Paper

100% Cotton Paper is key, but don't feel like you have to spend a ton. Buying online is your best bet, as cotton paper sold in stores is mostly always really expensive, like Arches. Meeden is a good budget brand, but stay away from Strathmore and Canson, or any paper that doesn't specifically say it's 100% cotton. 

Paints

Meeden is really decent for the price ($12 for 12 tubes). A good "student grade" set is Windsor & Newton Cotman, and for professional paints I love Daniel Smith and Windsor & Newton, but there are a lot of good brands out there.