I'll ring-in on this as the way I'd gotten into Shortwave listening was by a birthday gift at, 12-years-old, a new 1978, Radio Shack, Realistic DX-40 AM / FM / two-band, shortwave 3MHz - 22MHz, portable.
https://www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14678 At the time, I've really liked it for the decent AM / FM reception, which it did pretty well. However, I did check-out the Shortwave bands on it. Back then, there was a lot more to listen to, but even today it could still receive several shortwave stations still out there, as well as AM HAM's on 1885kHz, 3885kHz, and 7290kHz. It also easily picked-up the time stations of WWV's 5MHz, 10MHz, 15MHz, and 20MHz, and CHU's 3330kHz, and 7850kHz. The thing about having your own radio is that you are so anonymous listening to it. Unlike, listening to on-line KIWI-SDR's. Even, with the telescopic whip antenna, if reception suck at one location, move to another, or go outside. Anyway, that's how I started out. Cheaper radios, with Shortwave, could be had used at junk stores, yard sales, Salvation Army, Good Will, etc. Or, looks for what's on sale for new at like Walmart, even some drug stores, and other local department stores. Ya never know...