Need some ideas

A friend of mine has approached me asking for a photo session. Nothing in particular, just to have a few pictures to send to family and friends.
I suggested that just taking a few pictures isn't very interesting and unless he insists on a simple head shot and couple of body shots, he might want to consider doing some kind of theme photo shoot.
He's 40, just your average Joe.
I offered to take a business type shot in a suit and a tie, but he isn't interested.
As for the options, we have a park, we have a beach. I thought we could dress him up as a construction worker, smear some dirt on his face, give him a shovel and do an environmental portrait like that.
Other than that, I'm very short of ideas.
Need some help here.

Thanks a bunch, guys.

You said he is a "friend" of yours so I am guessing there must be some common interest between you two to have become friends, such as cards, bowling, bikes, hiking, darts, basketball, model planes, etc.

Why not theme the shoot towards something he enjoys doing, that will make it look more natural and easier for the both of you. If he is a "jeans and t-shirt" person like me, being in a suit and tie is way out of character and not pleasant for a photo shoot. What does he do for a living? Maybe get some shots of him doing his job. If he/you wants to go for out of character, have him looking at new Harley's at a showroom, or sitting on a friends bike. If he's into sports maybe some shots at a batting cage or driving range.

Karaoke night at a bar... Working on his car or his house... Gardening... Playing poker... Driving his car... Playing/listening to music... At a casino...

Whoa! Those are great! Thank you.
I was just blanking out for a moment.

Do a "Man-Up" calendar.

http://www.dailymail.c​o.uk …un-Fifties-pin-poses.html

That would be hysterical, but I'm pretty sure he won't go for it.