Either way (pfries or birnando's) is a good option, a larger razor budget will mean a nicer razor, though not necessarily a better one.
Do you think he would like something brand new, or something vintage? Brand new, you will need most of your budget for a razor worth spending money on, but if he would be happy with a vintage razor, and doesn't mind it's years showing, you should be able to get a perfectly good shave ready razor for anywhere from $30 upwards depending what is available at the time.
A brush and soap don't have to be expensive, allow $20 and you should be ok, and I cant comment on strops as I made mine.