In terms of scissors, I have found the small Fiskars scissors to be my favorites. These are about 6 inches long with straight points, have a lock to keep them closed, and no thumb holes. These are the kind you squeeze to use. The six-inch ones are the ones I look to grab all the time. They vary in price, so shop around. I have gotten them at Walmart and Target for less than they sell for at JoAnn's. I've started buying them whenever I see them on sale for a good price -- under $10 or so.
Thread cutters are usually squeeze-type cutters. You don't have to put your fingers into any holes. I prefer these to embroidery scissors -- less fussy, quicker to grab and use. Scissors designed specifically for embroider often have bent tips so you can get close to the design with the cutting edge without having your hand horizontal to the surface.