Help me stock a kitchen for ~$20

[la79al]

My little sister just got her first apartment. Everyone is getting/giving her kitchen stuff, household essentials etc, so I figured I would buy her some groceries. As of right now, she is not really a 'cook from scratch' type person so I figured a bunch of mac & cheese and some Ramen noodles are definitely in order but not sure what else. And I know I said $20 but I could always get her some stuff when we go check out her apartment and then some more stuff for Christmas. Suggestions?

 

[rvchat]

My little sister just got her first apartment. Everyone is getting/giving her kitchen stuff, household essentials etc, so I figured I would buy her some groceries. As of right now, she is not really a 'cook from scratch' type person so I figured a bunch of mac & cheese and some Ramen noodles are definitely in order but not sure what else. And I know I said $20 but I could always get her some stuff when we go check out her apartment and then some more stuff for Christmas. Suggestions?

Rice (brown is healthier)? pasta , peanut butter, english muffins, coffee, tea, sugar, crackers, popcorn, HAVE FUN

 

[It'sOffToDisneyWeGo]

Canned soups, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, potatoes, oatmeal, crackers, dried fruits, canned veggies, canned fruits, and peanut butter.

 

[momof1princess]

Canned soups, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, potatoes, oatmeal, crackers, dried fruits, canned veggies, canned fruits, and peanut butter.

excellent suggestions!

i would also suggest a box of tea bags, perhaps a bag of prepared lettuce, a few fresh veggies and/or fruits, maybe a loaf of bread and jar of jelly (to go with the peanut butter), some paper plates and plastic utensils, a bottle of dishwashing liquid (if she doesn't want to use paper plates), a box of microwave popcorn, and perhaps a couple of frozen entrees (maybe a pizza and pack of chicken tenders).

 

[Forevryoung]

I know you said limited cooking from scratch but what about taking a few yummy easy recipes (one pot meal kind) and buy all the non-perishable ingredients for those recipes (don't forget to include the recipes).

 

[Kellydelly]

You should go to Aldis, your $20 would go far there. I would get some butter/margarine, pasta, pasta sauce. My first apt situation I remember only having only a box of cheezits, a package of lipton cup of soup, some bread and soda .

 

[luckyfin]

I would not buy any perishable items, especially around the holidays. Get her something that will last over time. Even if she doesn't cook from scratch there is always a need for some basic items. I would buy sugar, salt, flour, olive oil, cooking spray, simple spices, condiments like kethcup, maple syrup, butter spread, bread crumbs, pasta, canned foods. I would also type up a few easy recipes with pictures of the dish.

 

[cornflake]

Get the stuff you always forget about when stocking a kitchen - salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, cinnamon, garlic powder, mayonnaise, hot sauce, etc. Also napkins, paper towels, tinfoil, plastic wrap, ziplocks. Agree with the tea, sugar, etc., others have suggested as well.

They're annoying to have to spend money on, as they're not "food" and they add up, and everyone always forgets to buy them and then goes to bake a potato or what have you and goes 'drat.'

 

[ellone]

Canned soups, rice, beans, pasta, cereal, potatoes, oatmeal, crackers, dried fruits, canned veggies, canned fruits, and peanut butter.

Skip the canned anything - too much BPA (there was a study recently about people who eat canned soups having high levels of BPA). Go for frozen fruits & veggies.

 

[disykat]

Get the stuff you always forget about when stocking a kitchen - salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, cinnamon, garlic powder, mayonnaise, hot sauce, etc. Also napkins, paper towels, tinfoil, plastic wrap, ziplocks. Agree with the tea, sugar, etc., others have suggested as well.

They're annoying to have to spend money on, as they're not "food" and they add up, and everyone always forgets to buy them and then goes to bake a potato or what have you and goes 'drat.'

This is what I was going to suggest too, in fact my list was going to start with salt, pepper, ketchup, and cinnamon!

 

[Sagginit]

as someone who got my first apt. last year i vote for all those pesky condiments/staples that add up. olive oil, canola oil, vinegar, salt/pepper, spices, mustard, mayo, ketchup, sugar, flour, baking soda, cornstarch, pickles, dressing, sauces etc. even if she does not cook she will eventually need those. you can get her basic spices like garlic powder, italian seasoning, chili powder, goya adobo, steak seasoning if she is not a big cooker, will still come in handy.

 

[CathrynRose]

These:

And Ranch dressing. It's a universal condiment which can be used on anything.

 

[MickeyManiac]

Get the stuff you always forget about when stocking a kitchen - salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, cinnamon, garlic powder, mayonnaise, hot sauce, etc. Also napkins, paper towels, tinfoil, plastic wrap, ziplocks. Agree with the tea, sugar, etc., others have suggested as well.

They're annoying to have to spend money on, as they're not "food" and they add up, and everyone always forgets to buy them and then goes to bake a potato or what have you and goes 'drat.'

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[disneyofcourse]

For $20 I'd want

Noodle packs
Salt & Pepper
Dried fruit packets
roll of paper towels
TP
frozen fries
Ketchup
rice packets
Mac n Cheese
Spaghetti and sauce
bottled waters/juice
Frozen Pizza
Canned nuts/almonds


It just depends on what type of eater she is... If she's a health nut my list won't work. If she's a young adult who eats like a college student then my list would work.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I'd include some mixed spices -- there are some good grinders now: Pasta/Pizza, Vegetable, Steak. I also like the mixes which include the baking bags for pork, chicken, etc.

Also, collect some of your favorite easy family recipes - casseroles, etc. and put them in an old fashioned recipe box. She might not need it right now, but she'll value it once she becomes more accustomed to cooking.