New painter parent here and I wanted the same things... The trick was fewer colors and thicker paint so it did not run all over the page. In that price range you can get five or six decent size tubes and they will handle both paper and canvas without feeling watery. Check the label for a clear non toxic note and keep the rinse jar well away from curious hands.
If blending is fighting you start mixes on the palette with only a drop or two of water and aim for a, yogurt feel. Pre dampen the area on the canvas where two colors meet and pull them together quickly, then stop before it turns muddy and let it dry in peace. Do the next pass on top rather than overworking wet paint. Brush bundles that come in paint sets can be scratchy. If that is what you have wash them with mild soap before the first use and trim any wild hairs, then save them for base coats once you grab a smoother brush later.
