He doesn't sound too noobish, except for the "got it for X-mas" part.
First of all, DON'T BUY NEW PNEUNATICS!! Keep the front block all stock for as long as you can. Replace something when something breaks. Only then should you get a new gadget.
The next upgrade I would buy is a new trigger frame. I highly recomend the benchmarks.
And I know some will say the stock reg is fine, but you would be so much happier with an adjustable reg such as a vigilante or any other Air America reg.
If you don't already, get a cheap nitro tank.
Other than that, I would not get anything else, spend the rest on paint, and field addmission.
Have fun with it!