Thank you VoB 
Lumintop Tool AA. Simple, affordable, bright, highly praised by users. It’s not a single mode though.
For single modes, you can find the Sipik SK68. There are allot of clones out there so finding the single mode version will be a challenge.
Here’s where you can get a single mode sk68 Sipik.
I would suggest to see ultrafire C13! They are sold on AliExpress!
But I don’t know if on AA it will be “only” 50 lumens!
Still, it is just 1mode 
I can recommend the SkyWolfEye FLY-320. Single AA, single mode, TIR (style?) lens. Cheap and cheerful. I put a section of 20mm(?) polypipe on as a bite-ring. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/162455744914
I have one of these and I like it a lot. It is simple and useful. It has a relatively good throw.
http://www.dx.com/p/romisen-mxdl-rc-g2-cree-flashlight-gray-1xaa-3609#.WtiBsYjwYcA
It seems they don't have it available right now, though.
Bus as someone suggested, I guess it would be better to give a newer flashlight with modes that always starts in the same mode, that would be easy to use even for non-flashaholics.
coast hx5 at home depot. aa and zoomie for muggles. single aa, but takes 14500 if you want to.
Lots there.
That MECO AA. I bought 2 x for wife and bathroom.
Q5 and NOT very bright. 14500 Battery. Flash\Bang.
Whoopsy.
I have several Ultrafire 68. some are 3 way some are on\OFF.
Just a matter of looking. (That Sipic SK68 is same torch)
Great little torches.
I bought a JETBEAM Jet1 MK. around $17AUD on coupon.
MAGIC litttle light. Turn on. turn off.
It has 3 levels. Lo\Med\Hi. but with memory.
It will turn on same level EVERY time. as long as you hold it on that one, for a minimum of 2 seconds b4 turning off.
NO switches. just turn the head.
Basic\simple.
You’ll find MOST of us old farts will detest the rear switch.
Side, or turning head is so much easier. (I’m 76yrs)
Show them both types. and ask which they prefer. First.
The dual switches REALLY annoy me.
Yes, I have one of those lights. Nice light for the price. You get a little over 50 lumens from it on a AA. Seems fairly well constructed, considering the super-low price. Very cool tint, though, bordering on blue-ish.
It’s not worth using a good battery in it, since the battery would cost more than the light. Just use alkalines in it, if you’re giving it to someone. If they leak, no big loss.
UPDATE: I ended up finding a couple on sale at menards.
I got this single mode aluminum rayovac for 5 bucks.
https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/flashlights-work-lights-portable-lighting/handheld-flashlights/rayovac-reg-led-clip-flashlight/p-1472732991953-c-6314.htm?tid=–4921528974102328721&ipos=16
And also a cob light similar to this one for like 3 bucks.
https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/flashlights-work-lights-portable-lighting/work-lights/sontax-trouble-work-light-with-flashlight/88788/p-1497853422673-c-7546.htm?tid=8863968537662045182&ipos=73
Thanks so much for your awesome suggestions!.