Both @johnread57 @mrdecibel are spot on.
Speakers first, and then have him listen to the music he likes and enjoys already.
I'll explain why: First, speakers make more of a difference to newbie's then electronics. Second, a good friend of mine (whom I wanted to keep as a good friend), wanted to buy new speakers and said he found these amazing ones (brand not important for the story) and wanted me to listen to them.
I agreed they sounded amazing, but they were being demo'd using only classical music, which he never listened too. As soon as we put on his favorite music, they did not sound as good, a bit bland and the soundstage collapsed. He ended up with a different pair that brought life to the the music he listen to. He's still happy with them 6 years later. It also helped him pick up better electronics later.
Hope this helps.