A subscription to Genii. What a wealth of knowledge encapsulated in those pages each month. But don't just give them the subscription - discuss with them each issue in depth. Help them discover why a knowledge of history, a knowledge of the current performers and why they are important, and some very effective magic that will be lost to many in a few years (because it's in print). Most important of all you could instill an interest in reading about magic in all its many facets that might encourage them to read more on their own.

Id second getting a book, wont have such an impact but my guess is that its worth it in the long run.

How about Henry Hay's Amateur Magician's Handbook and/or the Bill Tarr large books with the wonderful illustrations? If you can locate a copy of George Anderson's Magic Digest this would give the student a significant boost in the variety of good effects AND an important introduction to some meaningful Magical history as well.
(A Genii Magazine subscription may be too "advanced" to be of real value at this early stage...)

The tricks that I was given to the first time were Ball and Vase, magic coloring book and a dime to penny matchbox. They are good introduction to magic for beginners IMO.

For a book I would say Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic. For a DVD maybe one of the Easy to Master Card Miracles. Maybe not both of them just one but that is what I would suggest.

One of Jerry's encyclopedias! J/K. I'd say RRTCM, it's a good book, if they like card tricks. And Bobo's modern coin magic (even though I don't have it, I want to get it. Can I be your student? haha).

Don't forget to push aside the kids interest. Maybe he is into "street magic", bizarre magic,mentalism etc....

It is probably best if you head him in the right path of his main field in magic. He will totally be into that. I know I was thrilled when I discovered all the sub fields of magic.

SO I'd say talk to him about all that and get him something relevant to that. Wether its a book or whatnot.

If it was general magic.

Definetly the mark wilson course.OR even a sankey video. It has it all and he gets to meet a character magician, or a pretty good one atleast. Yes sankey is good. I think so.He contributes a ton.

The Wilson Course definitely.
Maybe a thumb tip, hank pull and Windsor Dye Box (Popcorn).
If they were wanting to learn escapology, as I did when I started at age 13, I'd give them the Abbott's 'Escapes' book, a heavy Siberian Chain and a cheap set of Peerless/S&W style handcuffs (but not the ultra-cheap Takeda copies).

Steve

A well taught DVD or clearly written book,preferably the ones that teach basic sleights.