This one's always difficult, but there are some cigars like JR Alts which are a well made cigar with decent tobacco that may not appeal to someone that prefers Fuentes and Ashtons, but to someone that smokes a couple cigars a year, they are after the experience and as long as it doesn't take like a turd they will be happy.

Just remember, if you buy a bundle of crap and only 5 people smoke them at the party, then you have 20 more to get rid of, and the price per stick just climbed 400% If you get a decent cigar for a little more money that you like then you may not smoke them all at once but they are around.

JR Alts, new ones are not too bad.
Consuegras. Seconds and some great deals.
Flor de Olivas good all around.
Victor Sinclair Vintage
5 vegas
Pirates Gold. Not bad, but not great
Fire. decent, not great
Flor de todo

Keep your eyes on the CI and JR specials and auctions. If you got some time before the event you can lowball bid and wait until you get them for as low as possible.