The downside to getting a "cool" controller is that all of them (that I'm aware of) are wired. Only the real Xbox 360 controllers from Microsoft are wireless. You should probably just go with the real deal.

Try to get one of the 360 controllers with the twist D-pad. This one comes with a play and charge w/transforming D-pad for a good price, but it's not one of the fancy custom controllers though. 

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Wireless-Controller-Transforming-Charge/dp/B00936K09S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381707714&sr=8-2&keywords=360+controller+with+play+and+charge

Unless something has changed, I have to disagree with this BIG TIME. I was so stoked for the Onza before it came out, waiting, and waiting and waiting. Once I got it,  I loved it, the second set of mappable bumpers and overall asthetic of the controller, all legit. I ended buying another one for my son and hyped it to death to my friends, one of them bought it. Well they are all DEAD and have been for a while. Believe me when I tell you that I sooooo wanted the Onza to be the second comming but in the end, it's was a giant piece of shit for me.

The only thing I'd suggest is NOT to go with any 3rd party controllers no matter how nice they look.

I once bought a blinged out 3rd party controller that had insane light works, custom grip and even sported two extra triggers (6 triggers total), remappable buttons as well as a set of 3 analogue sticks so that you could change the height of the sticks for more precision depending on the game.

When I actually used it, the game was virtually unplayable with the controller. It has big with horrible ergonomics, the lights were too intense in the dark and worse of all the analogue sticks had crazy dead zones that made it almost impossible to aim in FPS games. Returned the controller the next day.

So yeah my advice is to buy official controllers even if they don't look as cool. At least you'll be able to play your games.

Maybe it is a case by case issue. I use a Razer Onza Pro for my PC gaming needs and have never run into an issue.

What was the main issue you had? I bought the wired version.

I take it the Halo 4 controller is official, its wireless also, I can get it from game for about £45

The two controllers in my house developed a couple of different issues. Mainly issues with the analog sticks not doing what they are supposed to and also bumper issues. I don't remember exactly what happened with my friend's controller, only that he had it replaced through Amazon and had some other problem with the replacement. Looking around online, you'll find that people who don't have any problems are in the minority, just peep Amazon's reviews for instance.

I really wish it didn't go down like that because I was in love with the controller. It really sucked going back to the standard 360 controller after playing hard for a couple of months with the Onza. Oh and my controllers were also the TE version as was my friend's.

Nope, no charger cable. Xbox use replaceable batteries.  Or you can buy rechargeable ones for them.

I'm really happy with my Elops or other NiHi rechargeable.  They work in everything else too - My WiiMote, Camera, Cordless Mouse, remotes, etc.

Like these:  http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abatteries%20aa%20rechargeable

They also have 'play and charge kits'  http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Xbox-360-Play-and-Charge-Kit/productID.253685000

But check and see, they probably already have something like that. 

Those Halo 4 controllers are sweet – partially see through with nice blue lights.  Hope it makes them really happy.  I know it would me.

Go the Halo 4 controller. I have one and it's awesome. I've had a razor onza tournament edition or whatever it was called and it broke. They all do. Official controllers are the best.

of all the pads I have bought this gen, this is the one that lasted the most so far... it has the new twist D-pad comes with a charger kit and seems to me like it has sturdier parts... (trigger springs and XYAB buttons seem to not wear off as fast that my other pads) I know you look for something shinny for the cousin.... just letting you know my own experience...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Official-XBox-360-SILVER-Wireless-Controller-Play-Charge-Kit-microsoft-OEM-/360637237175?pt=US_Video_Game_Controllers&hash=item53f7a787b7