Don't the Shuns offer resharpening at a nominal price? X2 what Reks said, he is the man when it comes to obsessive knife knowledge. In my opinion it would be better to start good then scale up to "obsessive" when you feeel the need, Jacob has given me lots of good information on where to find the better quality cutlery. The Shun chef and paring knives you posted would be ideal first starts. If you want good and purty then you might look at a bit pricey but hey, it's a gift for you and you deserve it.
Oh, and you should get one of these just in case
Laguiole Wine Opener Draughtboard Ebony/Ivory
Sorry, OT.