B.T.
J.,
I know that you don't want to get a "boring" card, but you could get a different type. A lot of kids have heard of the stores in malls, etc... Maybe you could get him a card for American Eagle or Aero or Barnes and Noble until you can get to know him a little bit. Or you could get a VISA gift card. You are right it is hard without knowing him; but, at the same time a specialty card might say to him that you took that time to think about him, which is what it sounds like you want. I know that when I gave my teenage cousin those cards, she liked it better than when I gave her a Wal-Mart card.
B.