Hi Zerooooooo
Parej is right , binoculars do fair well for this.
When I started Astronomy I bought myself a Celestron 80MM Scope which I Picked up for 200.00, honestly, it served me well when I started out, I have since moved on to a much larger scope. But my other scope was great for a beginner.
Heres where you can find one
good luck, what a GREAT present your father will receive, I think you are very thougthful.
Also try the Celestron AstroMaster 114 EQ Reflector Telescope, this is on an Equatorial Mount and is on sale for 149.99
http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes...qreflector.cfm
http://www.telescopes.com/telescopes...ttelescope.cfm