wanting a d-slr for Christmas: advice?

buy a 70-200 f/4L used for $500

buy a t3i used for $500

ideally you'd want a faster zoom - f/2.8 - but it's going to blow your budget out of the water.  the 70-200 f/4L is a great lens, consistent f/4, and if you outgrow it you'll be able to sell it for pretty much what you paid for it.