Core cookware
A small set of appropriately sized pots, a skillet or sauté pan, a sheet pan and an oven-safe baking vessel can cover a large range of meals. The ideal mix depends on household size and heat source.
Preparation tools
Mixing bowls, cutting boards, a colander or strainer, measuring tools and a few heat-safe stirring/turning utensils handle most prep jobs without filling a drawer with duplicates.
Measurement
A digital scale is especially useful for baking and repeatable recipes. Liquid and dry volume measures remain useful when a recipe is written that way.
Temperature
A reliable food thermometer is one of the most useful safety tools in a kitchen because appearance alone cannot confirm that many foods reached an appropriate internal temperature.
Storage
A manageable set of lidded food containers in a few repeatable sizes simplifies leftovers, ingredient prep and refrigerator organization.