Alternatively, maybe ask if on the go gaming is their thing. I have played more games since I got my rg35xx sp than any steam sale before (there are many others of similar features at similar price points, more expensive ones to get PS2 and GameCube capable emulation). Waiting for someone? Game. Appointment call taking long? Game. Work lunch time and have some minutes to spare? Game.

Game changer. In my case I sacrificed capabilities (ps1 and n64 only for easy to emulate tittles), but I can even play GT2 on the go, what I hoped GT for PSP should have been. Depending on when they grew up, it might be a worthy sacrifice for portability.