For a game pack, expansion pack and stuff pack newbie bundle I would recommend Get Together, Parenthood and Kids Room Stuff.
Get Together adds a large (and beautiful) world and the club system is the least buggy of all the expansions. Parenthood gives the parenting skills and character values/traits and Kids Room Stuff gives Child sims some much needed items and activities. Plus, Voidcritters.
For a non-family player I'd recommend City Living, Vampires and Laundry Day.
CL has my second favourite expansion world, Vampires is solid gameplay with a good build/buy and CAS and Laundry Days adds some fun gameplay.
