He was looking at electric guitars on ebay but I really don't want to buy there since I don't know anything about them. I'd prefer to not spend a ton of money on it since I have no clue if he will be any good or even like it.
Anyone know anything about guitars?

Instead of typing what he says I'll let Shannon give his 2cents himself. lol

this is dh, if he is wanting a acoustic, i would say check out charvel, washburn, and fender acoustics, they are well within price range. (recommend learning on an acoustic, less equipment and makes your fingers stronger, can always play electric later) if he is wanting to learn electric there are alot of options, hamer makes good elctrics and you can find them on ebay cheap
( the californian comes to mind ) peavy are one of my favorites usa made and affordable ( tracer, predator, g-90) fender squire series is also a more affordable. i would say gow ith something that does not have a floyd rose or kayler tremolo for learning because changing strings are a pain in the butt.

http://www.music123.com/Yamaha-Gig-Maker-DLX-i141887.music

This guitar is the one I purchased for my son and he is very pleased with it.

I bought an Ibanez starter kit (acoustic) like the one Susannah posted on e-bay for about $100 last year. It was shipped nice and quick and my son loves it. He also saved his money and bought a Fender Squire starter electric kit, but quickly wanted a better guitar. I think he ended up trading or buying from a friend on layaway.