I second the Ginny Beyer Book. It did more for my hand piecing skills than anything. Aside from that, some scrap fabric to practice with, I would think a small pair of scissors, a pack of good needles, some sort of thimble, thread, a few pins, a marking tool, and a pin cushion.
I started out quilting with handwork, and I still keep a bag of scraps in my car to sew with.
I would have loved just enough tools and fabric to help me get started as a gift...it is very thoughtful of you!