If your friend has an Apple iPhone and decent WiFi, a pair of Apple HomePods configured to a stereo pair make an excellent desktop/bookshelf system that is indeed quite portable. HomePods are on Stereophile's Recommended component list. I love mine. They retail for $299/each but can often be snagged on a sale (Best Buy, etc.) for $200/each.
But since not everyone is an Apple user, I can also recommend the series of speakers offered by Audioengine. I have a pair of A5+ on my desk that sound great AND have bluetooth.
Both of these options leave plenty of budget room for accessories like stands or other tweaks/improvements like a custom carrying case for the speakers.
Good luck.
Tom