I have lots of cool beginner SPS frags ready to go, from $5 and up (with a few free, too). I would also suggest a monti of some sort-monti caps and monti digis are both super hardy and have great color. I have a few frags of the ORA monti spongedes, my favorite monti, which is hardy, has awesome color, an even more awesome growth pattern and is quite a fast grower.
let me know if you're interested in some frags. I could make a beginner frag pack if you'd like.