Does he like plants? Get him a bonsai. Schefflera Arboricola (Dwarf Hawaiian Umbrella plant) is a SUPER easy bonsai, so is Ficus Benjamina, Ficus Retusa (Pretty much any ficus) and all can be bought for like $20 - $30
I took a chance one year and got my mom a bonsai for mothers day . . . . have never had a problem getting a gift since. She now gets a new tree every year and loves it.