Any cake decorators here?

I am looking for a piping kit/set for a friend for Christmas. My budget is about $30. I have been browsing online but I don't know anything about what makes a piping kit a good one.

Do you have any tips on buying one?
Do you prefer disposable bags?
Any brands that you recommend or do not recommend?
Syringe versus bags?

Thanks in advance!

There used to be some ladies who took classes in cake decorating on the July 2007 forum.

I might look in the yellow pages for a cooking school and talk to them about what to look for. You could even go to a bakery and talk to them. A good kitchen shop might offer you suggestions as well.