I was also going to suggest Neil, and the idea of a second shave-ready razor is also a good one.
For learning to strop, newspaper is a great medium. Fold a half sheet four or so times, anchor one end of it in a bulldog paperclip, and strop away. If you nick it, no problem, and it's also not tough enough to damage the blade.
It's also good to practice the stropping motion with a butter knife before putting the strop and razor at collective risk.
Nice present, good luck with it all!
