I'd consider the Fiskars Garden Shears: http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=196298#Post196298

$8-9, tough, hard to lose color. Available at Wally world, Probably at Home Depot/Lowes, similar offerings at fabric and craft stores.

Other "Kitchen Shears" made by other manufacturers tend to be quite good as well.