Yeah my first meer was purchased by my father in law who took me shopping for a pipe. It was a little calabash. I love that pipe and the memories are priceless
My first pipe was a Savinelli and I still have it. It just so happens my son has been smoking it with some Boswell aromatics. I am trying to get him off the cigarettes and into the pipe.
I think all of the recommendations are good. one thing I would add is to maybe get him 2. A cob and some sort of briar. since the cob is cheap you could probably do them both on your budget. just my 2 cents.