You may want to explore those desk clocks. Sounds cheap, but if you take a look at the technology these days they have some really good clocks. There are those which may remind him of the day/anniversaries/globaltime. Some even change colour with loud sound. Another idea would be a drill machine with a drilling set for wood and cement. He will like it even if he does'nt know how to use it. (Joke). Just throwing some ideas.