You can see the link to the one i bought at the bottom of the post. The one i have is pretty good, though if i had to buy again, i'd probably go with https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6/ref=sr_1_3
https://smile.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6
This is a hair over your budget, but I have a larger version of this printer and it's been very reliable and easy to use.
I use an ender 3. Here's a link to it on amazon if you are interested:
Idk about $180, but you can definitely save a bit of money if you order it from the warehouse in China. It just takes longer to arrive, and I personally feel more comfortable dealing with Amazon, as compared to eBay or Alibaba.
OP, here are a few purchasing option links. Also, I would go with the glass bed option if I were you. The eBay link has the option to choose "Ender 3 + Glass Bed" at what looks like no extra cost. Otherwise, you can buy the glass bed separately for less than $20.
eBay Creality Warehouse store ($205): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Creality-Ender-3-Ender-3-Pro-3D-Printer-220X220X250mm-DC-24V-1-75mm-PLA/223496146513?hash=item3409688e51:m:mCXoexVEaY-yqetXfGJ-tyg
Alibaba Creality Warehouse store ($200): https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Official-Creality-3D-Ender-3-Ender_62047106886.html?spm=a2793.11769229.0.0.49733e5fSDdLkY
So if he really likes to work on side projects, I would say a solid pair of calipers if he doesn't already have a pair and can't borrow them from work. Unless he's working on a space shuttle, these will be more than enough. (https://www.mcmaster.com/8647a42)
Or if he doesn't have a personal 3d printer and would like one, the Ender 3 is around $200 on Amazon and can get some impressive quality prints with the right settings. r/ender3 would agree.
Or if he does a lot of 3d modeling, a Space Mouse is one of those cool things that isn't 100% necessary, but is 100% awesome and beneficial once you give it an honest effort to learn.
On the cheaper side ($25), someone asked about an engineer gift and was recommended a high quality mechanical pencil, and I bit on that idea. Bought myself a rOtring pencil and it makes me feel like a boss every time I use it.
Not OP but 99% sure it's an Ender 3
https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6
Not OP but 99% sure it's an Ender 3
https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6
Direct Link https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6
Not worth it though.
https://www.amazon.com/Comgrow-Creality-Ender-Aluminum-220x220x250mm/dp/B07BR3F9N6
Is this amazon one okay to buy from?
If you're looking for less than a $200 prince point the Ender 3 is the way to go. I have 2 and with some minor upgrades (printed pieces for the filament path, and later all metal extruders) they are as good as my PRUSA at making reliable and quality prints.