You really need to think about his personality and things he liked to do before really deciding what kind of project to make. There are just so many options. I would say on limited time, table runners are a good way to go - or candle mats or something like that... small and uses up smaller amounts of materials.. but if you could tell us some of his hobbies and whatnot, I'm sure that someone will be able to come up with a great block idea :)