I saw a kid the other getting ripped off in a local store... he spent almost $200 on shit and he didn't even own a rope. prussiks, cordalettes, lockers.....
Maybe his partners have plenty of ropes... I do urge new climbers not to go crazy buying gear their first year or two until they have climbed with mentors and know what they like... that being said prussiks, cordelettes, and lockers are pretty standard fare according to just about EVERY climbing book in print...
Now that I've started in this topic I'll throw in my whole $.02 on what I tell new climbers they should get, in what order.
1) Shoes... duh... rentals suck
2) Harness... same as above
3) Belay Device and 2 locking carabiners (one for belaying, one for anchoring in)- yes, I know you hate lockers

4) Helmet
5) Chalk Bag
That's all ya need for single pitch sport/trad following... Once you start following multi-pitch add;
6) 1 double-length sling- this can be used to extend rappel devices, tether in to stations while descending, create a friction hitch, etc.... a lot of versatility for $8 and 3 ounces... and WAY better investment than those silly PAS things...
7) Nut-tool- kinda on the fence on this, I don't give one to clients, but I don't place nuts so you can't get them out... if you climb with someone who falls a lot on nuts you probably want one of these...

Cordelette- another highly debated item... but versatile none the less... from setting up Top-Rope Anchors on monstrous Pine trees to cutting up for re-inforcing tat anchors on a descent, to rope ascension... it just makes life easier...
That's it, until you start leading... and that could be years, or never for some climbers.
Actually one last thing... and actual technical backpack... if you're climbing MP leave the pack with bells & whistles at home...