diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index d891174..3f50d0b 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -142,6 +142,18 @@ function switch_creative:get_area_size(astore_area)
 	return x*z
 end
 
+function switch_creative:initial_stuff()
+	local stuff_string = minetest.settings:get("initial_stuff") or
+		"default:pick_steel,default:axe_steel,default:shovel_steel," ..
+		"default:torch 99,default:cobble 99"
+	local itemtable = {}
+	local items = stuff_string:split(",")
+	for _, stack in ipairs(items) do
+		table.insert(itemtable, ItemStack(stack))
+	end
+	return itemtable
+end
+
 function switch_creative:save_player_privs(player)
 	local name = player:get_player_name()
 	local pmeta = player:get_meta()
@@ -171,8 +183,20 @@ function switch_creative:restore_player_inventory(player, listname)
 	local name = player:get_player_name()
 	local pmeta = player:get_meta()
 	local inv = player:get_inventory()
-	local player_items = inv:get_list(listname) or {}
+	local player_items = inv:get_list(listname)
+	local give_initial = false
+	if not player_items then
+		player_items = {}
+		give_initial = true
+	end
 	inv:set_list("main", player_items)
+	if give_initial then
+		local initial_items = switch_creative:initial_stuff()
+		for _, stack in ipairs(initial_items) do
+			inv:add_item("main", stack)
+		end
+	end
+
 end
 
 function switch_creative:player_enter_area(player, privstring)