Who needs money? Go all out.
If you have any plans to upgrade then the 10/22 is the way to go. If you want to keep it stock, then the Marlin model 60 or Remington 597 are also great choices. As for a bolt action, Marlin makes a great rifle for the money. If you want something a little nicer. I would suggest a Savage.
I grew up on a marlin 60. Great gun, but if you want to shoot all day the tube feed becomes a pain in the butt.
I had a Rem 597 and it was ok, but it had a lot of feeding issues and the accuracy just wasn't there.
I had a GSG-5 for a while, and that was a great fun little rifle, but it's hard to justify such an expensive
I've never really cared for the feel or fit of the 10-22 and I really don't like the flip up rear sight, but it's the most time proven semi auto design around and the aftermarket support is second to none. My only real gripe is that it's hard to find a reliable high capacity mag for the gun, but this can be offset by the ease of using a magazine speed loader that'll save your thumb and give you more time shooting and less time loading.
If it's for kids you may think about a S&W 15-22. The adjustable stock would work well as they grow and it may look cooler to them and get them more interested in shooting. Can always load the mags one at a time.