What tools make woodcut carving easier with weaker hands?

I’d start with a simple bench hook or carving board that braces against the edge of the bench. It can keep the work from shifting without making him clamp and hold it at the same time. A vise can be useful for some jobs, but it may not be the best first purchase for carving small illustrations.

If you can, let him try the setup before buying. The right arrangement depends on the size of the block and how he prefers to position his hands.

Look at the whole job, not just the handle of the carving tool. A properly sharpened tool takes less force to push, and starting with a smaller block or a rough-cut shape means less material to remove by hand. There are plenty of projects that work on small pieces, so he wouldn’t have to tackle a large block.

A stable support for the wood is probably a better gift than a complicated holder, unless he already knows exactly what kind he wants.

A small laser engraver could transfer or burn the illustration onto the wood, which may save the work of drawing the design by hand. It’s more of a way to get started on the artwork than a replacement for carving, so it won’t solve the hand-strength part of cutting the image.

If the main goal is comfortable carving, I’d prioritize a secure bench setup and let him choose the tool grips that feel good. The laser could be an optional extra if he’s interested in experimenting with that workflow.