Suggestions?

[Lopaka]

Next, what are some good brands that aren't too expensive, but would be fine enough for a special occasion or get together?

This is very very subjective. Best advice go to a Cigar shop and try them all. Many people like different Cigars for different reasons. I'm a Romeo y Julieta fan, however some swear to the Montecristo For me, I try to give someone something like a Romeo Y Julieta or Partagas or a nice Cohiba. However, again, everyone has their tastes.

There were 2 ziplock bags. Both had a mixture of Cohibas, MonteCristo's, Romeo Y Juliettas, and there were a couple other brands that I didn't recognize. Each one was in cello, then in a zip-lock bag, and then in another bag with ones of the same brand then they were grouped together in one of the large gallon sized bags...Do you think they can be salvaged? Should I put them in a humidor after I pick one up and leave them for a couple months or what?

I'm not sure the answer to this one. What your father did is what we in the traveling/military world call a poor man's humidor. Get a Ziplock bag, put a sponge or damp rag in it, put your Cigars, wait about 3-4 days and you are good to go. (I have done this a lot on Deployments and TDY's, works awesome!!) However, I've never heard of putting them in a fridge, someone else maybe able to answer that question better than little ole me.

Lopaka