Intel Nuc mini-computer
This amazing new mini-computer is the perfect little machine for running a Linux server and hosting a website. Or just experimenting with Linux in general. This is available on Amazon for $682.00. I think it would be fine for a server, as it has no fans and although it only has Intel HD Graphics 4400, it would run a Linux desktop fine. But you would not need a desktop installed on the PC if the machine was to be a server. Webmin and SSH could be used to control it, this would be all you would need to use this nice little computer. It could be used as a Squid proxy to filter Internet content, or just to SSH into to experiment with Linux commands. It can also be attached to the rear of a monitor to create an all-in-one computer.
An SSD and HDD can be installed to deliver a lot of storage space for a media streaming music server, or general file-server. I think this is a great deal. It comes with an OEM copy of Windows, but it could be wiped and replaced with Debian or Ubuntu Server.
Check out this nice little computer here.
The perfect Christmas present!