Buy him a gift from the "really useful gift" cataolgue (or Oxfam). I personally like to give goats - they help people move into self-sufficiency and buld a life in some of the more poor areas of the world. Advantages here are:

a) talking point! (what did you get for xmas? A goat!)
b) easy to pack and travel with (the picture of a goat and family story about how it helps them)
c) money goes where it's needed
d) you feel great
e) it's online, so you don't need to battle the crowds!
f) it can make the difference in people's lives.

If you're not into goats (maaaa) then zoos & seeing-eye dog places do the same thing - you can help with endangered species, part-sponsor a puppy etc.

Good luck!