Lots of good info there. Ales are the way to go for beginners, however stout is probably the easiest if you don't try to replicate Guinness right off the bat. Leave larger till you've made a few batches and/or buy a second fridge. If you live somewhere, where local laws allow you to brew on a commercial hobby brew premises this might be the best way to get started. That way you can have your questions answered quickly in real (ale) time by someone with experience. If you can't go that route then your going to need some equipment. You're better off to buy some equipment that you can use for the long haul rather than spend your money on temporary type stuff. Chances are he is quite serious about this hobby and will enjoy making (eventually) very good tasting beer.

If you need info on what a starter kit should contain you can pm me. I've been making beer for about 12 years and have a draught system in my basement. I condition my beer in used stainless steel soft drink kegs. You can pick them up for about $20 Can. I draught the beer out of the keg using C02 gas. You can pick up a bottle of gas and the regulators for under $200 Can. The bottle of gas will last you a long while and can be refilled for about $16. The last time I filled was last year some time. This type of system gets around having to clean bottles, a horrible chore. Anyway let me know if you want more info. Den