I want to build an EDM set up for my boyfriend - What do you wish you knew/had as a beginner

Hi all! I want to surprise my boyfriend for his birthday with a full EDM setup to start producing EDM music.

My budget is around $800 USD

I've done a bit of research, but this is really one of my starting points to figure out what I want to get him. What do you wish you knew before producing music; what do you wish you had access to? Best software, tools, etc.

I really love this guy, I wanna make/get him something freakin awesome -- please help me to achieve it! :)