must haves:
pins
ruler
marking instrument
scissors (a good one)
needles
nice extras to haves:
seam ripper (this can be in the must have list depending on the person)
rotary cutter with mat (if the kit is for a child I would hold off on this for a while)
small iron ( this could also be on the must have list if they don't have an iron)
pin cushion
maybe a small box to hold all the above
chocolate, lots of chocolate :)
Amount will vary depending on if you can get on sale and the quality you want. For instance, I know someone who spent over $300 for 1 scissors. As you know fabrics, thread, and batting vary also.