If your animator is into 2D, then Adobe/Macromedia's Flash 8, should be at the top of your Christmas shopping lists. If you'd like to go the extra mile and expand on that, Studio 8 combines the latest versions of Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Contribute, and FlashPaper.
For the 2D traditionalist, there's Toon Boom Studio, Toon Boom Solo, and Toon Boom Harmony, programs that take a more traditional approach to the process of computerizing cel animation with some great effects.
