Many here would be glad to help. Firstly though, what are you wanting/willing to spend, what is your budget for the gift? That may make it able for us to narrow down your search. I'd gladly make recommendations at that point, as I am sure others too.
Not my cup of tea. Glad many like these but I am NOT a fan of Manga/Anime style artwork. It works on some of them but most of them are a total turnoff to me. Its why I can't get into Force of Will or others of its ilk. I know I am in the minority but I bet I'm not the only one.
Vivien's Grizzly is definitely interesting, I will be trying to squeeze it into a mono green tron build to test its mettle. Maybe use Explorer's Scope for top card identification? What are other good ones people can think of?
Grim Initiate looks interesting to me. I like token decks and I like cheap cheatures that get you another creature after they die. Plus it and the token is a zombie. Its why I also like Lazotep Reaver. Two bodies at 2/3 for 2 cmc.
In no particular order
Richard Kane Ferguson
Mark Tedin
Rebecca Guay
John Avon
Seb McKinnon
Another 2 cmc artifact that draws you a card. Now certain decks can run 12 of these for card draw. Ugh.
In total agreement.
My EldraziTron deck is getting some toys this set.
Oops missed the above reference, sorry. Thumbs up to Elostirion for the link. YUB NUB!!
Sure is nice to have new options isn't it.
Question is how many of each and what gets bumped out.
Would be fun T1 on the play to Dark Ritual then this. Strip a card and get a body on the field.
I'll be honest, I'd rather be playing Fierce Empath or Ancient Stirrings instead of VG.
Probably not, as you say, but now with copies 5-8 maybe it will pop up in some sort of WB reanimator strategy. Time will tell.
I also wonder if Rising Populace has a place somewhere.
Legacy Burn may have as well. Fireblast for free without the land sack.