That's a very tough question Angelus. It would also help to know what camera your [wonderful] daughter got you. Is it a DSLR, a micro-four-thirds? I am assuming it has interchangeable lens. Also you need to look at how much you wish to spend on the lens.
I was buying a scope for a rifle several years ago, the scope was almost twice the price of the rifle! I asked the sales guy if I should spend more on the scope than on the rifle... he said something so profound, that it carried with me even until today... and its very applicable for this situation. He said, if you can't see it, you can't shoot it!
There are powerful lens out there that'll set you back a couple of mortgage payments, then there are cheap lens. Always remember that with lens, you usually get exactly what you pay for. Buy cheap, get cheap. What does a cheap lens get you? Images that just aren't right. They're just short of spectacular.
Also, if you get a big zoom lens, know that the further you zoom, the more you'll pick-up camera shake--which makes for blurry pics. That doesn't matter if its the least or most expensive glass out there, when you are dealing with zooms, shake is always your enemy.
If you'd like to tell what kind of camera, the "geniuses" on this site will probably be better adept at helping you make the right choice.
If you do have a DX format DSLR, you might want to go with the: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Read more: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR II - Nikkor F-Mount Lenses - Nikon Lens Database - Lens Database - NikonForums.com