I had the 2nd generation apple watch for months before i sold it to my mom. Its very worth it. Yes you can text on it. But not by typing. Its voice-to-text texting. You speak into it and it puts it on the screen. The second generation also has GPS so if he runs he can track where he runs on a map on the watch and see how many miles he ran.

The only reason i sold it is because i dont exercise. And i never used it. Partially cuz wearing a watch is not my thing. I barely wear bracelets. So a watch was a no go.

They run 399 for the second generation.

Let me know if you have anymore questions!