If he'd settle for a lump of coal, you may really make some points this Christmas if you ask him if he wouldn't rather be an "Engineer-for-a-Day" on a steam engine somewhere. There are several tourist railroads the offer "Guest Firemen or Engineer" programs. We can line you out with a short list if you like.
I don't know...but I'm thinking he may be poking around for something bigger than coal with this request..