I would recommend that when buying an animal for someone, that they help in picking it out. It doesn't matter much if you buy a sweater for someone and they don't like it and it ends up sitting in a drawer unused until it finally gets given to some charity or just thrown out. With a living animal, it is much more important to be sure they want the animal you give them.

I agree with the people who have suggested corn snakes. They are great. We have had one that is our 11 yr old daughter's for about 4 months now, and the whole family absolutely loves it, so much so that we just got a second one.

However, if the child in question has their mind set on something different, there are plenty of other alternatives that would work as well. I do not have personal experience with them, but I believe most kingsnakes and milksnakes are also easy to care for. They don't come in quite as many colors as corns, but they do have some wonderful contrasting colors which create a very striking appearance.

Ball pythons are more difficult, but there are plenty of people who have kept them successfully as their first snake. If the child in question really wants a BP, the parents should consider whether they are willing to spend a little more which may be required to keep the temps and humidity just right, and also whether or not their child is one who is responsible enough to maintain a more precise environment.

No matter what species is chosen, it should be researched thoroughly before purchasing. Going back to what I said in the first paragraph, I'd suggest that the research be a family effort, or perhaps even require that the child do a big portion of it themselves. This would help show whether or not he is really interested & dedicated enough.

Also no matter what species is chosen, it will be around for many years if it receives proper care. The parents should not purchase a snake if they are not willing to take care of it while their son is away at college.