You should get tons of advice, most of it good, from your questions. First, make sure your boyfriend understands the absolute need to get instruction. The best source for this is a local club that has rc instructors. It is extremely easy to crash a plane if you try to go it alone(there are those that will say it's a given that he will crash it if he doesn't get instruction. I just say it's highly likely.)

As to type and looks. For a first plane, a trainer is a must. There are several good ones both in kit form and in ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) form. If he likes to build, a Sig LT40 is a good place to start, but he will still need radio, engine, prop, etc. A good ARF is a Hobbico Avistar Select. This particular combination has a number of things going for it, among which are it includes a radio, engine, and prop. In fact, about the only thing he will need will be an instructor and some fuel (extra props and glow plugs are also HIGHLY recommended).

Hope this helps, some.