Though we have plastic and semi-automatic crampons we are thinking on buying straps crampons for excursions with few hard snow and many ice patches.

Any recommendation

I personally have a pair of old steel scottish style strap ons (leather strap, none of that new fabric crap) and love them. If it's strictly for snow travel, nothing too technical...they're great as a beater pair...they can take a pounding from rocks, etc and still be solid. Just be careful and check the fit and straps often..i've had one pop off my heel halfway up a minor climb before.

I have some 10+ year old 12pt steel stubais. They are indestructible. Two summits of Aconcogua, three of orizaba, two of Izta and numerous colorado 14ers. I have never sharpened them so they are certainly not the sharpest, however I suspect that is also why they have lasted so long. I doubt you can find the same model, but most steel brands should serve you well.

Any new crampons for easy routes

Grivel G-10's are available in a strap-on model. I've heard that they are a good choice for what you want. Some of the less well known brands might have some similar ones that are a bit cheaper (especially if they are on sale).

If I were on the market for a similar crampon, I'd probably buy the Grivel Air Tech (the steel model with New Classic bindings).

Petzl Vasaks are good for a strap on model.

Perhaps I'd take 12 points strap steel crampons better than 10.

Any recommendation

Petzl Vasak could be a solution but I'm looking for something cheap. They will be a gift. Anyone have tried Climbing Technology Ice Classics