How to play Minecraft multi player

[SorryPardonWhat]

My nearly 9yo is obsessed with Minecraft but only plays on his Switch Lite. He's is desperate to play with others so is asking for an Xbox and a headset for his birthday to do this. Is an Xbox the way to go for this or will an iPad do the job? I'm not sure whether to get him an Xbox or mini iPad for his birthday... I've never used an Xbox in my life but very at home with an iPad!

It's entirely your choice. The Minecraft works on Xbox are in my opinion better and there is more to use (if in creative mode) you can put a pass key on so he can't get in without you putting it on for him. And even timers too.