I've used toe clips and clip-in cleats extensively. I believe SPD cleats are easier to use for a beginner than toe clips. Getting in is a little tricky but slightly easier than getting into toe clips. Of course, you do have to remember to clip out before reaching a complete stop. It is normal to forget once or twice, which usually leads you to fall over to the side. But this happens at low speed or no speed, so you probably won't hit hard. Clip out by twisting your ankle out.

If you get dual purpose pedals (that are SPD on only one side) that [MENTION=131041]mountaindave[/MENTION]'s wife loves, you may have to flip the pedal with your foot to get the cleated side. If it's weighted, then you'll have to flip it to get the non-cleated side. This isn't terribly inconvenient, and it allows you to ride with an uncleated shoe, which might be a consideration. On the other hand, if you get the kind that have SPD on both sides, you can clip in without flipping or looking. You just have to aim your foot for the right part of the pedal and press down. It's quicker and easier. But, of course, it limits you to cleated shoes. Riding those pedals without cleats is uncomfortable; it feels like pedaling on a golf ball.