Reddit reviews Ultra Pro PRO-Matte Standard Deck Protectors, Pack of 100, Blue

Just adding links as everyone else is correct and it sounds like you may not know much about Magic yourself.

The newest set is Khans of Tarkir. You should start there if you are not sure of the format he plays as you basically can't go wrong with it, especially since some of the cards in the set are used in older formats.

As others have said it might be best to start with two premade decks so he can try getting others there into it. Good start would be:

Deck 1

Deck 2

Or you could go for this duel deck, which is a new product as well but not all of the cards are standard playable: Speed v. Cunning

Fatpacks are also very good product and exciting to get but are used as supplements to already made decks (so they make good compliments if you get the other decks I listed)

Finally, you should probably get at least 80 sleeves per deck. Ultra Pro Pro Matte are well priced and pretty decent. These are packs of 100, so if you get two decks and/or the duel deck you should also send two of these, and it is best if you get different colors so it is easier to differentiate between decks when he plays:

Ultra Pro Sleeves - Pro Matte - Green

Ultra Pro Sleeves - Pro Matte - Blue

Hope that helps!

Well... Modern is not a cheap format. Good decks are several hundred dollars at least. Here is a forum that specializes in budget Modern decks, maybe you can find one on here that appeals to his play style. Sleeves are easier. At the very cheap end of the spectrum there are penny sleeves, that literally cost a penny each but aren't very durable. My choice for 'budget' sleeves would be Ultra Pro Pro-Mattes. Hope this helps.

Those would be thinner than the ones I'm using.

https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Pro-PRO-MATTE-Standard-Protectors/dp/B00A3H5MDA/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1506651422&sr=8-13&keywords=ultra+pro+sleeves

I believe this is the correct one I am using. Cards fit snugly and it gives it a little more protection. Not sure about those in the link, it says "non-glare", not sure if mine were non glare. I don't know if that would mess with the clarity at all of the artwork. May be something to research.

Card sleeves are a must I think, the cards are so dang hard to shuffle without them!