If you are building something close to a Ducky one 2 mini why not just buy that as a gift lol.
I did think about that, but I thought it'd be more meaningful if I made it for him. You know all that cheesy friend stuff 
. Plus, I can get a chance dip my toes straight into the building aspect of mechanical
keyboards which are what really attracted me to the hobby.
Also don't get a 2u plate but a 2.25U 2U is non standard and you would need to find a special non standard key-cap for left shift. Don't do that or you will end up like the /r/mechanicalkeyboards where people put caps lock there and looks ugly as fu 
The stabilizers are PCB mount wont work with the plate you choose. You need screw in or stab in stabilizers. Never cheap out on that get some everglide stabilizers they cost more but who wants rattily stabilizers ew.
I would change the PCB to a DZ60 and if its hard to get you can get a GH60. I haven't used a GH60 for a long time but from what i remember it should also work with QMK please someone correct me if i am wrong.
Sounds like I still have a lot to learn, but I want to make this the best I can so I really appreciate all this advice.
SA keycaps are you sure your friend enjoys tall key-caps?
I thought the only difference in key-caps was the material (ABS vs PBT). I figured since I was looking for those that pertain to mechanical keyboards that they'd all be the same height and
shape lol What would you recommend?
Props to you on wanting to build something with your own 2 hands, its super fun if you really get into it.
On the topic of keycaps, there are a lot of different profiles (shapes & sizes) to consider.
Most people are used to cherry profile and OEM profile. There are profiles like SA and DSA that heavily deviate from the current standard design of keycaps also. Other profiles you can consider are MDA, KAT, MT3, etc (these are the newer stuff that are community created). In the end though, go with what you're comfortable with and what you feel your friend would appreciate (cherry or OEM is probably going to be it, tbh haha)
After profile comes the material of the keycap. 2 most common are ABS and PBT, there are low quality ABS caps that most people are used to (same stuff that comes on gamer keyboards and other off-the-shelf brands) and high quality ABS (we're talking GMK, where keycaps can be priced upwards of $190-200 a set). Then there is PBT, much more durable and less prone to shine, and often more affordable (anywhere from $35 up to $180 for the high end stuff, but the cheaper stuff is still pretty good compared to cheap ABS)
Usual recommendation thrown around here (for good reason) is to take your time diving into the hobby and learn about what's out there, what you like, and what you'll ultimate decide is worth your time and investment.
Hope this helps
