Rebel T3 need help with external flash and new lens

[MW150]

Last year I bought my Girlfriend the rebel T3 and she loves it for her first nice camera but the built in flash isnt the greatest and she is wanting another lens that can zoom in further. I have no idea about cameras, would the 430ex flash work with the T3 the few post I read said it was a good all around flash or would the 270 be enuff either way I want to make shure it will work with the camera. I am also looking to get her a new lens any suggestions on a better lens than came on it nothing huge just a good next step. This would be for x-mas and I would like to keep the pair under 600$ if that helps

thanks

 

[laynea24]

What do you mean by better lens? What lens does she have now?