Actually I was thinking in the $50 range, but you make a good point.
Better to crash a $399 drone than a $999 one.
I used to tell beginner to use sigma x5 which is about $50 at discount outlet. Lately, I recommend Eachine e010 which is only $20 and can fly indoor. It is very stable and will protection guard, it is almost indestructible. It is a nano quad it can fly in very tight spot. Once the flyer ready for bigger quad, I recommend DJI phantom 3 standards or ZMR 250 depending whether they want AP or racing. Lately, I add Solo to the list if they already own a gopro.
If money is no object, for AP I told them to get S1000 or P3P for outdoor or soup up tiny whoop for indoor.