Did you get ideas for your gift orchid? I have no clue on your second query but as a fairly new orchid nut I do think there are some easy ones that are not generally seen at Home Depot or the grocery store.
First consider if your friend will want to fuss to keep humidity up for the plant. No matter what kind you give them, some level of misting or other humidifying will be needed. Orchids are the one plant I've never given to my daughter because they live in Utah. Failure is nearly certain there.
I'd look for a Brassavola type as a beginner orchid. They're tolerant of a range of temperatures and bloom quite often given enough light. One I'm shopping for this week that makes a great holiday gift is B. Little Stars.
