MP3 player would be one of the best ideas, popular ones are ipods, zunes, creative labs, etc. Also there are a lot of digital book readers out there, The Kindle, Sony Reader, The Nook; these would be great too, because they carry books and will eventually carry News papers and other "print" media. Or you can find out what type of electronics he uses and give him some spare batteries, razors to shave with practical stuff is always great for men especially older men.