I would suggest a supply of rotary cutting blades. Having watched beginners trying to saw the fabric it makes a mess of the blade which should slide through fabric like a knife through butter.
If there are 2 of you beginning share the square ruler to begin with. At the beginning I would also say keep away from novelty rulers, until you have mastered using the basic set.
The mat although the largest is best please remember you will be taking it to classes so a size you can carry without it bending etc
If you go to a quilt group sometimes when ladies leave they offer their items for sale.
I met a young quilter one day who was trying to get rid of all her stock machines, fabric etc. she had 2 young children and terminal cancer. She was trying to declutter for her husband before she passed on. Iwas very upset about this forages after but other families may have the problem to deal with.