BTC and ETH are more stable and safer. If you want risk more (and probably gain more) you can chose by a lot of ALT coins. I suggest you to give a look at DeepOnion.
Nice suggestions. Ehereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) is most powerful and most trusted coin for investment.
He is a newcomer, so he try with two coins. Long-term investment it will be better.
So, should first time with Bitcoin money.