You got to buy it for him.

You got to buy it for him. Do not underestimate the importance of a decent instrument to a talented player. To the untrained ears, everything sounds the same. To musical ears, it could mean a whole different world. It is more just the sound. The design, craftsmanship, and material could make an instrument much more responsive to the player. Van Cliburn still thanks his mother for buying him a Steinway when he started learning piano.

I do not know much about flute, but I am going to suggest anyway. Could you consider buying a used? I know you are thinking about hygiene. I am sure it be cleaned and sterilized, though check with his teacher about that. With this economy, you may be able to find a really good deal, if you are patient.