Title says it all, post up and give your help to others.
1) Solderless breadboard to stage circuits / ideas on. Radio Shack makes one that works pretty well they call the "Universal Breadboard".
2) Heat controlled soldering station. I like the Wellers. You can pick up an adjustable temp unit, with LED readout for about $200. These maintain MUCH more even heat than a soldering pencil, which can range in temps from 400F to 950F during normal usage. You end up not damaging PCB's as much with one of the temp controlled units. Radio Shack used to have one, which seemed pretty damn good.
3) Needle nose pliers - a REALLY good pair.
4) Hemostats - yes, the surgical tool. They are a "locking" pliers that work incredibly well at holding tiny parts. Trust me, you'll need the more than you think.
5) Lead benders - yep, used to bend leads. Great for making things look ultra neat.
6) Solder Wick/Braid.
7) Solder - of course.
8) Solder sucker... use this first and clean up with the wick.
9) Wire cutters - preferably the flush cut kind.
10) Screwdrivers - #0, 1 and 2 phillips are the most used, a 1/8" and 3/8" flat blade also VERY handy. Jewelers set.
11) Shrink wrap tubing in various sizes.
12) True RMS DMM. Make sure the thing has diode test (tests diodes, FETs and BJT's), Capacitor tester (you'll use it, trust me).
13) If above doesn't have it - capacitor checker (ELENCO makes a great "budget" model that works really well and is pretty accurate).
14) Oscilloscope - can't tell you the total number of times I've used it. Mine's a 400MHz, quad-trace scope. A $200 B&K Precision from Fry's Electronics will do you pretty well, 95% of the time.
15) Signal generator - again, I've gone way over the top with a fully programmable arbitrary waveform generator. Get yourself a $100 function generator from Fry's... it'll do everything you need, 99% of the time, and then some.
16) A bottle of solder flux with a needle-point dispenser.
17) A bottle of industrial alcohol for cleaning boards and flux off boards.
18) An alarm clock to remind you to spend time with the significant other and any kids you might have.
19) Power Supplies - I like a couple of the variable power supplies provided by Radio Shack. They produce about 1amp, and up to 12V DC. They work great for doing pedal work and the like. Cheap, and easy to obtain.
20) Wire - make sure you have it. I prefer solid copper wire, stranded works good in many apps, too.
21) Socket set (deep wells, 1/4" with driver handle) - you'll find this useful for removing pots and jacks.
OK... I've about exhausted what I can think of, right off the top of my head... LOL. Of course, PLANO fishing tackle boxes work well for storing/organizing components, screws and miscellaneous parts.
Dar
good point. A steady hand IS required, and for some, that's the only way. :)