This might well be ill conceived on my part, but...
1. What's your budget? - Ideally around £200-£300, though I might be pushed up to £400-ish if need be. Nothing north of £500 please
2. What size/form factor do you prefer? - Your archetypal DSLR shell is probably about right. See, this isn't actually for me, but...
3. What kinds of subjects will you be shooting? - For my Dad. This would most likely get put to use whenever he goes on holiday, and/or when taking pictures to secure memories of family. This is partly in anticipation of my brother's wedding later this year.
4. What level of photography experience do you have? - Irrelevant I suppose
5. Do you plan on upgrading in the future with lenses and accessories? - He might, but I suspect not. Dad's very much a 'one and use it as long as I can' kinda guy - that or he replaces it outright.
So yeah, hoping to get a relatively cheap but nevertheless good - and decidedly above a phone, I think he has an S7? - camera as a birthday gift for my Dad. This is in the UK, so bear that in mind for pricing. I may consider secondhand options, but with this sort of thing an option where he has the full protection of a warranty would be ideal.