There are a lot of combo packages with 4 cans and a stand for around 200 bucks, get 2 of these for basic lighting.
With the leftover budget you could probably get 2 cheap scanners or moving heads or if you want zero programming some nice flowers or instant gratification effects from american DJ, sufficiently bright for small parties and a small fog machine (yes you want one).
I would recommend against lasers if you do not want to get into light programming. Make sure, even you do not want to program yet, that everything is DMX ready, so you can easily add a DMX controller later and upgrade your stuff.
Hope that helps.