If you're looking to upgrade some gear, but don't want to mortgage the house to do it, there are some good brands that aren't overly costly, and will give you reasonable weight and excellent quality and durability. Some that spring to mind offhand are Kelty, Sierra Designs, and REI's house brand.

There are also some good anodized aluminum cooksets out there right now that aren't too hateful in price; the GSI Outdoors Microdualist might be a good one for you and your daughter - it's minimalist, but highly functional.