One of my favorite places to shop, besides the book store, is a well-stocked kitchen shop.
Most of the time, it is to just look.
There are so many little gizmos, whosiwhatsits, appliances, and gadgets that you could purchase and possibly never really use.
With money and space constraints, I put together a list of several "necessary" items for the kitchen.

• Quality wooden spoons: I prefer bamboo or olive wood.
  An important tip to remember is that wooden spoons should never see the inside of a dishwasher.
  
• Quality knives: Buy the best that you can possibly afford.
  Along with a good steel, the knives should last you a lifetime.
  
• Cooking Utensils:Consider your cooking pots and pans - if they are non-stick the finish is critical.
  The spoon, spatula and turner have to be comfortable to use.
  Again, don't cheap out and be sure they are dishwasher durable.
  Also remember to add a sturdy, comfortable to the hand vegetable peeler and good veggie brushes.
  
• Graduated mixing bowls:There are some fun all-purpose bowls out there, but be sure they are microwave safe and not just top-rack dishwasher safe.
  There is nothing like a good set of glass or pottery graduated mixing bowls to get you through a work day in the kitchen.
  
• Hand Mixer: A quality hand mixer will do the job for you even if you are not a Gale Gand in the pastry department.
  I am sorry but the $9.
  99 special will not cut it.
  You need a mixer that can do some work without the beaters falling out with each blend of the cake mix.
  
• Pot and pan holders:Protection from burns is essential.
  Pot and pan holders must be comfortable for you to use as well as provide protection.
  Pretty doesn't always provide safety.
  
• Meat thermometer:My favorite is a small battery operated instant read digital thermometer.
  It has never let me down and displays in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
  
• Measuring cups and spoons:1 cup, 2 cups, and 4 cups sizes are necessary.
  There is a wonderful cup that actually allows you to look into the cup for the measure rather than try to get a balanced look from the side.
  Spoons - this is a personal preference, but have at least two sets available.
  Personally, I don't like the ones on a ring - too hard to get off and put in the dishwasher.
  The other spoons tend to get in the way sometimes when measuring.
  

This list is a good start to stocking your kitchen.
You can shop discount for most of it if you are watching a budget.
Take the savings and splurge on quality knives.
Watch for my next article on the gizmos and whosiwhatsits.