Marlene:
Seed beads, like anything else, come in all different quality grades. Because they are so small and generally come in mass quantities, it's hard to tell quality until you work with them, unless you're working with a particular brand and type.
Historically, seed beads are generally uneven in shape because they weren't machine made. At a glance, a package of Czech seed beads, size 11, might all appear the same size, but when you start to work with them, the minute differences in hole placement, height and roundness begin to show. Generally, the best seed beads come from Japan - either Miyuki or Toho, round or cylinder. They are the most even in shape, color and hole size, and if you are doing flat weaving (loom, brick or peyote, RAW), where there is a need for precision, then you definitely want Japanese seed beads. I've found that using Czech or even very inexpensive Chinese seed beads are find for spirals with mixed size beads - i.e., when you are only using the seed beads as filler. These types of seed beads are also gread for spacers and simple stringing, which there is no real requirement for absolute evenness.
Also beware of seed beads in the pinks and purples. Most often, beads have been dyed that color, which will wear or flake off before you've finished your project.
I'm betting that the seed beads in your daughter's gift are Chinese in origin, but there should be no reason not to use them.
Lita
Please see my projects at Stoneheart Beads