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Hi Mandi and welcome!
Malcolm as ever offers sage advice. And I agree in principle that discussing a personal gift like a telescope is a good idea. But it would be very hard to go past an 8" dob as a starter scope. Except for a 10".
This is from my own personal experience. My beloved had often suggested that I get a telescope and even paid for an observing weekend for me which I loved and gave me a great idea what to expect. And what type of scope I'd like. And I thought "I probably wouldn't use it enough to justify the expense". She ended up buying me a 4" Tasco as a surprise present and I loved it and was out with it every night even though I knew it was nowhere near what I wanted (a 10" dob). If she'd discussed it with me first, I would have discouraged her. So she couldn't get me the right scope but she got me the right scope as it got me started. And then I got myself a 12" dob with rather indecent haste. So a bit of a ramble - there is a case for discussing and a case in my case for not! But an 8" dob would be a great start. 10" only $649 + $50 postage at Andrews' at the moment...
If you have time before his birthday, a session with a local group is always a very good idea.
Sorry for running on. Hope you and your love enjoy the new scope, whatever you choose and however you make the choice.
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