Hi Rich,
There are good tools, there are expensive tools and there are expensive good tools. Lie Nielsen tools are great expensive tools and any woodworker would love to be given one, or many. But there are other very good tools out there at much lower cost. If your woodworker places a lot of importance on bragging rights then a Lie Nielsen will serve him or her well, in and out of the shop. If he or she appreciates a good tool, but is more concerned about a broader performance then another brand may serve better. It’s kind of like buying your teenager a high end ride for their first car.