Happy hunting, Mike.
I had a great time with my microscope too at that age!
(...and my chemistry set, and electronics starter kit from Dick Smith
- all great ideas at that age
).
I was nearly going to suggest a USB microscope like mine (~$150) but then I realised he probably doesn't have his own laptop/computer
... now there's another great gift idea, next time you're upgrading your lappy!
Al.