee better?

I agree you should ask your friend what she generally likes.

Some people have very refined taste, others like whatever is cheapest at
the supermarket.

The vast majority of people still drink coffee brewed in a drip pot,
like a "Mr. Coffee".

If she is "average" go to a decent department store and get a drip pot
like a Braun or Melitta model.

Sears has a Delonghi model that should be just about right.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...=00 869330000

It uses a paper filter.

Then go to a supermarket and buy coffee beans that you grind in the
store. Ask for help from a clerk if you need it, but the directions
should be clear for a drip pot. Buy no more than a pound at a time.

A good start is Columbian Supremo beans. If it comes out too strong or
weak, use more or less coffee in the filter.