firstly i think different chinese regions have different customs,and i know people don't like sending clocks as it has the same pronunciation of 送终（something similar to go to a funeral).If you don't want to spend too much time considering what gifts to give, the safiest choices are fruits or cookies or other popular food, snacks.But if you want to impress someone,you should know his or her taste. Genarally, we chinese are very kind and most people won't be demanding in this gift issue. btw,stationery is ok,but adults don't usually do that.If he likes classical music, a cd maybe suitable. Anyway,just learn more about the preference of the person you want to send gift to.