The solution to this is rather easy. It was previously mentioned by someone
else. Copy the deb files manually from the apt folder to a storage medium such
as usb or CDROM and then install each one separately using gdebi (or kpackage is
better if it is installed as it can do it without giving your password each time
and you can use drag and drop. If you don't use KDE, Kpackage is still useful
for the ease of use in installing debs. It runs in Gnome just fine).

To use drag and drop with Kpackage, right click on any deb file and choose Open
with... Kpackage. Once Kpackage opens, click Install in the bottom right corner.
You will get another window open and click Install a second time. Provide your
password. This second window should be closed after installation but not the
first window. You can now drag and drop other debs to this first window and you
can now install without providing your password a second time. If you close the
first window, you must provide the password again. As long as it stays open you
can drag and drop to you heart's content. With Gdebi you must provide your
password for each one which can be annoying if you have lots to install.

This method (copying debs and installing separately) is easy for newbies
because: a) each deb file can be treated like a data file and can be copied (not
moved) as such; b) they should learn to use Gdebi or Kpackage anyway; and c) the
package manager will install and configure it without having to do anything from
the commandline which can be daunting for newbies.