I would def. say a beardie....but read the care sheet first as they can be pricey and take a solid committment. They will need lot of interaction...they will need fresh greens everyday and they will need crickets everyday plus the right lighting. Make sure your mom is willing to make that committment as some kids really loose a little interest in the cleaning-feeding part.

As far as the birthday thing....ya know...my son wanted a snake for his 9th b day. (started our obsession) His grandma ended buying him his first BP. Really I don't have a problem with giving them as presents but the parents are the ones that need to follow up and ensure it is being taken properly.