I apologize for bump an old topic from the dead, just have a few interesting observations from personal experience, maybe someone will need this information in the future.
The question i have for you is would he know/appreciate the difference between "cheap china stuff" and a quality made tool. I'm in a similar situation looking for a nice basic set as a house warming gift for my brother.My brother is handy kind of guy but has always lived in Apt. so he has a cheapo tool set. what i keep debating is "yes he'd appreciate channel lock pliers but he'd also be happy with Husky brand" (home depot is closest home center store). If your friend is happy with junk tools then maybe look at getting him a "solid tool set" rather than "best in class"
Ask yourself "why are there so many different tool brands?" answer is cause every person wants/likes different things when i comes to tools. case in point in looking for screwdrivers for my brother i ordered some tekton screwdrivers since they had great reviews. now they feel like a quality tool but i hated the handle. i must hold a screwdriver differently then everyone else cause i could not get used to the handle. as a reference i have SK suregrips that i love.
Now all that said let me try to answer your original question. These are not best in class per say but all quality and will get the job done.
Hammer -- 16 oz estwing or vaughan
pliers -- i love channel lock Home Depot has a nice 4pc set
Locking pliers -- although no longer made in USA irwin vice grips are getting it done for me.
Hex keys - i use bondhus and no problems with them. my buddy Picked up this tekton set and is happy with them so far.
Precision Screwdrivers - I picked this set up and love it. really comfortable in hand
Scredrivers -- this is a tough one cause lot of good ones out there difference between them is how good they fit in your hand. ive used This williams set and this SK set. both are good most will say the williams set is "better" but the sk fit nicer in my hands. both can be found cheaper elswhere as well.
Level - if only getting one id recommend a 24" rather than the smaller 8" inch one. My father both this pink kit for my sister coz she always wanted to fix evrything
https://womentake.com/best-women-tool-set/. She been happy with them so never looked at other brands.
Combination wrenches -- Does he do much automotive work? If he doesn't might not really need them. for combination wrenches honestly craftman or husky will work fine for anyone who doesn't do much automotive work. for a step up This tekton set will do.
Socket set -- once again if not doing automotive work any set from sears, HD, Lowes will suit him fine. for a step up I just recently picked up this SK set and love it.
Tool bag/box - Me i don't like bags have always preferred boxes. what you carry your tools in and how you organize them comes down to personal preference. so i'd get something simple and let him choose what likes. I picked this tool box up at costco and is great for a starter kit
In addition might be nice to get him something to work on I picked this up at costco few years ago and I love itPortable work table cause keeps the wife from yelling at me to keep my dirty tools off her counter tops/ dining table/ coffee table